Our programs have a proven track record of success in preparing students in grades Pre-Kindergarten through 12 for college and beyond. In turn, parents also find the support they need to help their children build bright futures.

“We didn’t know where to start helping Carlos prepare for college applications, much less financial opportunities. Carlos is much more confident now and has mentors for life.”

National College Readiness Institute Parent

First-Generation College Students

Students who would be the first in their families to attend college often have many of the following characteristics.

  • Lack of contextual knowledge about the educational opportunities, costs, purposes, organizational/cultural values and norms, and prerequisite skills necessary for college
  • May not view a college education as valuable or realistic
  • Tend not to use the available support resources
  • May suffer from the “imposter syndrome” and lose confidence when faced with performance issues

How We Help

National College Readiness Institute (NCRI) programs prepare underprivileged students, many of them would-be first generation college students, for success from a young age. Starting with students as young as Pre-Kindergarten, we offer after school enrichment programs, like the STEAM Discovery Academy and Spanish Club, to help them learn, grow and visualize their educational opportunities.

College Readiness

As high school students prepare for college, our College Readiness Workshops open their eyes to the possibilities available to them. We focus on college awareness and preparation, including some of the following topics:

  • Why go to college? (Highlighting importance of STEAM skills)
  • Finding a college (Offering site visits and college tours)
  • Transitioning to college
  • Paying for college
  • Goal setting
  • Time management & orientation

“The programs have been successful in allowing students to embrace the opportunity to imagine, plan, create, build and improve at their own pace and through their own decisions. It’s about engagement and the results are real.”

Michelle Frias, NCRI President