How to Help Students Pursue Their Higher Education Goals
The pursuit of higher education is a transformative journey that can unlock a world of opportunities. Postsecondary training can include two- and four-year degree programs, professional certificates and licenses, apprenticeships, and more. It not only enhances career prospects, but also fosters personal growth, critical thinking skills, and social mobility.
However, and particularly for socioeconomically disadvantaged and non-traditional students, the path is often fraught with obstacles. If you value equal access to higher education and want to help others succeed, you can play a pivotal role in supporting all students as they strive for academic and professional success.
Here’s how you can start supporting first-gen college students and helping young people everywhere achieve their educational goals.
1. Offering Encouragement
One of the most straightforward — yet incredibly impactful — ways to support students is through encouragement. The decision to pursue higher education of any kind is a significant commitment and challenge, which is why helping them stay focused and motivated is essential. It’s also important that education seekers know they're not alone. Whether you’re a family member, teacher, or friend of a prospective student, or simply a community member who cares, your moral support can play a key role in helping students achieve their dreams.
2. Sharing Information and Resources
Information is power, and connecting students with the resources they need can make all the difference. If you live or work in proximity to an aspiring postsecondary student, be sure to share your knowledge of key related opportunities and resources, especially those designed specifically for under-resourced, first-generation, and nontraditional students. This can include information related to:
- Scholarships, grants, and federal financial aid
- Work-study programs
- Mentorship and tutoring programs
- Education types and formats, such as in-person and online programs, community and four-year colleges, historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), trade schools and technical colleges, apprenticeship programs, etc.
- SAT, ACT, and other qualifying exam preparation resources
- Childcare services
- Transportation services
- Personal finance and financial planning resources
3. Volunteering
Volunteering with education-related nonprofits like On Point for College is an excellent way to help large numbers of prospective students become higher education graduates, which can be an enormously rewarding experience. These organizations work to bridge educational inequities for many different student demographics. By contributing your time and skills, you can help these organizations in various capacities, from tutoring to administrative tasks.
4. Offering Financial Support
Donating to education-focused nonprofits can like On Point for College have a powerful long-term impact. Your financial contribution can fund scholarships, educational programs, and other resources to which many students may not otherwise have access. If you want to do more with your dollar, consider the following giving strategies to maximize your impact:
- Signing up for recurring or monthly donations
- Donating stock or appreciated securities
- Participating in employer matching donation programs
- Establishing bequests of money, stocks, assets, insurance policies, or charitable gift annuities
Help Young People Pursue Higher Education With On Point for College
On Point for College helps traditional and non-traditional students in the Central New York region overcome the barriers to higher education and careers. We support our students from application through graduation and beyond, empowering them to fulfill their dreams and achieve their potential, which ultimately benefits both individuals and our community.
With the support of people like you, who believe that every young person should have the opportunity to receive an education regardless of background or socioeconomic status, On Point for College is changing thousands of individual lives, the lives of families, and the face of entire communities. There are many ways to support On Point and create the opportunity for a better future for individuals and families in our community. Please consider volunteering with us or making a donation today!