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College access involves encouraging and creating a pathway for K-12 students to consider, plan for, and attend post-secondary institutions; including four-year colleges or universities, junior or community colleges, or vocational, business, or technical schools, after high school. Carefully structured and supported mentoring provides young people with developmental resources needed for success. Combined with age appropriate, appealing college access activities and consistent encouragement, mentoring relationships help youth succeed both personally and academically, and set them on a needed pathway for education past high school graduation. Research shows students who engage with a mentor for a sustained period of time are more likely to attend post-secondary institutions ( Gandara, 2001 ). Mentors can provide their mentees with motivation and information on resources, course-taking, test-taking, college applications, and financial aid.
On this page you will find resources for your program, resources and activities for matches, and useful links to assist with the college planning process. Feel free to explore and share these resources and website links with your program staff, mentors, and mentees to support youth and promote college access for the youth you serve. You may also direct interested mentors to the Mentors: Promoting College Access page on our website.
Resources for Mentoring Programs:
Creating Partners for Success: MetLife Peer Mentoring Handbook
(From CFES - College for Every Student)
YES, YOU CAN
A Guide for Establishing Mentoring Programs to Prepare Youth for College. (From the U.S. Department of Education).
Improving College Access through Mentoring
Pathways to Improving Practice fact sheet that presents models, benefits, and best practices in using mentoring to improve college access. From PCN - Pathways to College Network.
Paving the Way to Postsecondary Education: K-12 Intervention Programs for Underrepresented Youth
Mentoring is noted as an effective practice for increasing enrollment in higher education among underrepresented youth.
Resources for Mentors:
Tips for a Meaningful College Access Mentor Relationship
(From Nashville College Connection)
Why Choose College?
Realizing the College Dream - Advisor Guide
(From ECMC Foundation) - a curriculum guide used to increase the expectations of attending college by low-income, first-generation college-going students and their families.
College Preparation Checklist
A "to do" list, starting with elementary school, to help students prepare academically and financially for education beyond high school.
FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) Basics
(From CFES - College for Every Student)
Counselors and Mentors Handbook on Federal Student Aid
A guide for those advising students about financial aid for postsecondary education.
Plan Your Path to College
Reference Calendar from CollegeView - Use this calendar to help your mentee keep track as they prepare for college in high school.
Activities and Workbooks
KnowHow2Go Mentor Workbook
Tips and tools to educate yourself and your mentee about the college preparation process…and have fun while doing it.
50 Early College Awareness Week Activities for Mentors and Mentees
(From CFES - College for Every Student)
101 Early College Awareness Activities
(From CFES - College for Every Student)
Post College Visit Activities for Mentors and Mentees
(From CFES - College for Every Student)
Get Ready for College
A College Planning Guide and Workbook for Students in Grades 9 through 12.
College Planning Websites
KnowHow2Go
The KnowHow2GO campaign encourages low-income students and their families to take the necessary steps toward college. The website features information, advice, and resources for students and mentors to prepare for college.
College Planning Resource Directory
A directory of resources for counselors, teachers, mentors, and families to use in helping middle and high school students plan and prepare for college. Developed to complement the KnowHow2Go campaign.
FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the form used by virtually all two- and four-year colleges, universities and career schools for the awarding of federal student aid and most state and college aid. The Michigan annual deadline is March 1.
College.gov
This site is intended to be the go-to source for information and resources about planning, preparing and paying for postsecondary education. Provides inspiration and hope to all students, and encourage them to consider and pursue a postsecondary education .
Federal Student Aid for Counselors (and Mentors)
Financial aid information, including tools and information about grants, student loans and scholarships, for counselors and mentors looking for information for students.
Student Aid on the Web
Source for free information from the U.S. Department of Education on preparing for and funding education beyond high school.
The College Board
Each year, the College Board serves seven million students and their parents, 23,000 high schools, and 3,800 colleges through major programs and services in college readiness, college admission, guidance, assessment, financial aid, enrollment, and teaching and learning.
· Features a College Matchmaker Service , which searches a database of over 3,800 schools by location, majors, cost, and more to find colleges that fit.
Mapping your Future
Mapping Your Future is a national collaborative, public-service, nonprofit organization providing career, college, financial aid, and financial literacy services for students, families, and schools.
Other Useful Websites
National Directory of College Access Program
This national directory of college access programs is a free online resource for students, parents, counselors, and researchers and those operating college access programs. To find a program in the directory or add/update program data, follow the links below.
Pathways to College Network
The Pathways to College Network is an alliance of national organizations that advances college opportunity for underserved students by raising public awareness, supporting innovative research, and promoting evidence-based policies and practices across the K-12 and higher education sectors.
College Readiness for All Toolbox
Comprehensive tools and related resources that provide school leaders and technical assistance providers with support to plan, organize, and implement secondary school redesign efforts.
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