Children of our Community Open to Acheivenment (C.O.C.O.A) House was established in 1996 by Union College Student Rachel Graham. Graham grew up in Schenectady and understood the challenges many local children faced. Through C.O.C.O.A House she sought to promote academic success and expanded opportunities for at-risk youth. The program started out small, operating out of the basement of a local church but over 25 years has become an ever growing after-school tutoring and enrichment program, operating out of its own facility in the Hamilton Hills section of Schenectady. 

​Today, members of Union College’s student body and members of the Schenectady community work together to run the C.O.C.O.A House program. There are over 80 students who are trained C.O.C.O.A House volunteers. In addition, C.O.C.O.A House is directed by a community activist, Founder of Save Our Streets Inc. and Executive Director Will Rivas. Along with him, a student Executive Board (E-Board) oversees programs, sites, events, and finances of C.O.C.O.A House as well. On the college campus, there is a C.O.C.O.A Club that works closely with the organization.

In the past, the organization's focus was tutoring, and while tutoring underserved youth is still a big part of the C.O.C.O.A House's mission, the emphasis has expanded. Volunteers still provide excellent suplementary academic guidence but are also mentors- trusted, caring adults who support youth in all aspects of their lives, not just school. 

C.O.C.O.A House is a 501(c) (3) classified non profit organization.