The Elevation Scholars Program is advancing its mission of serving high-performing students in Orange County Title I Schools through an intensive College Admissions Boot Camp. 32 students, most of whom are aspiring to be the first person in their family to attend college, are currently attending the six-week Boot Camp program. The program prepares high school juniors for the process of identifying career paths, potential colleges, and sources of financial aid.

The Boot Camp includes 30 hours of Saturday class time and homework assignments. By the end of the Boot Camp, students will have assembled all of the tools to apply to college, including a resume, target college list, and college essay. Students have the opportunity to meet with college admissions experts and community leaders, as well as develop a greater understanding of the financial aid process.

According to the National Bureau of Economic Research, “The vast majority of very high-achieving students, who are low-income, do not apply to any selective college or university. This is despite the fact that selective institutions would often cost them less, owing to generous financial aid.”

“The college admissions process can be overwhelming to anyone, especially first-generation college students whose families have never experienced it. Our conservative projection is that these 32 students will earn over $3,000,000 in scholarships and financial aid. Our total cost for the boot camp is less than $3,000. Now that is the kind of return on investment (ROI) the Elevation family likes to see!” said Scott Lee, President, Elevation Foundation.

This is the second year that the Elevation Foundation has hosted Boot Camp in Orange County. The Elevation Scholars Program prepares high-performing students from three Title I schools to apply for the Elevation Scholars Award which provides college consulting, test preparation and continued support for recipients.

Learn more about the Elevation Scholars Program here.