Mentoring

While it's widely known that too many students — particularly those from low-income families, whose parents did not go to college, who are minorities or have disabilities — are off the college track, a tougher question is figuring out how to get them on it.

If you think that only some people — of certain economic means or ethnic backgrounds — go to college, then you don't see yourself as college material. Parents and teachers with the same viewpoint can compound the problem.

But intervention pays off. Research shows that when parents get involved, students get better grades, have fewer behavioral problems, and a greater likelihood of going to college^[1]. Essentially, the more you expect of students, the better they will do.

The Pathways to College Network says that effective schools and outreach programs affirm students' backgrounds: Their cultural, linguistic, and historical knowledge is incorporated into courses and extracurricular activities. Students are then able to view their culture, language and community as assets in their quest for academic success and higher education.

Even when parents are on the front lines in encouraging their children to go to college, they may need guidance and support.

Two federally funded programs help in that regard: GEAR UP and Upward Bound.

GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) aims to increase the number of low-income students who are prepared to enter and succeed in postsecondary education. Partnerships use the grants to provide services at high-poverty middle and high schools.

For example, GEAR UP in Rio Grande Valley, Texas, reaches out to create a college-bound culture in the Latino community, where children traditionally stay close to their families and where low-wage jobs in agricultural fields are common.

Luisa Colin, featured in The College Track: America's Sorting Machine, trains Latino parents to go out into their communities and convince other parents of the importance of college. “Students... they cannot do it on their own. A counselor can help at school and so can the teachers, but at home they need a role model. They look up to their parents and basically, they do end up doing what the parents want.” Luisa teaches parents and students to respond to doubts about college with the answer “¡Sí, se puede!” “Yes, you can!”

Upward Bound also helps prepare students — high school students from low-income families, from families in which neither parent holds a bachelor's degree, and low-income, first-generation military veterans who are preparing to enter postsecondary education. Upward Bound projects provide instruction in math, laboratory science, composition, literature, and foreign language, and may also offer services such as mentoring and help with preparing college entrance and financial aid applications.

You can also check with colleges or universities in your area to see if they offer Upward Bound opportunities for high school students.