The CollegeBound Foundation’s Off to College Game Night brought together Baltimore’s brightest college-bound students and the professionals who champion their success — and it all started with a game of basketball, a deck of cards, and a heart for giving.
Now in its seventh year, Game Night is more than just an evening of fun. It’s a community-driven event where local leaders, donors, and advocates come together to ensure Baltimore City graduates leave for college with more than dreams — they leave with the essentials they need to thrive.
The CollegeBound Foundation reaches approximately 800 middle school students, over 4,000 high school students, and more than 1,000 college students each year. The Foundation advises 50% of Baltimore City Schools’ seniors and 25% of graduates attending a four-year college on Pell Grants. Its College Completion Program (CCP) has achieved a 71% graduation rate from Maryland four-year colleges — the same as the statewide public four-year college graduation rate across all income levels. All CCP scholars are Baltimore City Schools graduates and recipients of the Pell Grant. By comparison, Baltimore City’s six-year graduation rate for African American students starting at four-year colleges hovers between 23% and 28%, according to the 2014 BERC College Fact Book.
During Game Night, students rotated between board games, card games, and basketball matches while connecting with Baltimore professionals who offered guidance, encouragement, and networking opportunities. The highlight for many students was the Off to College Dorm Essentials Store. Thanks to generous donations from local community members, online supporters, and Game Night attendees, the “store” was stocked with toiletries, bedding, towels, school supplies, and gift cards. Each student received “CBF Bucks” to “shop” for the items they most needed — an intentional approach that allowed them to make personal choices rather than receive pre-packed items.
Contributions flowed in from all directions, including local drop-offs at the CollegeBound office, Amazon Wish List shipments, cash donations used to purchase essentials, and entry donations from professionals attending Game Night. Students also received special prizes throughout the night courtesy of Under Armour.
Game Night began in 2018 as a simple Off to College Care Package Drive initiated by this writer, Melisa Hypolite, the Director of Strategic Partnerships at the CollegeBound Foundation. I recognized that many Baltimore City students were leaving for college without having all the essentials they needed for their dorm room. What started with friends and family quickly grew when Councilman James Torrence and Alicia Wilson, VP of Civic Engagement and Opportunity at The Johns Hopkins University, joined the effort, helping transform it into a networking event that blends fun, mentorship, and tangible support.
CollegeBound aims to expand Game Night in 2026 through larger corporate partnerships and a wider selection of items in the Dorm Essentials Store. With the continued support of Baltimore’s community, the event can grow to serve even more students preparing for this pivotal next chapter in their lives.
Donations of dorm essentials, gift cards, and funds are always welcome — and your support goes directly into the hands of students working hard to change their futures. To learn more about donating, mentoring, or participating in next year’s Off to College Game Night, contact Melisa Hypolite at mhypolite@collegeboundfoundation.org.
This year’s event was proof of what happens when a city believes in its young people: they leave for college not only with sheets, towels, and gift cards — but also with a stronger network, a sense of belonging, and the knowledge that Baltimore is cheering them on every step of the way.