Goddard Riverside Community Center celebrated the official opening of its Options Center on Wednesday, May 6, 2015, at its office located at 352 West 110th Street on the Upper West Side. This event acknowledged the outstanding work of the Options Center as one of the leading college access and success programs in the city and acknowledged the political leaders who helped Goddard acquire the office space.
Goddard Riverside Executive Director, Stephan Russo said, “We’re so proud to open the doors of the Options Center and we’re incredibly grateful for our city leaders that helped make this happen. Students and counselors come to us from all over the city and get to experience this hub of support and training where we encourage a college going culture. What happens here daily changes lives and we’re so proud to be a part of that.”
Founded in 1985, the Options Center is comprised of the Options College Counseling Program and the Options Institute. The College Counseling Program provides free direct college access and success services, for individuals and groups, tailored for youth who are underrepresented in higher education. The Options Institute provides professional development to school personnel, youth workers, volunteers, and peer leaders. The Options Center is a lead partner in www.nyccollegeline.org, a hub for local college resources, and operates its Ask an Adviser service 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.