You’re not alone if you feel that the key to college access is knowledge; knowledge spread through caring adults who can connect with students as they seek to connect students with futures lined with open doors. OCAN feels the same way, and has partnered with other like-minded organizations – the Ohio State University’s Economic Access Initiative, the Cleveland Scholarship Programs, and Cincinnati Youth Collaborative – to develop an AmeriCorps initiative that will do just that: provide caring adults equipped with the know-how and the passion to connect traditionally underserved students with a future lined with open doors.
The Ohio College Access Advising Corps will combat issues of college access in school districts who need them the most, districts with low graduation and college-going rates, but hard-working students who face the obstacles that come with the "status" of low-income, minority, or a first generation college student. The Advising Corps will be a corps of young people, fresh out of college, whom students can easily relate with, confide in, and eventually emulate as they are guided in planning for their future and taking constructive steps toward successful completion of their goals.
The program development is underway, but will soon be visible for potential members and access organizations and school districts. Discussions are in progress to join the National College Access Advising Corps, and in November, three student focus groups were conducted to ensure a successful program influenced with views and perspectives of potential members. Stay tuned to keep up with the program’s development, and to learn how you can get involved!
Check out these links for additional information:
Press Release
Benefits of an AmeriCorps Program
National College Access Advising Corps
Questions?
Please contact Bridget McFadden, Director, AmeriCorps at 216.929.3536 or mcfaddenb@ohiocan.org.