Project overview
Adjusting to college life can be a struggle, especially for students from low-income backgrounds who are often the first in their families to pursue higher education. We work with OneGoal to support students during the critical transition from high school through the first year of college.
Because of OneGoal, quitting is just not an option for me.
Chris, OneGoal Fellow and student at Salem State University
How it helps
Graduating from college is not as simple as it seems. Adjusting to college life can be such a struggle that most students who drop out do so in their first year. Nearly 30 percent of college students won’t return for year two.
In a perfect world, 100 percent of students who enroll in college would graduate. College graduates have more successful careers, and those who drop out face college debt without a college degree.
OneGoal trains high-performing teachers to provide comprehensive support from students’ junior year of high school through freshman year of college.
These teachers, known as Program Directors, learn how to specifically address the college application, selection, enrollment, and transition process. They form trusting relationships with their students that extend well beyond the walls of a high school classroom.
During high school, OneGoal is a daily class helping students build the skills required for success in college. The course provides additional support to help students navigate the often-complicated processes of college and financial aid applications. Beyond the core curriculum, Program Directors introduce students to a new vision of what is possible for their futures and how to get there.
Support doesn’t end with a high school diploma. Through one-on-one remote coaching, Program Directors provide assistance through the first year of college, a critical time to lay the foundation for success. OneGoal aims to help students navigate new experiences and potential bumps in the road, from registration to advising, financial aid, and beyond.
The good news? It’s working. 86 percent of OneGoal students who enroll in college continue on to their sophomore year. It all comes down to one goal: college graduation. Period.
