About

Mission Statement

The mission of Glastonbury A Better Chance (ABC) is to offer young minority men of demonstrated ability, good character and need, the opportunity to obtain an excellent education in the town of Glastonbury.

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History

A Better Chance (ABC), the National program, has affected 14,000 young people who have been accepted to the program based on their academic record, personal motivation, and leadership promise. ABC students are usually in the top 10% of their class. Most have gone on to highly selective institutions and many have gone on to attend equally demanding graduate schools. Currently, ABC students attend one of 180 private and 22 public schools nationally.

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Founded in 1974, Glastonbury ABC is one of 22 community programs nationally, and it is among the oldest. It has been home to over 80 scholars. Hailing from New York, Boston and other cities up and down the east coast, these young men have been afforded the opportunity for a better education than they otherwise would have been able to receive. We accomplish our mission by providing our students with a home, adult supervision, and academic support. We encourage them to be fully involved in the local community and to engage in service and cultural activities. We aspire to prepare our students not only for college but for a future as engaged and effective leaders in society. Glastonbury ABC students live in the Baldwin House, within walking distance of Glastonbury High School. We usually support 5-8 students per year. The program is managed by a voluntary board of directors, Glastonbury residents who bring diverse perspectives and skills to the program. The board meets monthly and various committees provide operating support. (See Board of Directors)

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Glastonbury ABC is very much of a town-supported initiative. We work closely with the high school principal and superintendent of schools. Town residents are generous in lending their talents to keep the home attractive, safe, and well-maintained. Although affiliated with the national ABC program, Glastonbury ABC is self supporting and relies on individual gifts, grants, and fundraisers.

One measure of success of Glastonbury ABC is the caliber of colleges and universities our graduates attend, including Case Western Reserve, Connecticut College, University of Connecticut, Cornell, Dartmouth, Colgate, Dickinson, Emory, Fordham, Holy Cross, New York Institute of Technology, University of Pittsburgh, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Rutgers, St. Lawrence, Siena, Swarthmore, Trinity, and Wesleyan.