Empowered Scholars Program

Making higher education more accessible through student leadership & training

By students, for students.

The Empowered Scholars Program addresses counselor capacity at high schools directly and sustainably. We train high school students to become Peer Advisors, who guide and support their peers through the college admissions process.

Through this program, students can:

  • Provide their peers valuable insight into the college and financial aid application process

  • Promote a college-going culture at their campus

  • Develop lifelong leadership skills

  • Become part of a robust network of first-generation, low-income, and immigrant students and working professionals

Our Empowered Scholars at Van Nuys High School started a student-run club, College Knowledge @VNHS, to help increase college and financial aid awareness at their school.

Overview of the program

  • 10-15 high school students participate in activities-based trainings to become Peer Advisors.

    Focus on:

    • College and financial aid knowledge

    • Leadership, public speaking, and problem-solving skills

    • Professional development and entrepreneurial skills

  • Once trained, Peer Advisors run a student club to:

    • Help seniors with college and financial aid applications Mentor underclassmen to prepare for college

    • Organize presentations, 1-1 advising, and share resources on campus

  • Peer Advisors work closely with a FGE Advisor, who serves as a direct resource for students, helps organize workshops, and collaborates with school staff.

  • Our advisor will provide custom programming to meet the unique needs of the students of the school. E.g. parent workshops, first gen panels, and admission officer talks.

  • We work with students so they are informed of issues facing undocumented students and are equipped to support their undocumented peers.

  • All students who complete our program become part of our alumni network and continue to engage with the program through providing mentorship, resources, and guidance to current Peer Advisors.

Our Chapters

Van Nuys High School
(Van Nuys, CA)

Lennox Academy
(Inglewood, CA)