CAEP hosting Founder’s Day ball next month

LYNN – The College Application Education Foundation (CAEP) has announced a Founder’s Day Black and White Semiformal Ball in late March to raise funds for the nonprofit mentoring and tutoring program.CAEP is an after school program run by Marshall Middle School teacher and community activist Arthur Akres from an office at 16 Union St. The organization was originally founded with the intent of helping students bound for college with the application process, but has since expanded to include tutoring and other educational and team-building opportunities for middle and high school students.The all-volunteer staff includes teachers and college students participating as work-study partners, who offer both group and one-on-one support for students. Students interested in attending college can receive help with research, scholarships and applications along with help contacting the schools. Along with the academic support, participants also attend team-building field trips and organize group and community events.The ball will take place Sunday, March 22 at 7 p.m. at the Franco-American Veterans Post 161 located at 535 Western Ave. Tickets are $20 per person and $200 for a table, and will include food and a raffle. All proceeds will go to support CAEP.Upcoming CAEP events include the Excel Student Talent show, taking place Feb 16 at 6 p.m. Both groups and individuals are encouraged to participate, and a dance will immediately follow the judging.The Excel Student Teacher Night held Feb. 28 at 6 p.m., will feature teachers and guidance councilors from several different schools in the city, who will meet with students and discuss various ways to help them succeed.The organization will kick off March with a trip to Wellesley College on the 15th, where female students will learn to excel in a male-dominated world and speak with students and faculty about the importance of attending college. The organization has also planned a trip to Harvard on April 14 for both male and female participants.Finally, CAEP is sponsoring a fashion show on April 5, where volunteers will model clothing provided by the organization.Anyone interested in participating or volunteering for any of these or other programs, or learning more about the organization can visit www.caeproject.org or call 781-595-1022 after 3 p.m. Students looking to become a part of the program can call or visit 16 Union St. weeknights from 3-6 p.m.