Maria, a senior at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, first learned about College Possible in 2019 while attending Champlin Park High School. As a first-generation college student, Maria “wanted to be as prepared as possible for the college application process. College Possible Minnesota provided the support and resources I needed to navigate applications and financial aid.”
By joining College Possible her junior year of high school she was able to take advantage of valuable resources, including ACT test preparation, assistance with college applications, campus visits, and help with filling out her financial aid forms. College visits through College Possible helped Maria visualize her future: “[Campus visits] made me more excited and motivated to attend college. They were also informative, allowing me to learn which schools had strong programs in my field of interest. Without these resources,” says Maria, “I would have faced significant challenges with little guidance.”
Maria says starting college was overwhelming, especially with things that seemed second nature to other students. College Possible helped her navigate that transition by answering questions, addressing concerns, and offering constant support. “College Possible has been there for me beyond academics—they’ve also supported my personal growth. During my first year, my coach helped me find a job on campus closer to where I lived. I still work at that job today, nearly four years later.”
When her car was stolen, it created a major financial burden. Maria’s College Possible coach guided her to emergency funding resources, and she was granted the maximum amount. This support not only helped her financially but also allowed her to focus on my studies without additional stress. “Receiving the College Possible scholarship every year has significantly reduced my financial burden. Without it, I would be paying much more out of pocket. This support has allowed me to focus on my academics rather than worrying about finances.”
Ultimately, Maria wants an established career doing meaningful work in her community and supporting others the way she was supported. “Without College Possible, I likely would have relied on generic resources that weren’t tailored to my needs. I also wouldn’t have been aware of the many opportunities available to first-generation students and those from low-income backgrounds. The personalized support made a significant difference in my college journey.”
