Mentor Michigan - Mentors: Promoting College Access

Mentors: Promoting College Access

There are many conversations young people in Michigan never have. Conversations that would help them prepare for today, tomorrow, and their future. For many youth, a mentor can help them have those discussions and expose them to resources and opportunities otherwise left undiscovered. Youth need many supportive, caring adults to lead them on the path to college, and mentors can fulfill that role. Mentors can provide their mentees with motivation and information on resources, course-taking, test-taking, college applications, and financial aid.

As a mentor, there are several things you can do to help your mentee in their path to college. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

· Listen: Be receptive and listen when your mentee wants to discuss career and/or college plans.

· Explore: Help your mentee explore career and college options and collect as much information as possible.

· Encourage: Encourage your mentee by helping him/her see the connection between college and careers. Emphasize the importance of selecting a major that helps prepare him/her for a career. Speak positively about college, and share any college experiences you may have with them.

· Research: Help your mentee research various college and career options. Utilize the resources on this page and share them with your mentee.

· Be Aware: Be aware of various deadlines for applications to colleges and financial aid. Put them on a calendar both you and your mentee can look at.

· Be Supportive: Be supportive of your mentee, and meet with his/her counselor if you sense he/she needs additional help.

Here are resources, activities, and useful links that will help you to take a knowledgeable, "college positive" approach with your mentee, to promote college access and success. Explore and share these resources and links with your mentee to inspire them and encourage them to begin planning for college.

Encourage, Research, and Prepare

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 how to 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 Positive Mentoring Activity Examples
These activity examples are courtesy of the 2011 Detroit Pistons Mini-Grants recipients.

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 annual Michigan 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 encourages 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 more than 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.

Mentors: Promoting College Access

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.

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 encourages them to consider and pursue a postsecondary education .

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.

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.

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 encourages them to consider and pursue a postsecondary education .

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.