PSP hosted its 11^th annual College Success Retreat! This year, 24 scholars gathered at Scripps College in Claremont to attend a multitude of workshops in preparation for college application season as well as experience residential life as college students.  Scholars had the opportunity to hear from various experts in the fields of financial aid and college admissions.  Through partnerships with First Gen Empower and Financial Space, scholars now know what to expect on a college application, the different  types of higher education institutions, all about the FAFSA and the most favorable types of financial aid, how to search for scholarships and so much more! In addition, scholars attended session that explained college fit, helped them create their college list and started drafting their college essay. Mentors also participated in a workshop on how to support their college bound scholars.

The Lennox and El Monte PSP communities enjoyed getting to know each other through various activities, including an improv class led by WE Improv, which created comradery and had everyone laughing!  Scholars and mentors also toured the five Claremont Colleges and learned about their history and areas of focus. The scholars that attended last year’s retreat, which took place at USC, had the chance to compare the ambience of a small college versus that of a big research institution.

Attendees left knowing that they have a big support group within the PSP community. A scholar shared, “I loved this retreat, so sad it’s my last, but it I’m very grateful to have been able to have the experience of getting to know other scholars while learning important lesson of challenges up ahead…I feel more excited for what lies ahead whatever the challenge may be.” Check out a snapshot of our event in this video!