At College Possible, the start of a new school year is more than just a beginning—it’s a celebration of our mission and the community we continue to build. This year’s Welcome Weeks were a testament to the strength of our team and the unwavering commitment to helping students achieve their dreams of college success.
Welcoming new and familiar faces
This year, we were thrilled to welcome 19 coaches to our team, including ten dedicated individuals returning for another year of service. These returning coaches bring invaluable experience, having learned the intricacies of student service. Their reflections on the previous year have not only strengthened their resolve but also provided critical insights that will benefit our entire team.
One of the exciting developments this year is the growth of our AmeriCorps team. College Possible Omaha had 12 coaches during the 2022-23 academic year, up to 17 last year, to a total of 19 this year, nearing pre-pandemic numbers when we would often have over 25 coaches. Our highest staff count in three years includes 12 access coaches and seven success coaches. AmeriCorps service members benefit from a lighter caseload allowing them to build deeper, more meaningful connections with students they support. By expanding our team, we’re able to offer even stronger support to the students we serve.
“When it comes to College Possible programming, curriculum, and the support provided to students, three key factors stand out: dosage, delivery, and capacity,” said Aminatu Issaka, senior director of college access at College Possible Omaha. “Dosage refers to how much programming is provided, delivery encompasses the population and number of students receiving support, and capacity reflects the number coaches available. These elements are crucial in ensuring effective student engagement and success.”
In the years following the pandemic, College Possible saw a decline in both student engagement and coach capacity. However, the tide has turned. Issaka continued, “In recent years, a positive trend has occurred in near-peer coach capacity and student engagement. What this tells us is that, not only is College Possible making an impact in the realm of student success, but we’re also able to make an even bigger impact in the space of dosage and delivery of our programming with an increased number of coaches present in our partner high schools.”
For the 2024-25 academic year, College Possible Omaha is excited about our 12 college access coaches in our nine partner high schools—a remarkable 44% increase in coach capacity compared to the previous year. This growth reflects our ongoing commitment to providing greater support to the students we serve.
Learning and reflecting together
Welcome Weeks provided an essential opportunity for everyone—both new and returning coaches—to come together, learn from one another, and reflect on our shared mission. Over three weeks, returning coaches shared insights on lessons they learned throughout their service last year and emphasized the importance of flexibility, resilience, and the powerful connections built with students and staff in schools served. These reflections are a guiding light for new coaches, helping them understand the profound impact they will have in the year ahead.
A highlight of Welcome Weeks was our College Possible-themed Trivial Pursuit game. This activity was fun and educational, allowing AmeriCorps service members to deepen their understanding of College Possible’s mission, team, and the diverse students we serve. They also deepened their understanding of the challenges and opportunities students face, making them better equipped to provide support throughout the year.
Celebrating service at the AmeriCorps Homecoming Social
As the final week of Welcome Weeks drew to a close, the Omaha team gathered for a celebration of service and community at the AmeriCorps Homecoming Social. This event brought together coaches, alumni, and staff members. This year’s social was a resounding success, featuring opportunities to network, engaging minute-to-win-it games, and a panel discussion with AmeriCorps alumni who previously served with College Possible. Through their stories, our alumni highlighted the lasting impact of their service and the lifelong connections they’ve made. Thank you to AmeriCorps alumni Marisa Mathews from the College of Saint Mary, Jonathan Acosta from the University of Nebraska Omaha, and Rose Christiansen from the Weitz Family Foundation for participating in the panel discussion.
The event also included an engaging round of College Possible Jeopardy!, which summarized key points and interesting tidbits from the previous three weeks. The Homecoming Social celebrated the start of a new service year and reinforced the sense of community and shared purpose that defines College Possible.
Looking ahead at the 2024-25 academic year
As we reflect on Welcome Weeks, we are filled with a sense of excitement and anticipation for the year ahead. This year’s team is a strong one, bolstered by the experience of returning coaches and the fresh perspectives of new AmeriCorps service members. These preparations are crucial as they directly influence the success of the numerous students we serve across the Omaha metro area, helping them navigate the complexities of college admissions and achieve their academic dreams.
Together, we are ready to make a difference in the lives of students, helping them navigate the path to college and beyond. The lessons learned and bonds formed during Welcome Weeks will serve as the foundation for a year of growth, success, and new possibilities for the students we serve.
