College Advising Corps

Launched 2013

College Advising Corps logo with purple and blue shapes overlapping.

About

Providing resources and support to streamline the college enrollment process.

College Advising Corps (CAC) is committed to ensuring every student has the opportunity to access and complete higher education. They place intensively trained, recent college graduates as full-time Advisers in high schools. These Advisers help students navigate the complex process of college admission, matriculation, and accessing financial aid.

The college enrollment process can be complicated, especially for first-generation college seekers or those from low-wealth backgrounds. GreenLight found that under-resourced schools in Boston with few counselors were leaving students and families struggling to navigate the process and selected CAC to address this challenge.

Through their dual approach, CAC positively impacts both the mentored high schoolers and the near-peer Advisors, bringing equity to college access and higher education. Seniors working with Advisors submit more college applications and FAFSAs, and are more likely to successfully matriculate. Simultaneously, Advisors acquire valuable professional skills that can pave the way for future careers in teaching and advising.

Housed at Boston University, CAC is present in all Boston Public Schools and works closely with school administrators and staff to foster a college-going culture within schools. The long-term goal is to ensure every Boston public high school has the necessary support to guide its students from high school into higher education.

  • Founder
    Nicole Hurd, Ph.D.
  • CEO
    Ekaterina Struett
  • Director of College Advising Corps at Boston University
    Katie Magyar Hill
  • National Headquarters
    Raleigh, NC
  • Email Contact
  • Website

College Advising Corps: Addressing a gap in resources to support college access

College Advising Corps’ Impact in Boston

In 2022 – 2023

18,540

high school students served

80%

of students from the Class of 2022 applied to college

75%

of students for the Class of 2022 reported enrollment in college for the fall

An image of young adults speaking with a teacher with a trophy and wood paneled walls in the background, representing College Advising Corps.
In Boston
80%

of high school students served by College Advising Corps Advisors in 2021-22 enrolled in college

Read Sihem's Story

College Advising Corps students conversing at a table in school with college pennants on the wall behind them.

College Advising Corps-Boston University Advisors at Boston Latin Academy

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