On August 3-5, 2018 PSP hosted our 7th annual College Success Retreat. Fifty-six scholars and 18 mentors attended this knowledge-packed weekend at the University of Southern California. This year’s speakers hosted a wide variety of sessions, including representatives from the Plus Me Project, Dartmouth College and Questbridge. This year’s retreat included more small-group sessions so that students could get more individualized help. Mentors in attendance were very involved and provided immense support with serving as leaders for the small groups and helping us to lead discussions, provide feedback on college essays and encourage participation throughout the weekend.

On the second night, five PSP alumni joined us for a panel to share their stories and advice on getting through college. The alumni did a great job representing UC San Diego, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Dartmouth College, Northwestern University and Beloit College. A representative from Southern California Edison, one of our funders, joined us for the alumni panel and was impressed and moved by the students’ comments

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We also hosted another career panel this year. We invited current mentors and PSP supporters to share their experiences in the fields of law, education, politics, architecture and medicine.

Scholars left the retreat with resources and information but also feeling excited about attending college. PSP staff and mentors will continue supporting these students throughout the year as they navigate the path to college.