Kent School District and the College Success Foundation (CSF) have partnered to bring Rally for College (RFC) to Kent-Meridian, Kentridge, and Kentwood high schools. Rally for College is an initiative designed by College Success Foundation to give free support to students of ALL grade levels the skills and knowledge required to make the most of high school and prepare for a rewarding college experience. College Success Foundation coaches and supports students from low socioeconomic backgrounds to prepare for and graduate from college as transformational leaders in order to forge a just and equitable society. 

Rally for College for Grades 9 – 10

Our ninth- and tenth-grade Rally for College program focuses on engaging students academically and guiding them on their path to college. Students get the support they need to successfully navigate the transition from middle school to high school, manage the academic rigor of high school, and become college-ready.

Advisors work full-time in schools and serve as coaches, advocates and mentors to students in the program. They ensure students have good academic behaviors, support development of academic mindsets, and equip students with the skills and knowledge they need to be college-ready.

Rally for College advisors provide students in grades 9-10 with:

• One-on-one college advising and planning
• Group meetings
• College visits
• Motivational speakers
• College awareness activities
• Career exploration

Rally for College for Grades 11 – 12

Our eleventh- and twelfth-grade Rally for College program provides the support and guidance students need to successfully navigate their last two years of high school and prepare for a successful college experience.

Located on high school campuses, advisors deepen students’ understanding of college fit and match, support successful navigation of the college admissions process, and ensure students apply for and receive financial resources to pay for college.

The direct support services advisors provide to guide scholars on their path to college include:

• One-on-one college advising
• Meetings and workshops on college planning
• FAFSA and WASFA support
• Scholarship assistance
• Summer programming
• Campus visits
• High-school-to-college transition support

During their senior year, RFC students work with their school-based advisor to transition to the CSF College Services team who will provide advice and support throughout their college journey.

Parent Engagement Specialist

CSF Parent Engagement Specialists provide parents with free one-on-one guidance and resources that help support their child on a path towards career and financial success. Focusing primarily on 9th graders’ transition from middle school to high school, our specialists are uniquely knowledgeable about college advising and the cultural and financial barriers that prevent many students from applying to or attending college.

Our Parent Engagement Specialists help parents learn about:

• How to help their student succeed in high school and prepare for college
• Why a college degree is so valuable
• What options are available to make college affordable for their family
• Potential implications for undocumented students
• Important high school graduation requirements