Scholars are selected for Step to College while they are in the 8^th grade. S2C is designed to prepare first generation college bound scholars for collegiate success; therefore, an emphasis is placed on the recruitment of and preference for that population of scholars. The selection process includes a review of feedback on the scholars from classroom teachers, a review of academic effort and a short interview. Once scholars are accepted into S2C, they remain in the program until the end of their freshman year in college. One unique element of the application process is the completion of a Scholar Essay and a Scholar Parent Essay. The written responses require families to share scholar strengths, personality traits and need of support in becoming the first in the family to complete a college program. Prospective candidates, along with their families, attend an information session to learn about the programs mission, annual themes, academic focus, and social and emotional supports.