College For Every Student | Core Practices

The essence of CFES is the engagement of each student in three high-impact practices that enable them to take steps toward college. Research confirms that student engagement in CFES Core Practices is correlated with higher aspirations and improved academic performance. Over the last two years, for example, 96 percent of CFES high school seniors have gone on to college.

The three Core Practices are:

Pathways to College

Pathways to College is a practice in which CFES creates partnerships for its K-12 schools with participating colleges. These partnerships allow CFES Scholars, most of whom would be first-generation college students, to visit college campuses, interact with college students and faculty, and gain exposure to admissions, financial aid, and other components that help Scholars move toward college.

Mentoring

Mentoring fosters academic and personal growth among CFES Scholars by providing them an opportunity to build a supportive relationship with an older, more experienced individual who can serve as a role model. All CFES schools have mentoring programs for their CFES Scholars that utilize peers (including other Scholars), adults, teachers, and/or college students as mentors. Mentors call upon their own life experiences to provide guidance and support for mentees. CFES mentoring programs integrate with other Core Practices by incorporating Pathways to College and Leadership through Service activities.

Leadership through Service

Leadership through Service activities are designed to help CFES Scholars identify and express their leadership potential to improve their school or neighborhood or the global community. CFES schools create meaningful opportunities for CFES Scholars to provide student leadership in ambitious community-service activities. Gaining leadership skills and taking responsibility for others contributes to Scholars' self-confidence, stimulating greater personal aspirations.