COVID-19 has disrupted learning across the country and amplified already existing racial and socioeconomic inequities. Now more than ever, students who have fallen behind and are considering changing their plans for after high school because of the pandemic need enhanced support. As organizations are working to meet students’ needs in transitioning from high school to college during this time, the foundation is focused on supporting them so that students remain on track toward graduation and beyond.
In his famous poem ‘Harlem,’ Langston Hughes asked, “What happens to a dream deferred?” That question still resonates today. Like Hughes in the 1920’s, many students today, particularly Black and Latinx students, face uphill battles in realizing their dreams amidst great economic insecurity and uncertainty in the country.
We’re committed to supporting students in pursuit of their dreams. We know that successful relationship-based services help students on the path to an education after high school and will be critical as students face an uncertain academic environment this fall. We’re proud of organizations in the field that are helping students navigate change by providing these services virtually.
Join us by encouraging more adaptation of these relationship-based services so that together, we can ensure #NoDreamDeferred for students.
Virtual Roundtable
On Tuesday, August 25, the foundation hosted a virtual moderated roundtable discussion to hear from City Year, Saga Education, and College Advising Corps about pivoting to a virtual model to support students. They spoke about the need for adaptable and scalable advising, tutoring and mentoring services to support student pathways and shared their perspectives on the value of relationship- and near-peer programs, how they work, and their stories of success in supporting students in getting to and through college. Watch The Recording
Spread the Word
Help us celebrate successful relationship-based programs that are helping students along the path to a college degree. Join the conversation at #NoDreamDeferred on Twitter!
Learn more about our grantees that are providing students the support they need to get, and stay, on a path to a college degree. These organizations are working hard to connect students with critical guidance, and we are expanding our partnerships with them to reach more students. Learn how these organizations work in communities and see how you can partner with them to borrow from their models and build from their success.
City Year
City Year, a member of the AmeriCorps national service network, connects students with mentors and tutors who provide support to students, classrooms, and whole schools, helping to ensure that all students receive a high-quality education that prepare them with the skills and mindsets to thrive and contribute to their community. Check our their new guide to creating a more integrated approach to social, emotional, and academic development.
Learn more
Saga Education
Saga Education supports students by providing personalized and consistent math tutorials led by professionally trained AmeriCorps members and offSITE Math Fellows. Saga partners with public school districts to supplement teacher instruction and encourage students’ confidence and academic strengths.
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College Advising Corps
College Advising Corps works to increase the number of underrepresented high school students who enter and complete higher education. Its near-peer model pairs high school students with advisers who are close in age and with similar backgrounds.
Learn more
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