Allendale College Readiness & Scholars Program

The Allendale College Readiness & Scholars Program is a comprehensive 6-year college access and student success initiative designed to help students from Allendale County prepare for higher education, navigate the college admissions process, and build the skills needed to thrive in college and beyond.

Through personalized advising, college exploration opportunities, career readiness training, and ongoing mentorship, the program empowers students to pursue ambitious educational goals while strengthening leadership, confidence, and community engagement. The Allendale College Readiness & Scholars Program provides students with the knowledge, support, and resources they need to make informed decisions about their future and successfully transition to and through postsecondary education.

About the program

College Readiness

The program begins during students’ junior year of high school and provides structured support through high school graduation. Participants work closely with a Coastal Community Foundation Student Success Manager who guide them through every stage of the college planning journey.

Students receive assistance with:

• College and career exploration
•  ACT/SAT preparation
• College applications and admissions strategies
• Financial aid and FAFSA completion
• Scholarship searches and applications
• Campus visits and college exposure opportunities
• Academic planning and goal setting
• Professional and leadership skill development

Each Scholar receives personalized guidance and coaching tailored to their unique goals, challenges, and aspirations. Staff work closely with students and families to ensure they remain on track throughout the college planning process.

Scholars

Once enrolled in college, Allendale Scholars continue receiving individualized support designed to help them persist, overcome challenges, and stay on track toward graduation.

Throughout their college experience, Scholars benefit from:

• Regular check-ins and individualized coaching
• Guidance navigating academic, financial, and personal challenges
• Access to professional development and career readiness opportunities
• Leadership development and community engagement experiences
• Connections to mentors, peers, and a network of support
• Assistance identifying campus and community resources
• Encouragement, accountability, and celebration of key milestones

The program’s goal is not simply college enrollment, but college completion. By maintaining meaningful relationships with students throughout their college careers, the Allendale College Readiness & Scholars Program helps students build the confidence, resilience, and support networks necessary to earn their degrees and prepare for successful careers.

Students accepted into the program are expected to:

• Be committed to attending and graduating from college.
• Be a good citizen at school and in the community.
• Be motivated, intellectually curious, and take advantage of opportunities.
• Keep appointments, meet deadlines, and be responsive to all staff communications.

For High School Counselors & Teachers

Through this program, we aim to support the work you do every day in your high schools to put bright students on the path to higher education. If you have students in mind who meet the following criteria, please encourage them or their parents to consider applying:

• Junior year of high school
• Permanent residents of Allendale County
• Students planning to attend a two-year or four-year college upon graduation
• Unweighted GPA of at least 2.5 and have taken a college-prep curriculum

We are especially interested in supporting students who are motivated, intellectually curious, and who take advantage of opportunities. If you have any questions, please email Angel Connell at angelc@coastalcommunityfoundation.org