About CTGAP
CT Guiding Access Programs is a student-led organization focused on closing the opportunity and education gap within Connecticut equitably! Learn about our story below.
Meet the Founders
Jessie Zheng
Jessie Zheng is a low-income, queer, and Chinese immigrant from New Haven. Growing up in a Chinese restaurant, Jessie learned the importance of education for social mobility, developing a strong work ethic. Since then, they have explored law, politics, and philosophy, aiming to create a more equitable future through her endeavors.
She has previously interned for Attorney General Tong, and they currently hold over 40 high-ranking positions in various organizations. They are an intern for Senator Winfield, Senator Anwar, Representative Khan, and the CT Democratic Party. They have recently been appointed as a representative for the CT State Advisory Board on Education and the State Board on DEI.
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Our Goals
Close the education/opportunity gap in Conneticut
Provide equal funding to operations in every district
Help more children and teens graduate from high school
Our Team
Meet our talented and dedicated team! Each member is extremely passionate about closing the education gap within the state. If you would like to join our team, apply here.
Jessie Zheng
Founder and Head of Media Team
Jessie Zheng is a junior at Amity Regional High School, and they are passionate about closing the education gap!
Terrell Tolson
Founder and Head of Operations Team
Terrell is a sophomore at Hopkins High School, and he is dedicated to closing the gap!
Sophia Li
Social Media Manager
Sophia is a freshman at Amity Regional High School who enjoys going to the beach and playing violin!
Advaith Nair
Director of Event Coordination
Advaith is a junior at Amity Regional High School interested in pre-law or physics and loves basketball!
Chloe Chang
Director of Research
Chloe is a freshman at Amity Regional High School interested in medicine, volunteering, and playing instruments. Her favorite ice cream flavor is chocolate!
Karishma Balamurugan
Secretary
Karishma is a freshman at Amity Regional High School who wants to provide people with equal opportunities, diverse experiences, and encourage them to thrive towards their aspirations through CT GAP.
Grace Millard
Director of Outreach
Grace is a freshman at Amity Regional High School who is super interested in theater and played Gretchen Wieners in Amity's Mean Girls musical!
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Jordan Chen
Director of Outreach
Jordan Chen is a freshman at Amity Regional High School who likes to play tennis, ski, and eat chocolate chip cookies!
Aryan Shrivastav
Director of Graphic Design
Aryan is a freshman at Amity Regional High School interested in STEM and robotics. He likes to play the electric guitar and is the president of the Robotics club!
Sarina Tian
Director of Graphic Design
Sarina is a freshman at Amity Regional High School with a passion for drawing, neuroscience, ice skating, and playing the flute!
Armaan Shrivastav
Researcher/Writer
Armaan is a freshman at Amity Regional High School interested in astronomy, meteorology and reading. He also has a brown belt in karate!