Description
This mentor-guided, evidence-based training was developed by leading economists Scott Carrell (UC Irvine) and Bruce Sacerdote (Dartmouth College) and has been proven to significantly increase college enrollment among high school seniors. Research shows that students who completed this program with a trained mentor were more than twice as likely to attend and remain in higher education compared to peers who received only written resources (Carrell & Sacerdote, 2017).
Through this course, mentors receive structured training to provide encouragement and hands-on guidance throughout the college-going process, including:
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Completing college applications and essays
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Applying for financial aid, including FAFSA
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Preparing for standardized tests
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Practicing successful interview strategies
Unlike lighter-touch interventions that provide information without ongoing mentor support, this program demonstrates the unique power of mentoring: when mentors are equipped with evidence-based tools and training, students achieve better outcomes. By targeting high school seniors, this mentoring program training ensures that students receive both the practical skills and the motivational support they need to transition successfully into higher education.
Sample Skills:
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Applying to college with confidence
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Writing compelling admissions essays
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Completing the FAFSA application accurately and on time
Evidence Base:
Carrell, S. & Sacerdote, B. (2017). Why Do College-Going Interventions Work? American Economic Journal: Applied Economics, 9(3), 124–151. https://doi.org/10.1257/app.20150530
