Mission Transformation

Persistence Program

After participating in our youth program, TFI fellows are introduced to our persistence program, a program created to further support them as they prepare for and enter college. By continuing to support them through their first year of college, our goal is to increase college completion rates among college-bound minority students.

Program advisors work closely with TFI fellows recently accepted into college to help students enroll, plan, and get settled in their new environment while learning to adapt and grow. Our advisors also partner with the students’ families to guide them through the college process and learn ways they can help support their student’s success.

Program Outline

  • High school seniors recently accepted into college are introduced to a persistence program advisor to begin planning the next steps to starting college.

    Advising Focus & Goals:

    -Complete College Enrollment

    -Complete FAFSA

    -Learn About Financial Aid Types

    -Program & Degree Planning

    -Goal Setting

  • During the summer, program advisors will continue to work with students to plan the logistics for moving and settling into their new environment.

    Advising Focus & Goals:

    -Plan Attendance for College Orientation

    -Secure Student Housing

    -Enroll in Classes & Navigating the College System

    -Pack & Move to Campus

    -Learn College Academic Standards and Policies

Part 1: Preparing High School Seniors for College

TFI fellows from our youth program transition to our persistence program, a program designed to provide continued support to our youth as they begin their path to obtaining a degree and starting a career.

  • As students begin their college journey, our focus is ensuring they have a smooth transition to their college environment. During this time, we want to work with college freshmen early in their first year to build a solid foundation.

    Weekly Check-In Topics:

    -Maintaining Healthy Routines and Habits

    -Study Skills & Strategies

    -Ways to Get Involved: Activities & Clubs

    -Understanding & Coping with Social Changes

    -Learning When & Where to Find Support

  • After learning to adapt and understand the basics of the college lifestyle, our objective is to ensure that the student feels confident in their skills and abilities to plan their future semesters and further develop their experience.

    Weekly Check-In Topics:

    -Academic Progress

    -Overall Social/Emotional Experience

    -Any Current Struggles or Obstacles

    -Financial Planning & Management for College Students

    -Summer Internships & Jobs

    -International Study Opportunities

Part 2: Transitioning to College

As students enter their freshman year of college, our goal is to help them settle into their new environment and learn ways to enjoy and benefit from their college experience. We want to promote a success-focused mindset that they will carry throughout their career. Weekly check-ins will be conducted with advisors to allow opportunities for feedback and continued guidance.

Advising Goals

Working With Families

Upon entering the persistence program, students and students’ families regularly meet with program advisors to discuss the student’s goals, progress, and next steps.

Understanding Each Student’s Needs

Advisors assess college readiness, determine what support is needed, and create an individualized student plan for college.

Teaching Skills

Our program is designed to teach students life skills necessary to navigate their college environment by incorporating relevant skills development into weekly check-in meetings with students.

Promoting Career Exploration & Mapping

Program advisors begin with learning each student’s career interests and connecting them to opportunities, such as events and workshops, to explore potential careers

Connecting Students to Resources

We want to ensure students know about the resources available through campus, outside of their campus, and how to access the benefits those resources can provide.

Measuring Success

An essential part of supporting our students is to monitor student progress and allowing opportunities for students to provide feedback so that we can consistently assess the student’s needs.

Support the Mission to Help Us Support Our Youth

It’s through our kind partners and supporters that we are able to help young men of color achieve more and feel empowered to be future leaders in their communities. Discover ways you can join and support our mission today!

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