College to Career Preparation and Readiness Experience

Youth from Military Families Get Ready for College

The words “college experience” hold new meaning for 72 military teens who spent a week exploring the campus and community of NC State University as they attended the College to Career Preparation and Readiness Experience (C2PR).

Youth ages 14–18 from military families from all branches of the armed forces participated.

The event featured information on financial aid and scholarships, college application, and study skills. Faculty members and student ambassadors from several colleges (Design, Engineering, Education, Humanities and Social Sciences, Agricultural & Life Sciences, and Veterinary Medicine) assisted by conducting campus tours and information sessions.

Youth lived in dormitories, ate meals in the dining hall, and visited multiple classroom buildings during their time on campus. Students created videos depicting their week-long experience and presented their projects as part of the closing program.

Students indicated that their knowledge was “enhanced” or “greatly enhanced” in the following areas:

• General College Expectations: 83%
• College Scholarships: 81%
• College Admissions Process: 92%
• College Student Life Opportunities: 86%
• College Dorm Experiences: 83%
• College Dining Hall Experiences: 77%
• College Prep Requirements: 89%

“My daughter came home with a new perspective of what it will really take for her to achieve the goals she has for college. Last night we sat down and went through all of the information she received and she told me what we needed to be doing and the steps she should be taking in order to meet those goals. I can honestly say after having to push the first child through the college process it was great to see (this child) telling me what she needed to be doing to pursue her college goals. Without your hard work this would not have been possible for my child.” —Parent of a participant