Strive For College Collaborative

Strive For College Collaborative has no news yet.

1. What issue will your venture address? Why is it an important issue?

WHY STRIVE FOR COLLEGE?
Each year, over 400,000 low-income high school students graduate and are qualified to attend four-year colleges - but don’t. Many of those who do attend college miss an important opportunity to attend selective colleges and universities because they lack the knowledge and resources to navigate the exceedingly complex and intimidating process of applying for college admission and financial aid.

Just 3% of students at the nation’s top 146 colleges are drawn from the bottom 25%, while the top 50% of the income distribution contributes 90% of students at top colleges. Research shows that students who attend the best college that they can get into drastically improve their chances of successfully graduating. Helping talented low-income students realize their potential has important and far-reaching impacts on the national economy and on local communities. As more qualified students reach college and less talent is lost, communities across the country will grow stronger.

Strive for College aims to erase the inequalities of college access.Through a combination of technology and ongoing mentoring by college students, Strive helps qualified students effectively complete the college selection, application, and financial aid processes. Strive helps students successfully enroll at colleges which will maximize their chances of success.

2. Why are YOU pursuing this specific issue? Tell us why you're passionate and qualified!

EARLY SUCCESS
The first Strive for College model at Washington University in St. Louis worked with high school juniors at Wellston High School in Wellston, Missouri starting in the fall of 2006. That year, only 1 of 30 graduating seniors went to a four-year college. After two years of implementing Strive’s model, 24 of 27 graduating seniors went on to four-year institutions. The pilot phase allowed Strive for College to refine its model and vision for growth based on our experiences working with college students. Strive for College is now operating 5 chapters across the country, with 5 additional chapters prepared to be operational by spring.

3. How will your venture address this issue? Help us understand what you do and how it helps.

STRIVE’S APPROACH
Strive for College is building a network of chapters across the country, empowering college students to mentor low-income high school students through the college application and financial aid processes. Strive for College uses an innovative online platform, Strive Online, to deliver an individualize curriculum to each student. Strive Online identifies best-fit colleges based on students’ preferences and academics, and helps them manage and complete their applications. Strive Online facilitates the interaction between mentor and student to ensure and maintain the highest level of quality. Additionally, Strive Online provides cost-efficient management of chapters allowing targeted allocation of resources. Through the national expansion of this program, Strive for College is building a movement of college students committed to service and social entrepreneurship, ready to tackle our most pressing problems.