When I started in the scholarship/foundation world, I was unaware of a number of things related to college advising. One of the most helpful pieces of information I have picked up on over the years is related to fly-in programs. While lots of college counselors at bigger schools now about these programs, I think many at smaller, particularly rural and/or less-funded schools are unaware.
A low-income, academic superstar wants to go to college. They start taking all the necessary steps. For their higher-income peers, one of those steps is to visit schools before they apply. Great idea, right? Sure, if you have the money for flights, hotels, etc. What is the other student supposed to do to make that happen? Fly-in programs are the solution.
Fly-in programs are programs sponsored by the institution for underrepresented students to visit. They often cover all travel and boarding, and usually include programming so that students can truly experience the campus. It often gives them a chance to meets more like themselves and get a sense of how an institution might serve a student like them.
College Greenlight has a great list: http://blog.collegegreenlight.com/blog/2014-college-fly-in-programs/. If a teacher or counselor wants to know about a certain school, the best way to find out is to contact the admissions office. Schools often have an email newsletter to which someone could subscribe. Not all students will qualify, but at least it is a starting point for leveling the playing field.
A low-income, academic superstar wants to go to college. They start taking all the necessary steps. For their higher-income peers, one of those steps is to visit schools before they apply. Great idea, right? Sure, if you have the money for flights, hotels, etc. What is the other student supposed to do to make that happen? Fly-in programs are the solution.
Fly-in programs are programs sponsored by the institution for underrepresented students to visit. They often cover all travel and boarding, and usually include programming so that students can truly experience the campus. It often gives them a chance to meets more like themselves and get a sense of how an institution might serve a student like them.
College Greenlight has a great list: http://blog.collegegreenlight.com/blog/2014-college-fly-in-programs/. If a teacher or counselor wants to know about a certain school, the best way to find out is to contact the admissions office. Schools often have an email newsletter to which someone could subscribe. Not all students will qualify, but at least it is a starting point for leveling the playing field.
This sounds like a great way for those students who have no hope of ever leaving their city to pursue a college education, to get out and just do it. Valuable information here!
ReplyDeleteIn 15 years of teaching, I've never heard of this. I just called my "step-son" over to let him see this. He wants to go to California and his mom is saving for two years to try to get him a summer trip.
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