For nearly a decade, Alexandra Palacio has been a steady force behind college access work in the Bronx. As the Director of College Bound & Family Choice at Mosholu Montefiore Community Center (MMCC), she leads a team of counselors who guide young people from middle school through graduation. A certified bilingual counselor, Alexandra has spent her career ensuring that students and families who might otherwise be overlooked receive the information, encouragement, and advocacy they deserve. This year, CARA has been proud to partner with Alexandra and her team to strengthen postsecondary support across eight Bronx high schools.
Alexandra knows firsthand how easily students can “fall by the wayside” when school counselors are stretched thin across competing responsibilities. At MMCC, she works to fill those gaps, offering what she describes as “a plethora of resources” to support young people and their families. Under her leadership, the program has grown into a trusted anchor for the surrounding community.
One of the most significant shifts Alexandra has noticed is the increase in students interested in the Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP) – a program that has complex eligibility rules, documentation requirements, and tight timelines. To support MMCC counselors, CARA provided a targeted professional development session on HEOP.
Alexandra is also navigating system-wide challenges: heavy caseloads across multiple schools, increasing student needs, and the ongoing demand for more structured and aligned advising systems. Through the partnership, CARA has supported MMCC in strengthening these systems by providing clearer tools for tracking student data.
Looking ahead, Alexandra is focused on sustaining this momentum. She hopes to continue building strong connections – with CARA, with school partners, and with other community organizations – to expand what is possible for students across the Bronx.