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They’re headed to a college or university! One of the most consequential decisions our students and their families make is selecting a college or university to attend following high school… Continue Reading
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One of the most consequential decisions our students and their families make is selecting a college or university to attend following high school graduation.
Our College Apps (i.e. Application) Academy was introduced in 2021 because so many factors go into making those choices.
Many of our students are the first in their family to attend a college or university and the College Apps Academy provides essential guidance that might not otherwise be available.
To date, 135 KidWorks high school graduates have gone through the academy since 2017.
College Apps runs from September in one year, concluding around College Decision Day on May 1 the following year.
That’s why we invite you to join us in celebrating the 24 KidWorks students who have completed their 25-week College Apps Academy journey this season and have selected a college or university to attend beginning in the spring or fall.
“The College Apps Academy provides high school seniors with much-needed guidance through the college application process, including support with college and financial aid applications, scholarships, admissions essays and tips on how to have a successful transition into college,” says Clarisa Vargas, our College & Career Director.
“Completing the program and taking their next step towards higher education is a huge accomplishment for the students and their families,” Clarisa adds.
Clarisa also thanked Leslie Martinez, our former College & Career Coordinator, who recently left KidWorks for another opportunity.
“Leslie made so many valuable contributions to the College Apps Academy and to Campus Crash and we wish her all the best,” Clarisa said.
Before leaving, Leslie expressed her joy in helping make College Apps such a success these past months.
“A big part of making the College Apps Academy relevant is using wording that our students actually understand,” Leslie says. “We are also very proactive with each student and keep checking in with them. Plus, we give them space to just be seniors.”
She adds, “Parents are new to the process as well, so I wanted to create space for them to ask questions and receive reassurance that even though the process can be scary, it’s going to be okay.”
Here is what a few of the students who completed the latest 25-week experience say, long with their intended major at a university/college.
Stephany Alvarez, Godinez Fundamental High School (legal/business): “The College Apps Academy provides so many resources and helpful advice. Plus, I was able to meet new people and become more independent.”
Jose Arevalo, Valley High School (plumbing): “I learned not to be afraid to ask questions. Learning new skills was very exciting for me.”
Angelly Balam, Godinez Fundamental High School (music education): “I’m excited to get to experience a new environment, with new people and more opportunities, as not only a student, but also as a young adult who is learning about what the world is actually like. KidWorks provided me the support that I needed for my college application process. KidWorks also gave me moral support for my college audition.”
Chris Flores, Mater Dei High School (business): “KidWorks really guided me. College Apps Academy helps make sure students are on track to being successful.”
Shaila Jimenez, Godinez Fundamental High School (diagnostic medical sonography): “KidWorks has helped me so much by providing a mentor and also having one-on-one talks about life and outside of school. The academy helped me stay motivated throughout school.”
Jennifer Martinez, Valley High School (public health): “Having tutors showed me that people care about my future. I really appreciate the fact that not every student everywhere receives these resources and help.”
Brandon Valdez, Godinez Fundamental High School (art/digital media): “I’m excited because the academy will mean I’m the first in my family to go to college. The academy helped me to be more social, less dependent on others and use my resources better. The experience was very helpful in my development.”
Caleb Vazquez, Godinez Fundamental High School (HVAC): “I learned the importance of staying on top on my work. Making new friends and trying out new things was fun, too!”
Clarisa described what takes place during the 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. once a week meeting:
Parents are also integral to the entire process and are fully involved. They take part in workshops centered around financial aid and career education.
The College Apps Academy is one of KidWorks’ two major growth strategies:
This growth strategy focuses on strengthening and expanding our college and career success programming—preparing more young people to become competent, confident, and career-ready adults.
Key enhancements include:
The other key growth strategy is expanding our network of spoke centers (there are now three in addition to our main Dan Donahue Center).
“What makes the KidWorks’ College Apps program so vital is that it changes the mindset of students who may never have considered a college or university in their future,” Clarisa says. “At the same time, KidWorks absolutely respects that college or a university might not be a fit for 100 percent of our students. Pursuing a trade, starting a business or serving in the military can be exactly the right choice for some.”
Please join us in celebrating the college seniors who this month completed their College Apps Academy curriculum and are now enthusiastically anticipating their college/university experience.
By Glenn Leibowitz, volunteer writer
When you support KidWorks with a financial donation, you are directly helping to provide a path forward to an advanced degree for high school seniors. Please click this link for more ways to give.
If you are a parent or high school student interested in learning more about the College Apps Academy, please visit https://kidworksoc.org/college-career-success-initiatives/college-apps-academy/.