College programs help students navigate application process

Across the state of Oregon there has been an increase in students relying on college programs in order to gain information and guidance about how college works and how to get into college. 

Applying for college is difficult, especially for people who are going to be the first-generation from their families to go to college. Many students don't know where to start or even how to start the process of college or stuff they have to consider, making the process difficult and confusing. College Possible, Upward Bound, and TRIO are three programs that help with this struggle. 

These programs were designed to help students that may be facing struggles in getting into college. Each program has a different way to support their students. Programs like TRIO and Upward Bound focus on the students’ academic preparation and college readiness, focusing on students during their time in high school and how to help them to get into their college. College Possible gives coaching and support not just during high school but also during the first year of college.

“Being involved in a program like Upward Bound has made me notice progress within my grades and how I am able to get into the help that I need related to universities,” junior Denise Carrillo said. “I got tutoring every week, fun field trips and very valuable information on how to get into those colleges.”

  According to the U.S Department of Education, students in these programs have a higher college enrollment and degree completion TRIO serves about 800,000 nationwide each year, same with the other programs where College Possible and Upward Bound are helping many students nationwide each year. 

“I feel like College Possible is an underrated program and really beneficial when you don't know how to get your first steps into college,” said senior Natalie Ramirez. “They always respond in a good amount of time and always send out messages to each student.” 

Students interested in getting into these programs can get more information through their counselors, who have forms to apply or even direction on how to apply and what to take in mind when applying to these programs. 

“I am glad I joined,” said Carrillo. “I’ve created memories and made some of the best friends while I am continuing to discover who I am, making me less alone in the process.”