Spotlight On: Step 1: Be a Pain

How can the College Access & Opportunity Guide turn my students’ college dreams into
action-oriented goals?

First-generation, low-income and minority college-bound students have big plans and big dreams. They know why to go to college, but not necessarily how. Sadly that dream is not enough. College just doesn’t happen. There are specific steps these students need to take.

In collaboration with KnowHow2GO—a national college access campaign created in partnership with Lumina Foundation for Education, American Council on Education and the Ad Council—the College Access & Opportunity Guide provides a plan for first-generation and other underserved college-bound students to take four steps necessary to go to college.

Step 1: Be a Pain (in a good way) includes the following pieces of advice:

• Let everyone know that you’re going to college and need their help.

• Never say no. Don't ever take that "no" in your head for an answer!

• Find family support. So what if your parents didn't go to college? Your folks may well have real experience and knowledge that can help you on your way.

• Call on coaches. Ask your teachers and coaches for advice on college - it's their job to help you succeed.

• Gain experience. Track down places outside of school where you can get real-world experience from adults who can show you how it’s done.

• Seek advice. If you can’t talk with your school counselor, check your local community college or community center and meet with the counselors there.

• Make connections. Connect with family, friends or neighbors who have been to college and ask them how they got there.

How many copies do you need?
Order Here
CSO Guidebook Cover

Many national foundations and associations, schools and school districts, and community-based organizations are supporting distributions of the College Access & Opportunity Guide to get this important resource in the hands of the students that deserve it.
Email guidebook@csopportunity.org to inquire about distribution partnerships and bulk sale discounts.

FALSE If your parents didn’t go to college, chances are there’s an adult in your life who did – and would be happy to help you prepare for college.Visit KnowHow2GO.org to take the complete college prep quiz.

Next week’s spotlight:
Push Yourself
push yourself cover In collaboration with KnowHow2GO—a national college access campaign created in partnership with Lumina Foundation for Education, American Council on Education and the Ad Council—the College Access & Opportunity Guide provides a plan for first-generation and other underserved college-bound students to take four steps necessary to go to college.

Step 2: Push Yourself Colleges require you to take certain classes in high school. Find out which classes and sign up!

> For general inquiries and to learn more about Center for Student Opportunity, contact info@csopportunity.org.

Center for Student Opportunity is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to promote college access and opportunity among first-generation and other traditionally underserved student populations.