This spring, College Possible Minnesota launched Ready, Set, College!, a new initiative that supports a cohort of incoming college first-year students. This program provides targeted coaching and support by addressing social-emotional learning skills and academic preparedness, delivered through a series of workshops to cultivate a sense of belonging and support on campus before students begin their college journey.
“We’re intensely focused on the critical transition from high school to college, and this pilot is designed to tackle ‘summer melt’ and boost retention for first-generation students,” says Executive Director BG Tucker. “College Possible Minnesota is building a supportive community before they even step onto campus, acknowledging their unique needs and celebrating their achievements. This sustained support throughout their freshman year ensures they adapt, grow, and truly belong within the college community.”
This first cohort will be attending Augsburg College, Carleton College, Gustavus Adolphus College, Macalester College, and St. Olaf College in the fall. Ready, Set, College! started with a five-hour workshop held in the College Possible office in Saint Paul. After a welcome from Executive Director BG Tucker, students heard from College Possible staff and AmeriCorps coaches about how to choose a major that suits their strengths, what resources will be available to them on their campus, the importance of time management, managing the imposter phenomenon, and how to budget for college.
“A lot of good questions were asked about finances,” said one student. “These questions were answered very thoughtfully and helped me understand budgeting and finances a little bit better.” Another student said, “I think this is a nice event to have, as it provided more helpful information about college.”
Thank you so much for today,” said a third student. “I really appreciate it so much; you have no idea what College Possible has done for me. It is a very amazing group, and it has given me so many opportunities that I know other kids don’t have. I just want to say thank you so much for giving me this opportunity to be in college possible and having so much support. I am very grateful.”
Subsequent workshops will take place during the fall and spring semesters, focusing on social and emotional learning skills and academic preparation such as how to communicate with professors. While the spring and summer sessions were led by advising specialist staff and enrichment AmeriCorps coaches, the college workshops will be led by advising specialist staff and college students who are members of our University Leaders team.
