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Polk RISE! Program

Purpose

The purpose of Polk RISE! is to increase college admission success and post-secondary enrollment of first generation, low-income students. The project team will utilize selective targeting to recruit students and foster their goal of pursuing a college education. Polk RISE! will provide education, mentoring, and necessary academic, and wrap around supports to ensure student acceptance into colleges and universities and increase the likelihood of their success upon enrollment at the post-secondary school of their choice.

Scope

Polk RISE! will began in 2023-24 with one cohort of 9th grade students while providing support to current high school students and school counselors through the sharing of print and electronic information. The program will expand to serve students in grades 6-10 for the 2024-25 school year with identification using  2023-24 School Year standardized assessment data, grades, and self-reported demographic data. Equity across communities and regional areas of the district will be established and maintained through student selection and participation. 

Process

Students will be targeted and recruited through achievement data and school and community-based identification/referral processes. Parents and students will sign an Agreement of Understanding that codifies the responsibilities of students, parents, and PCPS College Navigators. Students and parents will be expected to engage in activities provided and/or facilitated by College Navigators and Senior Coordinators of School Counseling. 

Specific activities include, but are not limited to:

  • Developing & implementing a strategic vision for recruiting student participants including a referral process from educators and community-based organizations.  
  • Supporting students with goal setting activities related to college admissions including identification of match schools. 
  • Advising and supporting students with identifying and participating in academic and extracurricular opportunities.   
  • Developing and maintaining relationships with post-secondary admissions staff and organizations that support and provide college access and success services including, but not limited to, QuestBridge, National College Attainment Network, and The College Match Program. 
  • Developing and implementing summer programs for participating students including, but not limited to college admissions workshops, application completion, essay development, interview workshops, FAFSA work sessions and advisement, college tours, etc.  
  • Developing and implementing tutoring program specific to PSAT, SAT, and ACT. 
  • Developing and implementing individual and group mentoring program utilizing community members, especially alumni and approved interviewers for selective schools. 
  • Collaborating with school and district-based team members to develop and deliver learning sessions on college application processes, resources, and opportunities for assistance.
  • Planning and executing outreach initiatives with community organizations and increase community involvement and support for college admissions initiatives.
  • Conducting family support initiatives to include training, community services assistance, and various other services to ensure family involvement and support. Will also include a program to assist families with evaluation and comparing college acceptances and financial aid packages.