I have been working on a certificate in college counseling with the probable intention of volunteering my services. I recently became affiliated with a local non profit with a wonderful model of inviting students to apply to its program as early as 8th grade. It provides tutoring services, leadership opportunities and general support up to and including college advising and SAT prep starting the summer before senior year. The students are all low income and are the first in their families to attend college. GPAs average in the 2.8-3.2 for the most part. The plan was for me to shadow one of the seasoned college advisors this summer and fall with her 6 assigned seniors but she's had a family emergency and needs to be out of the area for the foreseeable future. So, rather unexpectedly, I will be the advisor for these 6 students. I do have some support and am working on a team with 2 writing/essay coaches so will not be actively involved with that aspect. I have been through the process with my 3 Ds and additionally feel bolstered by the program that I'm wrapping up.
I'm posting because there is a wealth of knowledge here and I am wondering if people can recommend colleges in California that are known for wanting and supporting first gen students. We are located in California and most of the students want to stay in the state but there is also a requirement that students apply to 2-3 out of state schools. So, while i do plan to comb through the posts for the 'colleges for the 3.0-3.3 student', etc., I'd be most appreciative if people in the know could share schools that tend to be good with need-based aid for students with these more moderate GPAs. Just about everyone will have a low EFC but, for those who have EFCs above zero, their families may not be able to contribute. The organization strongly advises taking out loans of no more than $10,000 per year (less or taking out no loans at all is preferred, of course).
The organization works on a shoe string and, while they intend to start tracking their students, they don't, at this time, have a list of colleges their students have been accepted to over the past 10+ years they've been around. Based on results from this past year, University of Redlands and Whittier College seem to be schools that look favorably upon our students, along with several CSUs. If anyone can add to the list (both within California and outside), I'd be most appreciative. I'm meeting with my student just a few days from now and this turn of events (being the advisor rather than shadowing the advisor) has come on rather suddenly.
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