Ongoing partnership between Strive for College and Common App continues to foster college-going culture

The Common Application's partnership with the non-profit organization Strive for College, continues its commitment to making college accessible by helping more students access free virtual mentoring.

The U.S. Department of Education's Civil Rights Data Collection revealed that 850,000 teens across the country attend schools lacking sufficient college counseling. Strive offers another support channel for these students - free virtual mentoring.

"When I was applying to colleges, I didn’t have much guidance. My high school had thousands of students and I only got about 10 minutes with my counselor. Luckily, I found Strive for College.  Having a mentor has made everything easier. I go to my mentor with my worries and he is always there for me. He believes in me 100%. My mentor even helped me get into Princeton, where I am attending as a Freshman, studying Public and International Affairs." - Nathnael M.

First Year students applying to college through the Common App, who indicate a need for a fee waiver, are invited to register with Strive. Many of these students will be the first in their families to apply to college. Some may need help navigating the application process, as well completing FAFSA documents and finding scholarships.

“I’m just really glad there’s something out there like Strive. The fact that Strive provides support for low-income students without resources to college counselors makes a huge difference for students like myself. My classmates are able to spend thousands of dollars on college consultants, and I can't, so I thought I’d be alone in the process. I’m thankful to have a mentor who is informed about the education system.” - Jessabelle R.

Strive has provided mentoring for more than 35,000 students, many of whom are first-generation and have gone on to enter four-year institutions. The organization has also recruited mentors from hundreds of colleges and universities in the U.S. in addition to the many professionals who volunteer as mentors. Mentors are all in college or have graduated with a degree. They complete comprehensive training before being matched with a student.

“I needed assistance with applying to colleges and making the right decision regarding which college to attend. I was surprised to discover Strive and that it was offered FREE to students! Unbelievable! I'm so thankful. Upon reaching college, I took the lessons that I learned as a Strive student and applied them as a Strive mentor. I was thrilled when one of the students I mentored began to receive acceptances and received a scholarship!"  - Frances M.