The Ma’ayanot Alumnae Association recently unveiled a new program, College Connections, which is designed to foster connections between Ma’ayanot seniors contemplating attending specific colleges with Ma’ayanot alumnae at, or recently graduated from, those colleges.

The program is the brainchild of Elianna Kaplowitz, a Ma’ayanot alumna from the Class of 2009 and a recent Barnard College graduate. She thought of the idea when, as Barnard Alumnae Admissions Representative, she became aware of Ma’ayanot seniors accepted to Barnard as early decision applicants. “I realized that I could reach out, congratulate them, and ask if they had any questions or concerns about Barnard,” explained Kaplowitz, “and that got me thinking about how amazing it would be to have a similar program at Ma’ayanot.”

With the help of Pam Ennis, Ma’ayanot’s Alumnae Coordinator, Kaplowitz has already reached out to solicit the participation of approximately 30 Ma’ayanot alumnae at the numerous colleges that Ma’ayanot students typically attend. The vast majority have replied in the affirmative. Armed with this list, Kaplowitz is prepared to create college connections for Ma’ayanot seniors as college acceptances pour in throughout the spring.

In an email introducing the program to the current senior grade, Ennis explained that “this service could be used in any number of ways. For example, one student may be choosing between two colleges, and this service could afford her the opportunity to speak with alumnae at both colleges to get the inside information she may need to make her decision. Alternatively, a student may know which college she plans to attend, but isn’t sure of which dorm to request or which food plan makes the most sense… a College Connection can help with these decisions as well.”

In enumerating her goals for College Connections, Kaplowitz explained, “I felt that this initiative would help Ma’ayanot students feel more comfortable with this difficult process and allow the alumnae to feel more connected to Ma’ayanot.” In this regard, Kaplowitz noted that she was “delighted, but not surprised” at the enthusiastic response of the alumnae she contacted, and Mrs. Ennis encouraged the seniors to “think of it as having older sisters who are just waiting to offer a helping hand!”