Across the country, 10–40% of seemingly college-intending students, particularly those from low-income backgrounds, fail to enroll in college the fall after graduating from high school. This phenomenon is known as summer melt . These students have completed key college-going steps, such as being accepted to college and applying for financial aid, and have concretely signaled their intention to enroll in college.

In high school, students typically have a guidance counselor who helps with college planning. But after graduation, they are left to continue the process on their own. Obstacles such as confusing paperwork, family responsibilities, pressure not to attend college or leave home, fear and doubt, and poor college knowledge can lead to a student’s choice not to attend.

The Scholarship Foundation’s Student Outreach Team works with students throughout the summer to overcome these obstacles and successfully enroll in college by:

• Providing free one-on-one advising to help with paperwork and answer general questions about the college experience.
• Conducting outreach and orientation sessions at Santa Barbara City College and Allan Hancock College for Achieve, the Scholarship Foundation’s year-round program to help local community college students complete their associate’s degrees and successfully transition to a four-year college or university.
• Partnering with local organizations, such as Girls Inc., Fun in the Sun, and Fighting Back Santa Maria, to reach students earlier in their school career. The goal is to start building their knowledge about college and their confidence in their ability to achieve a higher degree.

For more information about the Scholarship Foundation’s summer programs, please contact April Montes at (805) 687-6065 or [email protected].