College Now Welcomes Carol L. Carbary, ACFRE as Chief Development Officer

CLEVELAND (August 18, 2026) – College Now announces the appointment of Carol L. Carbary, ACFRE as the organization’s chief development officer to oversee all aspects of fundraising and to lead the fundraising and governance committees of College Now’s Board of Directors.

“I’m thrilled to join College Now and contribute to its mission of expanding opportunity for students across our region. I’m especially excited to help grow philanthropy and deepen partnerships that will allow us to reach and impact even more students, while advancing our shared goal of increasing college enrollment, persistence and graduation rates throughout Greater Cleveland,” Carbary said.

Carol has more than 30 years of development and fundraising experience, most recently serving as chief development & marketing officer at Journey Center for Safety and Healing. She previously worked in development roles at Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland State University, Kent State University, University Hospitals, Cleveland Clinic and Junior Achievement of North Central Ohio. Additionally, she served as vice president of advancement at Notre Dame College and president & CEO of the North Central State College Foundation.

In 2015, Carol earned the prestigious ACFRE (Advanced Certified Fund Raising Executive) designation, the highest professional credential for nonprofit fundraisers, and in 2021, she was honored with the Outstanding Fundraising Professional Award by the Association of Fundraising Professionals Greater Cleveland Chapter. Her expertise includes leadership, fundraising ethics, strategic planning and goal setting, team building, prospect management, donor appreciation, major gifts, annual giving, development infrastructure and nonprofit and board management.

Carol is an active member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, participating at both the local and global levels. She also serves on the board of Find Your Voice Now.

Carol received her MBA from Kent State University and holds bachelor’s degrees in math/physics from Wells College and biomedical engineering from Case Western Reserve University.  

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On April 24, College Now and the Greater Cleveland Partnership welcomed state legislators to learn more about the state of higher education from those who deeply understand why raising college access and completion rates is crucial to the vitality of Northeast Ohio.  

Partnerships with legislators and the business community are central to College Now and the ability to fulfil our mission of increasing higher education access and completion for the 42,000 individuals we serve each year.  

We’re grateful to the state leaders who engaged deeply in the conversation and asked thoughtful questions about education access, affordability and workforce alignment: 

• Representative Juanita O. Brent – Ohio House District 18 

• Representative Darnell Brewer– Ohio House District 22 

• Representative Eric  Synenberg – Ohio House District 21 

• Representative Bride Rose Sweeney – Ohio House District 16 

• Senator Kent Smith – Ohio Senate District 21 

Hosted in collaboration with the Greater Cleveland Partnership (GCP), the legislative briefing brought together people who don’t always have the opportunity to sit together – policymakers shaping budgets, those thinking about talent needs and former students with the lived experience behind the data.  

One theme that College Now understands well surfaced repeatedly: 
Education and a skilled workforce directly impact both economic vitality and civic engagement for individuals, families and entire communities. That message was reinforced by GCP’s Dr. Michael Schoop, who shared insights from the business community’s perspective. Representing more than 12,000 businesses across Northeast Ohio, GCP knows firsthand how talent gaps can negatively impact regional growth. 

He shared that while businesses in the region are growing at roughly 3.3% each year, the population of Greater Cleveland has remained largely flat. That mismatch leaves thousands of jobs unfilled each year, slowing economic momentum. But for every 100 jobs filled in Northeast Ohio, nearly $250 million is added to the regional economy.   

Keeping Talent in Northeast Ohio 

GCP also highlighted encouraging progress around keeping college graduates in the region. Northeast Ohio colleges and universities attract nearly 190,000 students each year. Five years ago, only about 47% of those students stayed in the region after graduation. Today, that number has climbed to 51%, with a shared goal of reaching 55%. 

Each percentage point represents hundreds of additional graduates choosing to live, work and build careers right here. 

College Now plays a key role in that effort by helping students connect education decisions to career pathways early on. GCP complements that work by connecting students to employers, including small and mid-sized businesses students may not yet be familiar with. A growing talent platform developed in collaboration with College Now already connects more than 1,000 students with over 100 employers, and that network continues to expand. 

As powerful as the data is, the most meaningful moments of the briefing came from College Now alumni Alexis Crosby and Trevon Edwards. 

Alexis shared her experience of being a first-generation college student. As the valedictorian of her class at Glenville High School, Alexis was clearly strong academically but initially did not have access to information about standardized testing, financial aid or college navigation. College Now helped bridge those gaps and connected her to opportunities that influenced her decision to attend Cleveland’s Case Western Reserve University, leading to a career serving Ohio with the Fair Elections Center. 

Trevon recalled his experience at Martin Luther King Jr. High School, where College Now advisors helped him complete college applications, navigate financial aid and reimagine his future. A graduate of Central State University, Trevon is a community leader and serves as center director of Rose Centers for Aging Well’s Old Brooklyn location. Trevon is also a College Now volunteer mentor and an incoming Cleveland State University master’s student.  

Their participation underscored the importance of continued collaboration as Ohio looks ahead to future policy and budget decisions. 

What was clear is that when education, business and policy work together, students thrive, and so does our region.

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When it comes to higher education, no two stories are alike. This rang true during our recent Mission Moment: Non-traditional Success Stories, where panelists shared their candid experiences with life after high school. From academic suspensions to gap years and even an eviction, last week’s conversation highlighted the heart of College Now’s mission: the path to a degree is rarely a straight line, but with the right support, every detour can lead to a destination.  

Earl Roberts III, a current Tri-C Say Yes scholar, began his journey at Cleveland State University. After a first year defined by struggle, Earl realized he needed to step back and work on himself. Following a year-long break, he enrolled at Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C), determined not to repeat the past. The difference this time was a dedicated Say Yes coach who helped him polish his time-management skills and kept him accountable. Not only is Earl now an honor roll student, he is also the president of a peer-mentoring group he helped start on campus. For Earl, the support system was life-changing: “Say Yes is not just a safety net, it’s a family.” 

Joshua Hill, senior engagement officer at moCa, was introduced to College Now as a high school student, eventually earning a full-ride scholarship to college. However, his college years were marked by significant personal and academic hurdles, including a period of eviction and academic suspension. Today, Joshua is a leader in Cleveland’s arts community with an MBA he earned in just nine months. He credits his success to the “muscles” built during his nine-year undergraduate journey and the consistent presence of a College Now mentor, noting “The power of mentorship doesn’t throw the book at you; it sits you down and shows you how to read it.”  

De’Antae Ware, director, Tri-C Say Yes Scholars Program, has been a support system for scholars since 2019. As a catalyst of the Tri-C Say Yes program, De’Antae saw early on that students need more than just financial aid— they need a foundation of support and connection. His team of coaches provides the wraparound support that bridges the gap between enrollment and graduation, proving that consistent investment in students propels them to success. 

Phil Wallace, director, Adult Programs & Services at College Now, works specifically with adult learners—those with a gap between high school and college. He approaches every student as a unique case, noting that “when you’ve met one non-traditional learner, you’ve met one non-traditional learner.” His team works deep in the community to ensure that individuals of all ages know it is never too late to find the right path for their career goals. 

The panelists were candid about the mental and emotional toll of falling behind in college. Earl shared that his drive at Tri-C comes from a place of deep responsibility, stating “If I make the same mistakes, not only will I fail my mother and brother, I will also fail myself.” For him, the Say Yes program was the “family environment” that made his current success possible. 

Joshua’s story echoed this need for community. Even when things were at their worst—facing eviction and academic failure—he found a way back through the support of his family, his wife and the College Now Resource Center. He reminds us that the struggle itself is often the very thing that prepares you for high-level success later in life.  

At College Now, we believe every student deserves a support system that stays with them when things get difficult. Whether it is a scholarship that removes a financial barrier or a mentor who helps a student “read the book” of their own potential, our goal is to help every learner—traditional or otherwise—finish what they started. We’re grateful to our panelists who truly bring our mission to life—carrying our values forward and demonstrating, through their own journeys, that everyone has the potential to achieve their dreams.

Watch the full event recording

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Students and families in grades 6-12 gathered at the Arnold R. Pinkney East Professional Center for an engaging and informative kickoff orientation that set the tone for an exciting spring and summer ahead. Designed to help CMSD students explore possibilities early, this exclusive exploration series connects young people with the tools, knowledge and inspiration they need to begin shaping their futures.

The kickoff featured the first workshop of the series, Investing In Your Future, where participants explored education as an investment and why planning for life after high school matters. Students and parents learned about different pathways after graduation including college, career training and other opportunities, while also discussing affordability and the long-term financial benefits of continuing education.

One of the highlights of the session was a lively and honest conversation between students and parents. Families shared personal experiences, lessons learned and strategies for supporting students along their college and career journeys. The group explored available resources and wrapped up the workshop by setting meaningful goals. Both students and parents committed to steps they will take between now and the next academic year before revisiting and building on those goals.

The journey is just beginning! With more sessions coming this spring and summer, there are plenty of opportunities ahead for students and families to explore, learn and dream big! Some of those opportunities include career exploration in in-demand industries, college awareness and financial guidance, skill-building sessions focused on college and career readiness and networking opportunities with professionals and community leaders.

Stay tuned, the future starts now!

The post My Future Starts Here: Pathways to College and Career Success Kicks Off! appeared first on College Now Greater Cleveland | Higher Education Services.

Throughout Black History Month, College Now has showcased the history of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) throughout Ohio and beyond. The shining legacy of these institutions hits close to home, as several of our own staff members are proud HBCU alumni. Using the tools they gained to guide and inspire the next generation of students, our colleagues’ time at their institutions shaped who they are today. 

Heather Beasley, senior director, advising programs & services | Lincoln University 

Heather Beasley always knew she wanted to attend an HBCU. While she initially looked at other schools, Lincoln University offered Heather a life-changing scholarship she couldn’t pass-up— noting that enrolling at Lincoln University was the best decision she ever made. The impact was immediate, as she reflects that after just one semester, her friends at home noticed she had grown into a new person. At Lincoln, Heather had the unique opportunity to live and learn alongside fellow students who shared her background but brought a wide range of global experiences. While she credits Lincoln University for her role at College Now, it has also led Heather to get involved with the Cleveland Council of Black Colleges Alumni Association, where she served as the Vice President for six years and now as Financial Secretary. Heather is grateful to see HBCUs receiving the national recognition they’ve long deserved, affirming that degrees earned at these institutions are just as powerful as those from any other college or university. 

Jazmine Walker, manager, advising programs & services | Wilberforce University  

Jazmine Walker believes she didn’t just choose Wilberforce University—it chose her. After visiting her sister on campus while Jazmine was still in high school and witnessing the incredible energy of a Greek step show, she knew she belonged and didn’t apply anywhere else. While she majored in Vocal Performance, her most defining experiences happened through community leadership. She revived and led a campus initiative called “Rock the Vote ’08,” collaborating with student government to organize a play and build a broader framework for civic engagement. Thanks to her direction and leadership, Wilberforce achieved 100% voter registration in that election cycle. Jazmine believes that what an HBCU provides cannot be measured by a job description alone; it is a place where you learn who you are and build the kind of character that lasts a lifetime. 

Kadeem Brewer-Nunn, college & career advisor | Winston-Salem State University  

After an official visit, Kadeem Brewer-Nunn committed to Winston-Salem State University, drawn in by the Southern hospitality and the vibrant campus culture that instantly felt like home.  He was particularly impressed by the school’s top-ranked band and its successful football team. As an Education major, he adopted the university’s motto, “Enter to Learn, Depart to Serve,” and he applies that spirit of service to his daily work with students. Kadeem found the Education department to be phenomenal, helping him sharpen essential skills like critical thinking, communication and problem-solving. Looking back, Kadeem reflects that he wouldn’t trade his experience for anything because of the lifelong bonds he formed with both his peers and the professors who he keeps in touch with to this day. 

DJ Harvey Jr. | Savannah State University  

DJ Harvey Jr. was drawn to the unique atmosphere at Savannah State University, where he fell in love with the sense of community. His time on campus helped him develop a much deeper appreciation for his culture and the historical importance of HBCUs. DJ credits his school with giving him a true sense of belonging and the confidence to enter any professional setting knowing he deserves a seat at the table.  Today, his degree serves as a powerful connection point, allowing him to network with other business professionals who attended HBCUs. He still maintains a close relationship with one of his college professors, whose mentorship continues to provide him with valuable advice as he navigates his career. 

As we look to the future, the stories of our staff remind us of the irreplaceable value HBCUs hold in the world of education. We are proud to celebrate these institutions not only as historical landmarks, but as sparks for success that continue to shape the leaders within our own community. The legacy of excellence birthed on these campuses lives on through the work College Now does every day. 

The post From HBCU Roots to College Now— The Legacy Lives On appeared first on College Now Greater Cleveland | Higher Education Services.

A scholarship is more than a check—it’s a representation of the belief people hold in the future of education. It’s the ignition that turns ambition into lift-off. This rang true at College Now’s Mission Moment on Jan.22, where we heard the impactful stories from College Now scholarship recipients and staff and were reminded of the power of education. The panel included: 

Bob Durham, chief success officer at College Now, has been with College Now for 17 years. In his role as flight director, Bob has witnessed the launches of thousands of students pursuing their higher education dreams. His insights are grounded in experience, making each student’s launch stronger than the last. 

Cashalynn Bolden-Johnson joined us from the Cleveland Clinic, where she serves as a recruiter. A proud graduate from Glenville High School and Cleveland State University, Cashalynn navigated the additional responsibilities of being a college student and a young mother with the help of a dedicated mentor and what she calls an “answered prayer”— her College Now scholarship. With a bachelor’s degree in health sciences and a minor in Biology, she has since become a well-respected educator through the Cleveland Clinic’s learning programs. Cashalynn is living proof of how far a College Now scholarship can propel a student — from education to educating others. 

Kristen Filipiak works as a data science manager at Sherwin Williams and is a proud College Now scholarship recipient. As a graduate of Elyria High School, her journey is one of historic persistence, as she was the first person from her family in 110 years to graduate high school! At her time in undergrad at Baldwin Wallace, Kristen learned the critical role mentorship plays before, during and after college and has come full-circle by serving as a College Now mentor herself. She believes that the first-generation experience doesn’t end with a degree—it remains a permanent part of your heart and a lifelong mission to help others navigate their own path forward.  

Brittany Williams is the founder and principal of The Domenica Advisory Group and an alumna of Bedford High School and Case Western Reserve University. Driven by a desire for the stability she saw her parents strive for, Brittany viewed college as her launch pad—a path made possible solely through scholarships. Having navigated the pressures and social barriers that first-generation students often face, she is now a vocal supporter of the scholarships that cleared her trajectory. 

Our panelists highlighted that for many first-generation students, the journey to a degree is accompanied with complex  flight path with a mix of emotions and uncertainty. Kristen recalls that while her college acceptance letter brought immense pride to her family, it was also met with discouragement because they simply didn’t know how they would fund her mission. For Kristen, the dream didn’t become a real possibility the day she was accepted to school—it became real the moment she received her College Now scholarship. Brittany echoed this need for stability, advising current students who feel overwhelmed by the complexities of the process to “take things one at a time. Write it down and see what you can tackle first.” 

That steady, step-by-step approach eventually leads to the kind of generational impact that Cashalynn underscored when she stopped to thank the supporters in the room. “We represent the thousands of students you support,” she noted. “Everything you have done has brought us this far and the generations behind us.” This impact doesn’t end at graduation; Kristen closed by highlighting how essential mentorship remains even in the professional world. Her journey from not knowing what was out there to where she is today as a leader was built on the belief that with confidence and curiosity, you can always move forward. 

At College Now, this is our daily mission: because no one reaches success alone. Each journey needs a launch team, a flight plan and steady guidance along the way. College Now serves as mission control for our scholarship recipients— starting in high school, we provide the navigation, fuel and support students need not just to lift off, but to stay on course through every stage of their mission. By removing barriers and offering consistent mentorship, we aren’t just helping students earn degrees—we’re helping them change their trajectory, their legacy and the future for generations to come. 

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Federal student loan in default? Act NOW to avoid wage and tax refund garnishment 

UPDATE: On January 16, The U.S. Department of Education announced that it will delay the implementation of involuntary collections on federal student loans, including Administrative Wage Garnishment and the Treasury Offset Program. While borrowers now have a little more time to figure out loan repayment options, it’s crucial you act sooner than later to protect your finances, as the government has not said exactly how long this pause will last. Schedule an appointment with our student loan experts at College Now at cngc.org/appointment.

Federal student loan borrowers will need to take action now on their repayment plans due to recent changes by the U.S. Department of Education. For the last few years, the government paused many of its collection rules to help people during the pandemic, but that break has ended. With standard delinquency and default collection processes resuming, borrowers who miss payments, or who are already in default, may see escalated collection activity, including administrative wage garnishment and the complete reduction of federal payments. 

For those whose loans are currently in default, the federal government is expected to begin wage garnishments this month. This means that the government can require employers to withhold an employee’s earnings (all or portion of a paycheck) to pay back the loan. With tax season upon us, the federal government also recently stated that an individual’s federal tax refund may also be withheld in order to pay back the student loan, via the Treasury Offset Program.  If you receive a notice about your wages, you have 30 days to act before garnishments begin. Take action NOW to protect your income and find a repayment solution that fits your budget.  

The most important aspect to understand is that doing nothing is not an option. The sooner you investigate your loan status, the less impact you will experience. College Now offers free, one-on-one help to look at your specific situation and find the best options for you. Our experts can help you fill out the paperwork and make a plan that works for your future. Schedule an appointment today at cngc.org/appointment. 

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When it comes to nonprofit work, an organization’s functionality is like a song—the melody may lead, but the rhythm is what keeps everything in harmony. This fact rings true for our work at College Now, where the steady heartbeat of our work has been guided for the past 25 years by Alenka Winslett, our chief operating officer. Alenka’s career at College Now (then the Cleveland Scholarship Programs) began on January 2, 2001—and she hasn’t looked back since. As a first-generation college graduate and the daughter of Slovenian immigrants, Alenka has always carried the mission of College Now close to her heart. Reflecting on her time at Notre Dame Cathedral Latin (formerly Notre Dame Academy), Alenka often wishes College Now had been part of her high school experience — a thought that continues to inspire the purpose and passion she brings to her work every day.   

While she didn’t have the guidance of College Now at her high school, Alenka always knew the path she wanted to follow.  As a teenager, she was drawn to accounting and operations spending her summers working for her father’s tool  and  die company. There, she managed the accounts payable and accounts receivable logs, processed the invoices and handled the incoming checks— prepping deposit slips and balancing the books. Tasks that might have felt tedious to others captivated Alenka — she found the work fascinating and engaging from the very start.  

Alenka continued her education at the University of Cincinnati, where she majored in accounting. “It was the furthest place from Cleveland where I could still get in-state tuition,” she says tongue-in-cheek. Speaking more seriously, Alenka reflects on her parents’ insistence on the importance of higher education. “It wasn’t a question of ‘if’ I was going to college— it was a question of ‘where’,” she says. Alenka credits her alma mater’s renowned business school for shaping the foundation that would later fuel success in operations and leadership.  

When asked about her proudest achievement, Alenka points to the role she’s played in the organization’s growth during her tenure. While she began her tenure at College Now as chief financial officer and has long served as chief operating officer, Alenka has also stepped in as interim chief executive officer and chief programs officer when needed—serving as a steady hand when the organization was in medias res. She credits much of her confidence and resilience to the late Pat Mullin, former board chair and mentor, who reminded Alenka of her ability to lead with purpose during times of transition.    

Outside of her role at College Now, Alenka is quite active in the community. Serving as a College Now mentor, treasurer of the board for a Slovenian social club and vice chair of the board for the Slovene Home for the Aged, Alenka rarely sits still. This holds true in her personal life as well— being an avid traveler, often planning her next trip while still on the current one. When life occasionally slows down, Alenka loves word puzzles. Just as she thrives on problem-solving at College Now, Alenka has a knack for tackling puzzles wherever she goes— it’s the kind of curiosity she just can’t turn off.  

Reflecting on the last 25 years at College Now, Alenka notes that while there have been countless changes, it still feels just as much like a family as it did when she walked through the doors on that chilly January morning in 2001. She looks forward to every day at College Now knowing no two are alike—always ready for the next song to carry the rhythm forward.

The post Alenka Winslett Celebrates 25 Years at College Now! appeared first on College Now Greater Cleveland | Higher Education Services.

College Now president & CEO, Dr. Michele Scott Taylor, was joined by Timothy Fields, author of “The Black Family’s Guide to College Admissions” and R.J. Nemer, president of The University of Akron, on Nov. 13 at the City Club of Cleveland. Together, they explored the true value of higher education, and how colleges and universities continue to shape access, affordability and opportunity.

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On Saturday, Nov. 8, College Now hosted its first-ever Dinks for Degrees fundraiser at Cleveland Premier Pickleball, transforming a chilly fall afternoon into a warm celebration of community, college access and first-generation success.

The event marked the close of national First Generation College Week, a time dedicated to honoring students who are the first in their families to pursue higher education. Dinks for Degrees offered a playful yet powerful way to celebrate that journey—through pickleball.

Participants from across the region gathered for an afternoon of doubles matches, laughter and meaningful connections driven by a shared mission. The event also featured a special guest: Trevon Edwards, senior center director at Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging and a proud College Now alumnus. Trevon, who recently served as a panelist for Mission Moment #2, attended the event and connected with guests, his journey and reinforcing the long-term impact of College Now’s support. His presence was a powerful reminder of the ripple effect of educational access and mentorship.

Pickleball competition heated up in the final rounds, with players Benjamin Sprenger taking 1st place honors, Ken Dollaske earning 2nd honors and Daniel Tibbitts securing 3rd place. The spirited play and sportsmanship reflected the joy and energy of the day.

Adding to the excitement were raffle prizes from Fount and Blanton’s, which proved to be crowd favorites. These premium giveaways served as an homage to College Now’s Bags & Bourbon roots, blending tradition with fresh energy. The Longest Drive competition was a highlight, with Ken Dollaske smashing a drive of over 300 yards to claim the title and win Cleveland Cavaliers tickets.

The tremendous generosity of our Exclusive Title Sponsor, Huntington, and Exclusive Elite Sponsor, Wellspring Family Office, allowed College Now to focus on what matters most: building relationships, celebrating student success and raising funds to support future scholars. We are so grateful for their commitment, along with that from our community sponsors, Dollar Bank, The Whole Kid and the Urban League of Greater Cleveland Young Professionals.

Dinks for Degrees wasn’t just a fundraiser—it was a celebration. It brought together alumni, mentors and supporters, along with College Now board members Katinka Domortoffy, Julie Fertal and Kevin O’Toole in a joyful and engaging way that highlighted the power of community and the importance of being present. It also demonstrated how creative engagement strategies can deepen connections and expand impact.

As the final matches wrapped and paddles were set aside, the message was clear: College Now is building something special. With the success of this inaugural event, the organization is already looking ahead to the next Dinks for Degrees, eager to continue serving up purpose, play and progress.

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