Alumnus, former student ambassador De La Cruz thriving thanks to JAA program
Alumnus, former student ambassador De La Cruz thriving thanks to JAA program
Oct. 9, 2019
As a first-generation college graduate who took advantage of all the resources available
to her on campus, CCRI alumnus Mileiry De La Cruz is now pursuing a career in a field
designed to help students just like her reach their full potential.
The Providence native discovered her passion for helping others while enrolled at
the Community College of Rhode Island. Under the guidance of the college’s Access
to Opportunity and Joint Admissions Agreement (JAA) programs, De La Cruz flourished
as a Student Ambassador, graduating in 2018 and transferring to Rhode Island College
the following fall. Now a member of the nationwide Ronald E. McNair Achievement Program
– aimed toward helping first-generation and low-income students transition to graduate
school – De La Cruz will pursue her master’s degree in Higher Education Administration
upon graduating from RIC next fall.
The JAA program at CCRI is what really laid the foundation for De La Cruz, who admits
she’d have been “pretty lost” trying to navigate through the college process on her
own.
When she arrived at CCRI three years ago, she had no career choice in mind until she
got involved on campus, both as a Student Ambassador and student worker in the college’s
Enrollment Services office. She initially wanted to pursue Diagnostic Medical Sonography,
but her work as an ambassador ultimately sparked her interest in higher education.
De La Cruz soon met with Vice President of Student Affairs Sara Enright and Advising
and Counseling Director Lisa Mallozzi, who introduced her to JAA.
The program simplified the transfer process for De La Cruz by helping her identify
what field of study she wanted to pursue at a four-year college and then guiding her
down the right path to ensure all of her credits would be transferrable. Students
who participate in JAA also receive counseling each semester from advisors at both
CCRI and their four-year college of choice in addition to a tuition discount by graduating
CCRI with a 3.0 grade point average or higher.
“JAA gives you peace of mind knowing your credits will transfer, keeping you on the
path to a bachelor’s degree. And, the advisors helped keep me you on the right track,”
De La Cruz said.
De La Cruz ultimately chose to major in Communications at RIC with a concentration
in Public and Professional Studies, which, she says, will help her once she gets into
the field because she will need to be able to communicate effectively with students.
“If it wasn’t for JAA and my advisors, I would not have chosen a Communications degree.
They helped me understand how it would help with my future goals. They were truly
invested in my education and my future. It was the extra boost I needed.”
De La Cruz is applying to several graduate programs to begin the next phase of her
journey with the ultimate goal of one day working in higher education, where she can
assist similar low-income, first-generation students adjust to college life.
De La Cruz is confident her background will help her relate to students who need help
along the way, specifically those who are afraid to ask for it or aren’t comfortable
stepping out of their comfort zone. She’s the perfect example of a student who has
continued to persist with her education, and remains appreciative of her time at CCRI,
which forged her path to success. “What I’m doing now is a reflection of the lessons
I learned and the people I met at CCRI, who always believed I could achieve success,”
De La Cruz said. “My future is built upon the strong foundation I found at CCRI.”
In addition to being a full-time student, De La Cruz also works part-time as a bilingual
customer service specialist at the Santander Bank Call Center in East Providence.
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Warwick, RI – The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) will launch the next phase of work-based learning to increase internships for students to work directly in workplace environments, gaining valuable skills and experience necessary for college and career success.
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May 16, 2025
On Thursday, May 15, 2025, the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) celebrated a milestone achievement: its 60th Commencement Ceremony. Held at the Amica Mutual Pavilion, the event marked the culmination of CCRI’s year-long diamond anniversary celebration and was a stirring tribute to six decades of transformation, opportunity, and achievement for Rhode Islanders.
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Brendan Murphy, former Smithfield, RI, resident and one of the most prolific scorers in the history of the Community College of Rhode Island’s men’s basketball program, was honored recently as the college’s Athletic Alumni Award recipient at the state’s 2024–25 Scholar-Athlete Awards ceremony hosted by House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi.
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Ten student-athletes from the Community College of Rhode Island were honored last week for their athletic and academic achievements as part of the annual Scholar-Athlete Awards held in House Chamber of the Rhode Island State House. The Legislative Awards are designed to provide public recognition for student-athletes from CCRI, Rhode Island College, and the University of Rhode Island for significant achievements in their academic and athletic pursuits. The honorees have also demonstrated exemplary citizenship and community service.
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April 29, 2025
The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) has partnered with United Way of Rhode Island to establish a 211 satellite office on CCRI’s Warwick campus, expanding access to essential community resources for students. This collaboration underscores CCRI’s ongoing commitment to removing barriers to student success and ensuring students have the support they need to thrive both in and out of the classroom.
CCRI Launches Free Ophthalmic Technician Training Program
April 23, 2025
Warwick, R.I. – The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) is proud to announce the launch of a new Ophthalmic Technician training program through its Division of Workforce Partnerships. This 120-hour program, beginning in May 2025, is free of charge and designed to prepare participants for immediate employment in a fast-growing healthcare field.
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April 23, 2025
The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) Foundation has appointed four new members to its Board of Trustees. We are honored to welcome these four distinguished leaders to the CCRI Foundation,” said Rosemary Costigan, Ph.D, RN, Interim President of CCRI. “Their diverse backgrounds, deep ties to the community, and shared dedication will support us in advancing the college’s mission of access, equity and opportunity.
CCRI and Rhode Island Energy partner to launch free utilities career exploration program
April 17, 2025
The Community College of Rhode Island and Rhode Island Energy are teaming up to offer a free exploratory program designed to give participants a window into the growing utilities industry.
Introduction to Utilities – free to anyone who meets eligibility requirements through funding from Rhode Island Energy – is a seven-hour introductory course that provides participants with foundational skills and knowledge to explore career pathways within the utilities sector, specifically with Rhode Island Energy.
Four CCRI Faculty Honored with NISOD Awards of Excellence
April 10, 2025
Warwick, RI – The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) proudly announces that four distinguished faculty members have been recognized with the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) Excellence Awards. The recipients, honored for their exceptional dedication to student success and academic excellence
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April 10, 2025
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