Guiding Students Toward Success Beyond CORRAL
“What do you want to be when you grow up?”
That’s the question that many CORRAL teens find daunting, especially our seniors. The question comes with the heavy weight and expectation of having life figured out. Fortunately, our teens don’t have to walk this journey alone; CORRAL’s program staff is with them each step.
“Preparing for college was more than just having good grades up until senior year,” said a CORRAL senior. “Yes, my grades helped me have college options and better chances to go to my dream college, but getting ready was way more than that!”
At CORRAL, we help students with academic preparation, applying for financial aid, filling out the FAFSA and completing college applications. We take our students on college tours and create a rigorous college and career prep plan that ensures that all students are able to matriculate through college.
“I love that the campus visits open their minds to possibilities,” said Natalae Velez, a volunteer on the education team. “Starting so young is great and they realize anything is possible.”
“Also, the on-farm career building opportunities give students a chance to consider things they wouldn’t normally consider,” said Nneka George, a board member whose first visit to CORRAL was an invitation to speak during a career fair. “The career fairs and college days let students know there are lots of options, not just the most popular careers.”
Starting in sixth grade, our students start preparing for college by learning about time management, goal setting, college entrance requirements, and even budgeting. Along their journeys, they practice interviewing for jobs and scholarships, creating resumes, and managing stress during intense situations.
“I’m not going to lie, I thought the Saturday lessons were a waste of time when I was younger, but now I see how they all prepared me for this moment. They made sure I’m mentally ready because it’s just me now. I have to do this for myself so I don’t get to school next year and get so overwhelmed that I don’t stay.”
This is what it’s all about – ensuring that our teens receive the guidance, resources, and strength needed to pursue a bright future.
