Ramapo community empowers photography student to pursue her dreams

July 31, 2025

by Lauren Ferguson

When Kaylah Chitty ‘27 started high school, she knew she wanted to go to college, but she wasn’t quite sure how to go about getting there or what major to pursue.

Now, thanks to the continued support she received over the years from staff and programming at Ramapo College of New Jersey, Chitty is immersed in a major that fits her, and well on her way to pursuing her dream career.

As a student at Panther Academy, now called Paterson P-Tech High School, Chitty enrolled in Ramapo’s Upward Bound Math and Science program. The program empowers low-income and first-generation students from Paterson, NJ, to earn their diplomas and prepare for college. And Chitty credits it with helping her figure out her path.

“It really pushed me to know what I wanted to do in college because I knew I wanted to go, but I didn’t know for what and how to go about it,” Chitty explained. “But with this program, it kind of put it in perspective and helped me relax and gain reassurance.”

Through the program, Chitty received tutoring, college tours, and seminars in areas such as career counseling, financial aid and college admissions. She also spent more than a month each summer living on Ramapo’s picturesque Mahwah campus, taking courses in subjects such as science, math, language arts, and Latin, and getting a feel for college life.

Chitty chose to enroll in Ramapo herself in the Spring of 2023. She said she chose Ramapo because of its affordability and because it had the major she decided she wanted to pursue – thanks to her time in Upward Bound.

She is now majoring in Visual Arts with a concentration in Photography, with plans to become a professional photographer. She loves the beauty of campus, nestled in the Ramapo Mountains. “The mountains are so nice to take pictures of, especially in the fall,” she said.

Chitty has a network of support on campus that has helped her to thrive. Her academic advisor, Yolanda Del Amo, associate professor for photography and digital media, “is a huge help,” Chitty said. “She gives me resources, and helps me with my classes and what will fit best with me, knowing my major and what I like,” she said.

Chitty also has support from Ramapo’s Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF). The program is bolstered by comprehensive support services and alumni connections to promote retention and progress through graduation. The initiative features a five-week summer transition program for incoming freshmen, one-on-one advisement, mentorship, academic support programs and tutoring.

Chitty said the staff and other students in EOF “accepted me with open arms” and helped her become comfortable as a college student on campus.

With her plans in place and a network of people in her corner, Chitty is now giving back herself.

When not in class, Chitty works for Upward Bound as an office assistant, social media manager, and counselor.

“I like to make sure that the kids experience the same thing that I experienced,” Chitty said of her influential time in Upward Bound.