Second Chance Scholars

11/27/2025

Thank you everyone for all of your support this year. We hope today you enjoy this time with your loved ones.

10/19/2025

Thank you to everyone who joined us yesterday! Thanks to all of your support we were able to reach our fundraiser goal and build stronger ties within our community.

10/06/2025

We have now raised over $10,000 — thank you to everyone who’s believed in our mission and helped us get this far. Let’s keep the momentum going!

Please continue to share! ❤️

Donations can be made at SecondChanceScholars.org/donate

On October 18, 2025 from at 4 PM, join us at the First Presbyterian Church of Potsdam for our official fundraising event.

MAYBE WE CAN REACH OUR GOAL BEFORE THEN 🙏

10/05/2025

We’re so close — but we need your help.

Since 2023, Second Chance Scholars has been helping people rebuild their lives through education and housing.

In just a short time, we’ve supported seven formerly incarcerated men in earning their college degrees — men who began their education while incarcerated and finished on campus, surrounded by community, purpose, and support.

Now, seven new students are ready to begin their next chapter — and we’re raising $15,000 to put a down payment on a house where they can live safely while they finish school, secure internships, and rebuild their lives.

We’ve already raised over $9,000, and your support can help us cross the finish line.

Every dollar helps provide two months of rent assistance, guidance, and a strong community network that opens real doors to success.

What we’ve built here in our small Northern New York community is something truly special — but we can’t do it alone.

Let’s finish this together. 💛
Donate today at

10/05/2025

10/04/2025

UPDATE: We're over $9,000! Every dollar counts 🙏
SecondChanceScholars.org/donate

🎓✨ We’re halfway there! ✨🎓

With $7,500 raised so far, we’re pushing toward our next goal: $15,000 to help purchase a residence for our incoming scholars.

This winter, we welcome seven new scholars who are ready to continue their education and rebuild their futures. 💪📚

Every dollar brings us closer to creating a home that will support them on this journey. ❤️

📍 Join us at our Fall Fundraiser
🗓 October 18, 2025 | 4–5:30 PM
📍 Potsdam Presbyterian Church, 42 Elm St., Potsdam, NY

🌐 Can’t make it? You can still support at: SecondChanceScholars.org/donate

Together, we can reach this goal and give second chances that last a lifetime. 🙌

10/03/2025

🎓✨ We’re halfway there! ✨🎓

With $7,500 raised so far, we’re pushing toward our next goal: $15,000 to help purchase a residence for our incoming scholars.

This winter, we welcome seven new scholars who are ready to continue their education and rebuild their futures. 💪📚

Every dollar brings us closer to creating a home that will support them on this journey. ❤️

📍 Join us at our Fall Fundraiser
🗓 October 18, 2025 | 4–5:30 PM
📍 Potsdam Presbyterian Church, 42 Elm St., Potsdam, NY

🌐 Can’t make it? You can still support at: SecondChanceScholars.org/donate

Together, we can reach this goal and give second chances that last a lifetime. 🙌

09/24/2025

📢 Our September Newsletter is Here!

We’re excited to share updates from Second Chance Scholars — including 5 inspiring graduates who began their education while incarcerated, news about our upcoming Fall Fundraising Reception on October 18th, and the introduction of our new intern from SUNY Potsdam.

✨ It’s a powerful reminder of how education creates new beginnings, stronger communities, and lasting change.

📩 Read the full newsletter here ➡️ https://mailchi.mp/0e2738b5fc30/making-an-impact-updates-from-second-chance-scholars-58332

09/19/2025

Fall is here! 🍂 Grab some Second Chance Scholars swag and keep your head cozy on these chilly 🥶 mornings and evenings.

https://secondchancescholars.org/product/winter-beanie

100% of profits go directly to providing housing for our students 🧑‍🎓

09/17/2025

✨ Join us for an evening of hope and opportunity! ✨

📅 Date: October 18, 2025
🕓 Time: 4:00 – 5:30 PM
📍 Location: First Presbyterian Church, 42 Elm St, Potsdam, NY

Second Chance Scholars invites you to our Fall Fundraising Reception to raise money for housing and re-entry support for formerly incarcerated individuals. 🌟

Hear inspiring stories from our graduates, celebrate their successes, and stand with us in building brighter futures through education, employment, and community.

💜 Together, we’re making second chances possible.

🌐 If you can’t make the event but you would still like to donate you can visit us at secondchancecholars.org

01/20/2025

Thank you Unitarian Universalist Church of Canton New York for welcoming SCS board member and scholar, William Stradtman, to speak yesterday.

The UU Church of Canton has been an avid supporter of the SCS re-entry initiative even before SCS was formally developed. We look forward to continuing to work together, strengthening our community across all the intersections of life experiences.

Happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day!