College Awareness

Exposing students to college graduates allows them to see the advantages of a college education and use the graduates as resources in the college application process. Here are suggestions on how to promote college awareness at your partner school:

• Hold a Career Day using volunteers' skills and interests.
  
  
• Organize a campus visit and ask your Alumni Association to sponsor things like buses, lunches, or gift bags.
  
  
• Pair up with students and guide them through National College Fair at Navy Pier, held each year in October.
  
  
  • Help students prepare for the fair beforehand and discuss their experience with them afterwards. Also, arrange a special presentation with your school's table. (Learn more about the National College Fair)
    
    
• Collect and donate dorm supplies (sheets, bathroom caddy, extra pillows, reading light, etc.) for college-bound seniors.
  
  
• Arrange to have the University or Alumni Association President visit your partner school.
  
  
• Share your post-college experience with students and describe how college helped you get where you are.
  
  
• Help students apply for the Civic Education Project at Northwestern. (Learn more about the Civic Education Project)
  
  
• Talk to students about going to college as part of a panel, a small group discussion or an assembly.
  
  
• Assist high school guidance counselors with college-related activities, including the application process and financial aid forms.

Learn more about how to help in the following areas:

Academic Support | Extracurricular Support | Teacher Support | College Awareness

For more ideas about volunteer activities, check the CPS Volunteer Opportunities Directory