Increasing college access for low-income, first-generation, and other underrepresented groups is an urgent and daunting endeavor. Early planning helps students and families to dot i’s and cross t’s under less pressure. Colleges and universities have a compelling interest in diversifying and integrating the campus by augmenting college enrollment for all. In addition, there is greater attention paid to college selection and fit, specifically to combat “undermatching” - when academically talented students fail to even apply for colleges that are more selective.
- Research supports that there are quantifiable advantages to starting college and career exploration and planning in middle school (or earlier)
- Early exposure to a college campus makes a difference, especially for poor and underprivileged students who do not have role models and have little opportunity to visit colleges.
- Federal grant dollars are now being tied to increasing college awareness at an early age. As a result, more and more schools and organizations are seeking campus visits for younger students.
- Additionally, a benefit for offering campus visit opportunities for younger students is that when they return as juniors and seniors, they will be better prepared to participate in regular campus visit programs.