College Readiness

Imagining Possibilities, Planning for the Future

PEP aims to help every student visualize themselves after high school graduation, instill in them the desire to achieve a post-secondary education, and equip them with the knowledge, skills, confidence, and frame of mind necessary to meet their personal and professional goals.

Beginning in 8th grade, PEP students and families participate in college readiness workshops and individualized meetings to prepare for college admissions, learning how to:

• Maximize academic and extracurricular opportunities during the school year
• Identify and apply for summer opportunities for employment, volunteer work, and programs to pursue academic, athletic, artistic, and other extracurricular interests
• Navigate standardized testing and the admissions process 
• Research and identify post-secondary programs that best suit their interests, skills, and career aspirations
• Navigate financial aid applications and apply for scholarships
• Overcome the unique challenges first-generation college students face and leverage resources to facilitate their transition and support their success

Throughout their time at PEP, students visit numerous college campuses. Each year, they focus on various elements of college preparation:

8th Grade – 10th Grade

• College readiness workshops

11th Grade

• College readiness workshops
• Standardized test preparation 

12th Grade

• College essay writing workshops
• College application assistance
• Scholarship application assistance
• Individualized FAFSA meetings
• Individualized review of financial aid packages and scholarships and guidance for college selection

““The college tours are so fun. I get to experience the feeling of a college campus and where I might be one day.”

Maily Mazariego, Class of 2028