As the academic year comes to an end, Fulfillment Fund is gearing up for a robust summer program designed to support students transitioning from high school to college. Understanding the critical period between graduation and the start of college, we are committed to ensuring that our students are well-prepared and equipped to embark on their higher education journeys. This summer, our programming focuses on expanding financial aid support, increasing outreach efforts, and combating the summer melt phenomenon.
Expanded Financial Aid Support
Navigating the financial aid process can be overwhelming for many students and their families. To alleviate this burden, we are expanding our Financial Aid Office Hours throughout the summer. Our dedicated team will offer extended hours to provide personalized assistance, helping students complete their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and understand their financial aid offers.
Completing the FAFSA is a crucial step in securing financial aid, and we want to ensure that every student has the opportunity to maximize their financial aid package. Whether students have questions about the application process, need help interpreting their financial aid offers, or require guidance on the next steps, our team will be available to provide the necessary support. By offering this targeted assistance, we aim to reduce financial barriers and help students confidently transition to college.
Comprehensive Outreach Efforts
To reach as many students and families as possible, we are implementing a comprehensive outreach strategy. Throughout the summer, we will conduct outreach via phone calls, mailings, flyers, social media, text messages, and emails. Our goal is to keep students informed, engaged, and on track with their college enrollment plans.
By leveraging various communication channels, we can ensure that our messages reach a wide audience and provide timely reminders about important deadlines, resources, and events. Our outreach efforts will include information about financial aid completion, enrollment steps, and other critical aspects of the college transition process. We are committed to maintaining open lines of communication with our students and their families to address any concerns and provide the support they need.
Combatting the Summer Melt
One of the most significant challenges faced by students transitioning to college is the summer melt phenomenon, where students who have committed to college ultimately do not enroll in the fall. To address this issue, we have developed a multifaceted approach that includes employing ten student interns during the summer.
Our student interns will play a vital role in engaging with a high volume of students and ensuring they remain on track for college enrollment. These interns, who have recently navigated the college transition process themselves, will provide peer-to-peer support and share their own experiences. They will assist with outreach efforts, answer questions, and offer encouragement to their peers.
By having student interns involved in our summer programming, we aim to create a supportive community where students feel connected and motivated to follow through with their college plans. The interns will help bridge the gap between high school and college, offering relatable insights and fostering a sense of belonging among incoming college students.
Every student deserves the opportunity to pursue higher education and achieve their dreams. Our summer programming is designed to provide the necessary support and resources to help students successfully transition from high school to college. By expanding financial aid assistance, implementing comprehensive outreach efforts, and combatting the summer melt, we are committed to empowering our students and ensuring they start their college journey with confidence.
We are excited about the positive impact our summer programming will have on our students and look forward to celebrating their successes as they embark on this new chapter in their educational journey.