For many first-generation college-bound students, the challenges, fears, and apprehension to pursue a college education are not new. The pandemic has amplified their sense of uncertainty and disconnection to the endless possibilities that lay ahead. The path to their dreams and goals seems murkier than ever before, riddled with sandtraps, circuitous turns, and unexpected detours.
Our students are dealing with new challenges, not just from COVID safety requirements, but also financial obstacles and in dealing with systems strained to meet their needs as they head off to or return to schools and universities. While schools across the country focus on keeping students healthy and addressing the learning loss during this period, we remain a solid line of defense students can count on to help them get to and through college.
Mental health has also been a recurring issue our students consistently bring up. In some cases, students are experiencing social anxiety whenever they are around a large group of their peers. Others are struggling to juggle their responsibilities at home and school.
Now more than ever students need adults, advocates, educators, and counselors to support them through these challenges, to listen, and reassure them that their dreams are not deferred but instead waiting to be realized. We have adjusted our programs and staffing to meet the realities on the ground head-on and continue to provide meaningful strategic support and guidance to our amazing students and their families.
