Frequently Asked Questions

  • Simsbury A Better Chance (ABC) is a college preparatory program for young men of color who have demonstrated academic potential in middle school, but whose school system in their home district is not likely to allow these young men to realize their potential.

  • 835 Hopmeadow Street Simsbury, CT 06070

  • Currently there are the scholars, the Resident Director(s), and the Resident Tutor residing at the house. The maximum scholar capacity is eight.

  • Simsbury ABC selects scholars from a pool of competitive applicants. Many of the scholars come from the Northeast, however, we have accepted scholars from as far as Georgia and California.

  • For "A Better Chance" to succeed at Simsbury High School, become a highly competitive college applicant, and become a successful future leader in society.

  • The Simsbury A Better Chance Program is a residential college preparatory program whose purpose is to increase nationally the number of men of color who have graduated from college and who are ready to assume positions of responsibility and leadership in their careers.

  • Yes, National ABC has its headquarters in New York City. 350 scholars are placed at 200 ABC programs held exclusively at the nation's leading private and public college preparatory schools. However, Simsbury ABC operates independently from National ABC in regards to funding and the day-to-day lives of the scholars.

  • Simsbury ABC has been in operation since 1973.

  • Simsbury ABC has been in operation since 1973, and has graduated over 85 scholars from Simsbury High School. Of the graduates, 95% have gone on to successfully complete college, and many have gone on to complete graduate studies. Some of our graduates are in leadership positions in their industries, communities, and professions.

  • The Simsbury ABC Board of Directors is comprised of volunteers from Simsbury and the Farmington Valley. The Board oversees the lives and academics of the scholars and the actions of the Simsbury ABC staff.

  • All funds are provided by the generosity of local residents, civic organizations and businesses.

  • Yes! We seek young men of color who have strong academic abilities, strength of character and motivation. Simsbury ABC obtains a pool of candidates from the National ABC offices after screening and testing, and makes selections from that pool by reviewing transcripts, test results and interviewing.

  • Potential applicants should be directed to Simsbury ABC or to the National ABC in NYC.

  • During the selection process, Simsbury ABC receives approximately 30 applications from National ABC and selects 2-3 applicants to join Simsbury ABC. Typically, Simsbury ABC selects applicants that will be incoming freshmen however the Simsbury ABC Program is open to applicants in other grade levels.

  • Please visit our Host Families page for additional information.

  • Yes! You can follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

  • Please contact our Program Coordinator Christine Bonchick at abcprogsims@gmail.com with additional questions about Simsbury ABC

  • There are several ways you can support Simsbury ABC. Whether it is your financial donation, time, or talent, your contributions are always appreciated!

    Below are just a few examples on how you can help, but please visit our Support Us page for additional information.

    • DONATE online today or you can donate during our annual campaign in the fall.

    • Join volunteer Simsbury ABC Board.

    • Become a Host Family.

    • Hire one of our scholars for part time work.

    • Like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram .