A: It’s free. Thanks to generous donations from individuals, foundations, and corporations, we are able to offer the program free of charge to our students and their families.
Q: What is the process of student selection?
A: First, a student must receive a nomination (from a teacher, counselor, youth leader, boss, peer, etc). Then the student is asked to fill out an application form that covers basic information, family information, educational information, testing information, financial information, and a short writing section. Our team will review all applications and then contact students to set up in-person interviews. We will also be conducting parent interviews. This is just a chance for us to get to know the student and their family on a deeper level. We will evaluate all applicants and will announce our selected Mission Scholars by June 1, 2019!
Q: As a parent, how can I help my student through this process?
A: We believe that in order for a student to be successful in the college application process, it is important for all of us to be on the same page and to be working together toward a common goal. For this reason, we will hold parent meetings where our team will introduce ourselves and the Mission Scholar program. We will discuss the best ways for parents to support their students through the college admissions process at home. This is also a chance to build a community and get to know each other so that everyone feels informed and aware of their roles and responsibilities.
Q: What type of commitment will be expected from your students?
A: Our program is intensive, offering a series of workshops and one-on-one meetings with staff and volunteers. In order to help our Students reach their full potential, receive the best college admission options available to them, and prepare to succeed in college, our workshops, meetings, and other team-building commitments are mandatory.
Q: Are there other services that Mission Scholars is offering beyond college admissions assistance?
A: Yes. We will be offering an exciting study skills and academic coaching training program through an expert in his field, Paul Rivas, to all Mission Scholars. Students will learn how to design and manage their own success, and these practical study skills will help students succeed in school, work, and life. By using the same study skills that the best students at the best colleges use, our Mission Scholars will have time to make the most of their high school and college experiences. In addition, we will be creating an alumni mentorship program so that Mission Scholar graduates will feel supported throughout their college experience. It doesn’t end with college admission, so we will focus on preparing and supporting our Scholars to succeed academically and socially once they reach their university.
Q: How is Mission Scholars different than other organizations in town?
A: Mission Scholars is unique in that we don’t stop with college acceptance. Our alumni program will offer graduates an opportunity to mentor a new class of Mission Scholars and speak at various events to share their success stories. Also, we will check in with our students quarterly once they are in college to best support their needs and connect them with local resources on their campus to ensure success.
Q: Do you only work with juniors in high school?
A: Currently, we are starting with high school juniors for our first Pioneer Program to guide them through the entire college application process through their senior year and into their college experience. In the future as we expand, our vision is to have different cohorts of younger students to equip them with the tools and resources necessary to be best prepared for college. This will include college preparation workshops, study skills training, community service projects, team-building retreats, and one-on-one advising.