College, Career and Wellness

The Brotherhood/Sister Sol (Bro/Sis) College Advisory Program (CAP) takes a formal approach to college preparation. Its primary purpose is to expose our 7th to 12th graders to the college experience and support their successful entry into and achievement in higher education.

Objectives

We facilitate a range of experiences and connect them to training and resources that will:

• Broaden their knowledge of college and universities (public, private, HBCU, single sex, etc.)
• Deepen their interest and belief that they can achieve in higher education
• Increase their awareness of career options and the pathways to success

Coordination

Silvia Canales is our CAP Coordinator. She received training through Goddard Riverside’s Options Institute, a nationally recognized provider of in-service training for college access counselors. With her guidance, members learn how to identify appropriate colleges, build robust applications, create and assess financial aid packages, and other vital processes. Members receive individualized support and guidance, and participate in tours to 12 to 15 diverse institutions which provides exposure to different options for college. Often, Bro/Sis alum conduct tours of the campuses of the colleges they attend. This interaction is especially meaningful to our members as they demonstrate to them that they too can succeed in their pursuit of higher education. Through CAP, members have access to SAT preparation classes, attend college fairs where Bro/Sis alum share their college experience, and participate in workshops on the college process. They also receive assistance with their applications, personal statements, and essays.

Components

• Individualized support and guidance
• Deepen their interest and belief that they can achieve in higher education
• Increase their awareness of career options and the pathways to success
• An in-house College Fair featuring Bro/Sis alumni and their schools (January)
• A Workshop Series for high school seniors:

Application Workshop helps them develop their application package (October)

Financial Aid Application 101 helps them understand and accurately complete their financial aid form (January)

Show Me the Money: Comparing Financial Aid Packages helps them understand their tuition fees, grants and scholarship package (April)

Transition Day prepares them for the day-to-day college experience (August)

Bro/Sis is also committed to sending each graduating 12th grader to college with a laptop and a goodie bag of personal and school supplies.

Impact

By the time our members are applying for college, they have had the opportunity to visit at least 15schools throughout New York, Connecticut, Virginia, Maryland, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, New Jersey, and Washington, DC. They are informed about what colleges are looking for and how to present themselves in an application and interview. When they enter college, they are familiar with the academic expectations and dynamics of campus social life. We continue to support our members through age 22, knowing that they will encounter many new challenges as they transition into college (and/or the workforce).