Aim of the Program

In the fall of 2007, The Pennsylvania State University launched the Pennsylvania College Advising Corps—Penn State program with the goal of increasing college enrollment numbers for high school students throughout the Commonwealth.

The need is great for such a program in Pennsylvania. According to U.S. Census estimates, Pennsylvania is the sixth most populous state in the U.S., with more than 12.4 million residents. In 2004, more than 1.8 million children were enrolled in the 3,197 public K-12 schools within Pennsylvania’s 501 school districts. Almost 80 percent of ninth graders in the state graduate from high school, yet only 47 percent actually enroll in college (although 72 percent plan to enroll), and only 27 percent of residents 25- to 44- years-old have bachelor’s degrees or higher.

To address the widening gap in college participation, Penn State is placing recent graduates in public high schools to assist students with college admission, financial aid, and scholarship applications. Given their idealism and fresh perspective on the college experience, recent University graduates serve as perfect advocates for higher education. During the year, advisers will spend thirty-five hours a week working alongside guidance counselors, and in some cases in coordination with other access programs to motivate and assist students through the college application process. Advisers will also serve as mentors and create educational opportunities for high school students.