"We risk losing an entire generation of underrepresented students on college campuses. Low-income students, students of color, and first-generation students are much more likely to be derailed from this process, and if we don't support them early on in their senior years — it's unclear if they'll ever get back on track."
Those were the words that Bill DeBaun from The National College Attainment Network shared back in November after Common App reported a startling 16% decrease in college applications received from economically disadvantaged students during the fall of 2020, likely due to the myriad of challenges caused by the Coronavirus pandemic.
At UrbanPromise, we empower our students and StreetLeaders to "break the script", and this school year's uniquely challenging college application process has certainly been no exception!
Our senior StreetLeaders DEFIED STATISTICS last fall by submitting a least SEVEN college applications each, and today we invite you to celebrate with them as they have begun to reap the rewards of their hard work!
29 SENIORS...
EACH SENIOR HAS RECEIVED AT LEAST ONE COLLEGE ACCEPTANCE SO FAR...
FOR A TOTAL OF 105 ACCEPTANCES TO DATE!
A few of the seniors at our South Boulevard Site are pictured below!
Toni, a senior at our West Charlotte Site, is especially grateful that she got one particular college application submitted early.
We're keeping the name of her dream school a secret for now so that she can announce it herself later this spring at our Senior Signing Day, but we wanted to share Toni's story of acceptance!
“It was very challenging to get the early action application in by November 1st. It was so long, I had to figure out how to use CommonApp, and I had to get the essays done. On top of that, I also had to keep getting my schoolwork done and continue to work at my two jobs at UrbanPromise and Walmart.”
With determination and support, Toni didn’t give up.
UrbanPromise's West Charlotte Site 2021 senior class!
“There was so much information I needed, but UrbanPromise gave us deadlines for everything and helped with essays. They helped us make priorities, and they set aside 'college time' to work on things every week. Then, right before the deadline, there was a storm and our internet went out, so I had to go to a friend’s house. I was so stressed out. I submitted the application one minute before it was due.”
To say it was all worth it would be an understatement for Toni!
"For me, I was in shock. I was nervous opening the email, and just seeing that I had been accepted... I was in amazement! It is a big accomplishment and I never thought I would get into such a prestigious school!”
Our UrbanPromise team never doubted Toni’s ability to earn acceptance to her dream school, but we know how crucial and nerve-racking it can feel for our students as they wait on such big news!
"Honestly I am so grateful I got the application done ahead of time. I am so glad UrbanPromise pushed us, because now other students are still waiting on acceptances, while UrbanPromise StreetLeaders are getting acceptances back! It makes the rest of senior year so much better, knowing it’s done. And now we can focus on getting scholarships too.”
Toni got accepted into her school’s Psychology program, and she hopes to use that degree to eventually work in mental health.
“I want to help those around me. Psychology is so beneficial for mental stability and can be for everyone."
So much of what has occurred within the walls of UP during this unusual school year has mirrored the work of previous years, but with extra obstacles, challenges, and uncertainties.
That makes the accomplishments of this senior class feel all the more meaningful, and we are so grateful to you for supporting our StreetLeaders though such a crucial academic season! We can't wait to see what the future holds for this very special group of students!
You may remember Toni from her speech at last fall's virtual Evening of Promise event. If you missed it, you can get to know her better below!