Simsbury ABC Program

05/14/2026

Senior Season has officially begun. 🎓

There is something truly special about this time of year, when the calendar turns, and we find ourselves moving through all the milestones that mark the final stretch of a scholar's journey in our House and at Simsbury High School.

This week, Emmanuel placed the Senior sign on our front lawn. It is a moment that connects him to his SHS peers and the long line of Simsbury ABC alumni who have stood in that same place and prepared to step into what comes next.

These last few weeks are very special, and we are here for every one of them, cheering as loud as we can as Emmanuel gets ready to turn the page on this chapter of his journey.

The Simsbury ABC family is behind you every step of the way, Emmanuel. We cannot wait to see everything you are going to do. 💙

05/13/2026

What a day! 💪

Our Simsbury ABC scholars headed to Farmington Valley CrossFit in Granby this week. From the first rep to the last, it was all about building strength and deepening the bonds that make this group so special.

Thank you to the incredible team at Farmington Valley CrossFit for opening your doors and welcoming our scholars with such enthusiasm. We appreciate you!

05/09/2026

We are so grateful to LearningWell Magazine for shining a light on the remarkable young men of the Simsbury ABC Program.

Writer Marjorie Malpiede captured something special in her piece "Learning Away": the courage it takes to leave home at 13, the bonds that form around a dinner table, and the quiet, steady growth that happens when young people are given educational opportunities and support.

And the photos by Alex Zdravkovic Ibarra? They capture the heart of our program.

This article reminds us why we do this work, which wouldn't be possible without the thoughtful support of our scholars, their families, the Simsbury community, and our donors.

Our Scholars aren't just getting a great education; they're learning who they are, building lifelong friendships, and preparing to be leaders.

We are honored to open the doors of the ABC House and invite you in to get to know us a little better.

Thank you LivingWell magazine, we appreciate your partnership and support.

The ABC program provides students from historically underserved communities a unique college prep experience

05/08/2026

We are proud to share that Simsbury ABC senior Emmanuel Croffie has committed to Trinity College, where he will pursue a degree in Economics and has been awarded the prestigious 1823 Scholarship.

Emmanuel arrived at our door four years ago from the Bronx, NY, when his family made the courageous decision to step forward and take advantage of everything Simsbury A Better Chance has to offer. From that first day, he embraced Simsbury ABC and Simsbury High School and never looked back.

In his time here, Emmanuel has become a true leader in our House and in his school community. He is a member of the Spanish, National, and Business Honor Societies, a multi-sport, multi-season athlete, and a Varsity Captain for SHS Basketball. His commitment to excellence in the classroom and on the court speaks for itself.

Emmanuel, your journey is a testament to what hard work, dedication, and courage can build. We are so proud of the young man you have become, and cannot wait to see all that lies ahead for you at Trinity College and beyond.

Congratulations, Emmanuel! We wish you every success on the road ahead.

04/27/2026

Spring Refresh For Our House!

Simsbury ABC has a network of volunteers who help to make our House a home.

This week, volunteers Scott Hedges (with his backhoe), Pete Prowda, Mark Deming, and board member Linda Schofield took time to give our front garden a new look.

After nearly 100 years, the ancient yews in front of the ABC house, with enormous deep roots, were removed, and new flowering bushes were planted. There are plans to add lilies and hostas over time.

We hope you like the new look! Please join us in thanking all involved for their dedication to our students and program!

03/29/2026

Our scholars and Resident team gathered at The Bushnell this weekend to experience Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows™ in Concert, and watched the film come to life with the Hartford Symphony Orchestra performing live.

Moments like these, stepping outside the everyday to share something extraordinary together, are exactly what our community is all about. 🧙‍♂️🎶

01/24/2026

With heavy hearts, we share the passing of Robert Pearce of West Hartford, our immediate past President and beloved champion of the Simsbury ABC Program.

A graduate of the United States Naval Academy and an accomplished global business executive, Bob brought extraordinary dedication to our mission. Bob was a remarkable person whose character, wisdom, humor, and unwavering commitment to Simsbury ABC touched countless lives in our community. He took great joy in watching our young ABC scholars grow into successful adults, always believing that if he could play even a small role in helping them along their paths, it was work worth doing.

Bob once shared, “Trudy and I have been supporters of Simsbury ABC since 2014.
After our children and our marriage, we have never done anything to which we have felt such devotion and from which we have gotten such inspiration.”

That devotion was evident in every decision Bob made, every scholar he mentored, and every hour he dedicated to ensuring the young men in our program had access to exceptional educational opportunities.

Bob had a lasting impact not only on Simsbury ABC, but also on the other ABC Community School Programs (CSPs) through his dedicated and collaborative work with the other CSP leaders during his time as Board President.

Bob’s legacy lives on in the lives he transformed and the futures he helped shape.

The Simsbury ABC family extends our deepest condolences to his wife, Trudy, and the entire Pearce family.

You can find the full obituary by visiting: https://www.legacy.com/legacy/robert-pearce-jr

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Bob's honor to the Simsbury A Better Chance Program, P.O. Box 542, Simsbury, CT 06070.

Please feel free to pass this along to anyone who would appreciate the update.

01/13/2026

It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Marlon Goulbourne, a cherished member and graduate of the Simsbury ABC Program and Simsbury High School Class of 2004.

Marlon’s time with our program reflected the values we hold dear—dedication to learning, commitment to community, and the pursuit of excellence. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the example he set for those who followed in his footsteps.

Our hearts go out to Marlon’s family, friends, and all who knew and loved him. The Simsbury ABC community stands with our alumni network during this difficult time, united in remembrance and support.

For those who wish to honor Marlon’s memory and support his young family, a fund has been established:

https://www.gofundme.com/f/honoring-marlon-by-caring-for-his-loved-ones

Tribute and obituary information:
https://www.tributearchive.com/obituaries/46889670/marlon-leonard-goulbourne

We hold Marlon’s family and our entire alumni community in our thoughts.

With love and support,
The Simsbury ABC Board and Staff

01/06/2026

🎒🍎 Help Stock Our Pantry at Simsbury ABC! 🍪🥛

As we kick off the new year, we're asking for your support in stocking our pantry for our amazing students at Simsbury ABC! These students have a variety of snack tastes, and your thoughtful donations will help keep them energized and ready to tackle their studies.

How You Can Help:
Sign up below to donate specific items! Whether it's sweet, savory, or something in between, every contribution makes a difference. Let's come together to ensure our students have everything they need for a successful start to the year!

Sign Up Here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0449AEAC2AAAF85-61447097-2026

Donation Drop-Off Options:

Leave items in the bin on our back porch at 835 Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury, CT

Or:

Ship directly to: Simsbury ABC House, 835 Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury, CT 06070

Thank you for your generosity and support!

01/05/2026

Send your resume to [email protected]