Empowered Scholars Program
Making higher education more accessible through student leadership & training
What is the Program?
The Empowered Scholars Program is a two-year long initiative that addresses counselor capacity directly and sustainably. We partner with high schools to train a group of 10-15 high school students to become peer mentors, who will help guide their peers through the college application process.
Leadership
We provide leadership training to 10-15 students at each school site that will allow them to be peer mentors, prepare for higher education, and access a network of first-generation professionals.
Special Programming
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.
Mentorship
Our student leaders will become peer mentors to other students during and after our training. They will be able to conduct presentations, host office hours, and answers questions freeing up capacity for counselors.
Focus on undocumented students
We work with students so they are informed of issues facing undocumented students and are equipped to support their undocumented peers.
Designated Advisor
We will provide a designated advisor to the school who will be a direct resource for students, lead workshops, and collaborate with the school administration.
Up-to-date info
Our advisor will keep up with all college and policy changes that affects students and convey that information to the school, reducing the counselor’s workload.
Our Chapters
Van Nuys High School
Our Student Leaders launched “College Knowledge” at Van Nuys High School to support students by combating the lack of college awareness and resources.
Learn more here
Lennox Academy
In Fall 2020, we launched our program at Lennox Academy and are training 15 students to become peer mentors at their school.