When a student enrolls in the College Possible program, they are paired with an AmeriCorps coach to support them with college applications, personal essays, standardized test prep, and more. College Possible also supports students with targeted events, including free visits to campuses in and outside of the Twin Cities.
Since the school year started in September, College Possible has offered students the opportunity to visit multiple college campuses around the state. On October 17, 38 students visited the Carleton College and St. Olaf College campuses. This visit marked the first weekday visit; normally campus visits occur on weekends so as not to take time away from school time. It was a success, and the program events team will continue to look for these opportunities in the future.
“Seeing two colleges in one day was really nice, as well as the fall scenery” says Naatii, a student at Columbia Heights High School. “I liked the area and the vibe of the season. I really enjoyed it” continues Amira from St. Louis Park High School. “I liked how the guide explained their experience in the college.” says Highland Park High School student Miriam.
On October 26, 49 students visited the University of Minnesota Duluth, and on December 7, 75 students visited the Twin Cities campus of the University of Minnesota. This was the largest campus event College Possible Minnesota has ever done. Students across area high schools enjoyed their experiences:
- “I liked the positivity that people from the University of Minnesota Duluth showed us” – Leonardo, Kennedy High School
- “The fact that people told us about their personal experience was great.”
Elroi, Edina High School - “I really like how they emphasized how you’ll always meet new people no matter where you are on campus.”
Korina, Kennedy High School - “I liked the classes that they offered, and it was walkable/drivable. I was also a big fan of the dorms and the atmosphere.”
Madeline, Coon Rapids High School
Between these campus visits and the second year of fall Metro Visit Days, College Possible Minnesota high school students visited nine college campuses this fall, with 281 unique students attending a College Possible event. These events all added up to a total student attendance of 371, with 217 seniors and 154 juniors. On average, students rated the value of events a 4.3 out of 5 on feedback surveys, which corresponds with “very valuable.” It was wonderful to see an overall upward trend in event registration and attendance, with every event this fall seeing a 50% or higher increase in attendance compared to similar events last year.
