College Visions

College Access

College Access

“As a first-generation student, I couldn't rely on my parents for some of the information I needed, but my CV advisor offered me the extra assistance I needed. I'm so happy that there was a place I could go to complete my college applications, receive help editing essays, and get information about scholarships and workshops. CV has always supported me and encouraged me to pursue my goals because they believe in my potential to achieve success.”

Licelot Caraballo, College of the Holy Cross '21

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College Visions students currently attend or have graduated from a wide variety of colleges and universities. Click the link below for a complete listing.

COLLEGE CHOICES 

The College Access Program (CAP) provides the intensive, individualized advising that closes the gap between college aspirations and college enrollment for first-generation, low-income students.

Our Outcomes | This year the highly successful CAP is supporting 70 low-income, first-generation 12th graders to apply to and enroll in college. In our 2016-17 CAP cohort, an impressive 98% of 12th graders completed the program, and 97% of those students enrolled in college in the fall.

The Need | In Providence, 88% of 12th graders plan to attend college, but only 38% enroll within 6 months of high school graduation (source: RI Kids Count). The average guidance counselor caseload is 350 students, a structural challenge that ensures few students have access to personalized college advising.


1-ON-1 ADMISSIONS ADVISING

Each student meets with their staff advisor every other week throughout 12th grade to develop polished application materials. Personalized advising and sustained student/advisor relationships are the core of the CAP model.

COLLEGE KNOWLEDGE WORKSHOPS

During the summer before 12th grade, each newly admitted CAP student completes 15 hours of intensive college preparation workshops including activities focused on college admissions terminology and timelines, college list building, and financial aid.

CAMPUS VISITS

College Visions sponsors campus visits and supports students’ applications to college-sponsored visits. CV students visit schools including the University of Rhode Island, Rhode Island College, and the Community College of Rhode Island as well as Brandeis, Dickinson, Guilford, Lafayette, Mount Holyoke, Salem, Smith, and the University of Rochester.

FAMILY ENGAGEMENT

Families engage with College Visions through individual meetings, a fall open house, and workshops throughout the year.

ACCESS TO TECHNOLOGY

Our workroom is open to students Monday-Friday from 3-7pm during the academic year, providing essential computer, scanner, fax, and internet access.

FINANCIAL AID COACHING

Each summer and fall, College Visions offers financial aid information workshops sessions for students and families. We encourage students to apply to colleges that have demonstrated a commitment to affordability for low-income students.

We recognize that completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid is essential to college access and completion, and each January support FAFSA completion by coaching students and families in 5 FAFSA completion workshops, as well as 1-on-1 sessions.

Thanks to these interventions, 100% of CAP families complete the FAFSA by the March 1 Rhode Island priority deadline. First-year CV college students receive a median financial aid award that meets 91% of need and includes an average of $25,893 in gift aid and just $4,262 in loans.


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