Higher Edge Welcomes New Team Members

Higher Edge is pleased to announce the hiring of Graciela Guzman as Success Program Advisor, and Jason Pellum as College Access Program Advisor. Jason will advise Windham area high school seniors to help them navigate the college application process. Graciela will advise and mentor Higher Edge students enrolled in college; with a focus on academic, financial, and career guidance.

“Jason and Graciela have prior experience working with students and an educational focus on guidance counseling. Their skills will be an asset to our team,” said Theresa Armendarez, Executive Director, Higher Edge. “They also have a personal understanding and commitment to improving access to higher education for low-income and first-generation college bound students. We are excited to welcome each of them to the Higher Edge team.”

Graciela, a longtime New London resident, holds a bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Connecticut and, a master’s degree in Counselor Education from Central Connecticut State University. As a graduate student, her research focused on assisting and empowering underrepresented students with professional and academic development.
 
Jason also grew up in New London and graduated from the University of Connecticut with a bachelor’s degree in Economics. During his sophomore, junior, and senior college years, he was a Walk-On Basketball Player and helped the Huskies win both a Men’s and Women’s National Championship. He became interested in education after working as a professional recruiter and has joined Higher Edge with plans to obtain a masters degree in Counselor Education.


 Pictured: Graciela Guzman, Higher Edge Success Program Advisor


Pictured: Jason Pellum, Higher Edge College Access Program Advisor


About Higher Edge, Inc.
Higher Edge guides low-income and first-generation students through enrollment, retention, and graduation from college by providing the support and resources needed for success. With locations in New London and Willimantic, Higher Edge will serve 72 high school seniors and over 200 college students during the 2019-2020 academic year. To learn more, please visit HigherEdge.org or @HigherEdgeCT on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. Higher Edge is listed as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization under the IRS code.