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COLLEGE ACCESS
Schools our students attended
Programs
The College Access Program designates staff coaches for each grade level, 9th through 12th, and College. Our signature components include academic support, life-skills training, social-emotional learning, and individualized mentorship. We also provide FAFSA workshops and one-on-one counseling regarding financial aid options for students and their families. Programs and events we have include, Summer Academy, Leadership Academies, College Campus Visits, College Decision Day, College Recruiter Visits, and Pre-College Retreat.
Summer Academy
Bright Prospect hosted over 150 students for its annual Summer Academy for incoming freshmen and rising sophomores. This year, we included rising seniors with customized programming for them as they enter their senior year. Held at Harvey Mudd College (HMC), the four-day intensive program included workshops and interactive activities that focused on college access and success, growth mindset, goal-setting, the value of a college education, and team-building activities.
Leadership Academy
College Campus Visits
Leadership Academies are monthly after-school workshops held at each school site. Sessions are designed to meet the needs of students at each grade level. Topics include goal planning and achievement, self-advocacy, college applications, financial aid, and major/career exploration. Additionally, Bright Prospect holds parent meetings related to the college process to help families navigate the journey together.
College Recruiter Visits
We hosted over 20 college recruiter meetings for high school juniors and seniors. Schools represented include Brown University, Boston University, Vassar College, Stanford University and Wellesley College. During these meetings, recruiters share the unique aspects of their institution, campus, and culture, as well as financial aid packages and study major specialties. The events are integral to showing students options that they might not have considered or thought possible before.
Leadership Academies are monthly after-school workshops held at each school site. Sessions are designed to meet the needs of students at each grade level. Topics include goal planning and achievement, self-advocacy, college applications, financial aid, and major/career exploration. Additionally, Bright Prospect holds parent meetings related to the college process to help families navigate the journey together.
College Decision Day
Our annual College Decision Day is a cornerstone of our program and represents the culmination of all the hard work and dedication of our graduating seniors. It’s a celebration of the end of their high school journey and the new chapter that awaits them in college. Many of our students are first-generation college students so this accomplishment is a true milestone for them, and also for their entire families. The event brings together students, their families, PUSD faculty, underclassmen and BP staff to celebrate this landmark accomplishment.
Pre-College Retreat
Bright Prospect hosts an annual two-day event for rising college freshmen. The event includes informative workshops about the college-going experience, team-building activities, and a student panel featuring current Bright Prospect college students. One of the main priorities for the retreat is to introduce students to the next phase of their academic journey and how Bright Prospect will support them as they work towards their bachelor’s degree.