College Admissions Project (CAP)

www.collegeadmissionsproject.org

When a recent study revealed that middle income "C" students get into college at a higher rate than lower income "A" students because low income kids have more trouble navigating the college admissions process than their middle class counterparts, a YLC member came up with a solution.

In the College Admissions Project, volunteer guides are paired one-on-one with Orleans and Jefferson Parish public school seniors to guide them through the paperwork and requirements necessary to gain successful entry into a college of their choice.

Learn more about CAP and how you can help at www.collegeadmissionsproject.org.

Project Leaders: Eduard Freydel and Emily Klein, cap@youngleadershipcouncil.org.

Match Program for High School Seniors

Seniors who are interested in applying to college are matched one to one with a young professional, who works with the student through the year to guide them through the admissions process. These "guides" meet with the students regularly to help with drafting a college list, meeting application deadlines, editing essays, tackling FAFSA, searching for and applying for financial aid, etc. The Guides receive a manual, a training, and monthly support meetings. Guides are required to submit to a criminal background check as well as to set aside time for the student, but the times can be flexible, depending on the student and guide's schedule.

Seminar Program for High School Juniors

Juniors who are interested in applying to college are invited to attend one of for seminars CAP will host in their school on topics relevant to preparing for college such as ACT/SAT signup and prep, what course schedules they should be taking for college admissions, parents night, etc. Starting in the fall of 2009, seniors who want to participate in the Match Program will need to meet a requirement of attending at least 2 of the Junior year seminars during their Junior year.

Upcoming Events...

The College Admissions Project (CAP) invites interested YLC members to join the steering committee as they tackle some of the larger issues associated with CAP. The committee meets the 3rd Monday of every month. In these meetings, members hear updates about the project and then break into sub-committees to work on planning various events. The following committees currently meet at this time: College Fair Planning and Execution, Principal and Counselor Appreciation, Guide Recruitment and Training, Student Recruitment and Support. Be sure to check out the YLC Event Calendar for details on the next committee meeting.

Attention CAP Guides: It is imperative that we collect data from each guide regarding the progress you are making with your student. This will help us determine how we can better support you in your work. Click here to fill out the CAP Guide Report and email the completed form to cap@youngleadershipcouncil.org.

For more information about College Admissions Project, please contact cap@youngleadershipcouncil.org.