REACH K–12

College readiness starts before move-in day.

Students, families, schools, and community partners can build financial-aid knowledge, confidence, belonging, and support systems before college barriers become emergencies.

YOUR GUIDED PATH

Build a stronger bridge to college

Practical preparation for middle and high school students, first-generation families, educators, and youth-serving organizations.

STEP 01

Start the college conversation

Help students connect education to their goals without treating one path as the only successful path.

  • Explore college, trade, apprenticeship, service, and career options
  • Talk honestly about interests, support needs, cost, and distance from home
  • Build a balanced college list using fit, affordability, support, and completion data
STEP 02

Prepare for financial aid

Make FAFSA and college-cost conversations familiar before senior-year deadlines.

  • Create StudentAid.gov accounts only through the official website
  • Learn who may need to participate as a FAFSA contributor
  • Compare grants, scholarships, work-study, and loans before accepting an offer
STEP 03

Build the student toolkit

Practice the habits and documents that make applications and transitions easier.

  • Create a professional email address and check it regularly
  • Track activities, service, awards, work, and leadership for applications
  • Draft a reusable personal story and ask for recommendations early
STEP 04

Plan for belonging and support

A strong transition plan includes people and resources—not only admission.

  • Identify tutoring, counseling, disability services, mentoring, and cultural support
  • Discuss transportation, food, housing, health, technology, and emergency plans
  • Choose three trusted people the student can contact when college gets hard

KEEP REACHING

One next step is enough for today.

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