Finding a path to college during the pandemic

TL;DR

College Advising Corps supports first-generation, low-income students in their journey to college by providing guidance and resources.

Transcript

meet victoria whitaker and stephanie goloviz a year ago they were both high school seniors who had no plans to go to college i was like oh like i don't know if i'll be able to afford it i don't want to be like in debt for the rest of my life i was just kind of running away from the college idea i was scared to apply to college because i was going t... Read More

Key Insights

• 😄 The College Advising Corps is a national program that supports first-generation, low-income students in their transition from high school to college.
• 😊 The pandemic had a significant impact on students, causing struggles and the need for extra support. The program adapted to utilize various communication methods to reach students, including in-person, phone calls, texts, emails, and video calls.
• 😅 Student engagement and participation increased after being gently encouraged and asked about their interests, hobbies, and goals.
• 😌 Financial struggles affected some students' ability to pursue higher education, with one student working 50 hours a week to support their family. The program provided guidance and resources to alleviate these challenges.
• 🙌 The College Advising Corps helped students overcome fears and uncertainty, resulting in increased confidence and excitement when receiving college acceptance letters.
• 🎓 The program's main goal is to make students feel valued and wanted, providing them with the opportunity to fulfill their dreams and pursue higher education.
• 💪 The College Advising Corps aims to support students in any way necessary, personalized to their unique circumstances and needs.
• 🌟 The success of the program is evident through the stories of Victoria and Stephanie, who both gained acceptance into universities and felt a sense of pride and achievement. They credit the program for helping them realize their potential.

Questions & Answers

Q: How does College Advising Corps support first-generation students in their college journey?

College Advising Corps provides personalized support to first-generation students by offering guidance on college selection, assisting with the application process, and offering resources for financial aid and scholarships. They work closely with students to ensure they have the necessary tools to succeed in college.

Q: How did the pandemic affect the services provided by College Advising Corps?

The pandemic had a significant impact on College Advising Corps, as it disrupted the typical in-person support they provided in high schools. However, they quickly adapted and utilized virtual platforms to continue assisting and connecting with students. They utilized various methods such as phone calls, texts, emails, and video calls to ensure students were still receiving the support they needed.

Q: How does College Advising Corps help students overcome challenges and obstacles?

College Advising Corps recognizes that first-generation, low-income students often face unique challenges in their journey to college. They provide individualized support to help students overcome obstacles such as lack of knowledge about the college application process, financial constraints, and family pressures. Through mentorship and guidance, students gain confidence and the necessary tools to navigate these challenges successfully.

Q: What impact does College Advising Corps have on students' lives?

College Advising Corps has a transformative impact on the lives of first-generation, low-income students. By providing guidance, support, and resources, they empower students to pursue higher education and realize their dreams. Students experience a sense of accomplishment and pride, knowing that someone believes in them and wants to see them succeed.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• College Advising Corps is a national program that assists first-generation, low-income students in navigating the college application process.

• The program provides personalized support to students, helping them overcome challenges and achieve their dreams.

• Despite the difficulties posed by the pandemic, College Advising Corps made every effort to connect with and assist students through virtual platforms.