College Readiness

Alternatives’ College Readiness was launched in 2005 to provide academic support and college readiness programming, create a college-going culture and encourage successful college enrollment among students at Uplift Community High School.

College Readiness works with a cohort of students during and after school, providing range of intensive support services. Services are offered in partnership with school leadership and under the supervision of a certified teacher; work at Uplift is reinforced by referrals to Alternatives’ Youth Development programs, where many students engage in positive, skill-building activities.

The program has four major components: in-class support, academic assistance, career exploration, and college selection and application support.

In-class support: College Readiness staff are available to students in math, science, social studies and English classes. Staff provide one-on-one assistance to help students understand and complete assignments and address individual barriers to learning.

Academic assistance: College Readiness participants regularly receive academic assistance after school, from tutors offering support under the supervision of a certified teacher. Last year, 83% of participants indicated that they completed their homework more often due to their participation in the program.

Career exploration: Career exploration activities are offered during and after school one day each week. Students are supported in developing a career plan, creating a resume, and preparing for interviews. Career interests are also integrated into each student’s Individual Learning Plan through workshops, career exploration activities and CES projects both on-site and through Alternatives’ center-based technology training programs.

College selection and application support: Staff work intensively with students during the college selection and application process, helping them develop personal statements, identify schools that fit their needs and goals, and navigate the financial aid system. Approximately 1/3 of participants receive long-term intensive support as they develop their personal statements and complete rigorous scholarship application requirements; last year, 70% of these youth received highly competitive scholarships, including the Posse and Gates Millennium Scholarships, that enabled them to manage the financial requirements of postsecondary education.

In addition to services in these core areas, College Readiness intentionally develops a collaborative and supportive network of students, parents, mentors and alumni in order to facilitate a critical shift in the perspective and approach of participating students and the broader school community.