ConnectED is an enterprising collaboration between WPS Institute, Newton METCO, Newton Boys & Girls Club, and the Newton Youth Success Collaborative (I’m Amazing Program). Designed to uplift and empower Black, Latinx, and/or low-income high school juniors and seniors, the ConnectEd College Prep initiative equips students with the tools, confidence, and community to navigate the college application maze.
“Each part of the program had different things to offer, from personal experiences to guidance on how to become more persistent and aware of what needs to be done.” — Naomie
The Arc of the Program
Over the course of four sessions, our goal with the ConnectEd program was to create a structured, supportive environment for students to explore their college goals. We began with an introductory session that included team-building exercises led by Bentley University mentors and a deep dive into the CollegeEase platform, a virtual college consultant built for high school students. Each session featured a panel of college students and professionals sharing their pre-college experiences and career trajectories, offering representation and inspiration for our participants.
In subsequent sessions, we tackled some of the most daunting aspects of college preparation:
College Selection Criteria: Using the College Ease built in assessment students were able to input SAT/ACT scores, desired majors, preferred region of attendance, and a number of other preferences to receive a tailored college list that they could explore. In our fourth session, in collaboration with MEFA and Julie Wickstrom (Boston University), we will deliver a comprehensive session on the FAFSA and CSS Profile, acknowledging the complexity and importance of these forms in the financial aid process for families.
Essay Writing and Personal Pitches: Students worked in groups to refine their personal statements, with guidance from mentors and expert coaches including but not limited to Nina Shah (WIB-Greater Boston), Allan Reeder (Hillside Writing), David Stamps (Bentley University), Daniel Greenberg (College Ease).
Belonging and Community Building: Throughout the program, students engaged in small group sessions guided by prompts from the Talking College card deck to share their experiences and learn collaboratively.
“What I found most helpful was the College Ease website because it’s going to really help guide me.” — Naslam Mohamed
Key Takeaways from the Students
Increased Confidence: Students reported a significant boost in their readiness to tackle college decisions and applications. One participant shared, “Hearing feedback during the practice interviews really helped me feel prepared.”
Valuable Skills: Essay writing emerged as a highlight, equipping students with critical tools for their applications.
Community and Support: Small group sessions provided camaraderie and mutual learning. One student reflected, “Small group time taught me that using my resources to the fullest can bring the largest benefits.”
Areas for Growth: Students expressed a need for more support in financial aid, understanding college resources, and preparing for campus life. This feedback will guide our focus in the final session.
Looking Ahead
As we wrap up this semester’s program, we reflect on the incredible work accomplished through the power of partnerships. Together, we have created a supportive space for students to gain confidence, build essential skills, and feel empowered to take the next steps in their college journeys. The impact of this collaboration underscores the importance of community-driven efforts to uplift and support students in reaching their goals.
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The WPS Institute creates innovative programs and partnerships to transform learning. We advance models of schooling where learning thrives everywhere, in classrooms and beyond; where students and their families are empowered to shape their own educational journeys; and where entire communities contribute to the development of young people.
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