Not Alone: How College Persistence Programs Become Game-Changers for Students
Congratulations, Class of 2025 – you did it! Those college acceptance letters are in, deposits are paid, and you’re officially headed to higher education. But if you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed by everything that comes after high school, you’re not alone. The good news? Student Leadership Network’s College Persistence programs are designed to support alumni not only in getting into college, but also in thriving once they’ve arrived.
College Persistence Programs Start Before High School Graduation
The transition to college actually begins while you’re still walking the halls of your high school. That’s where our College Transition Coaches (CTCs) come in: recent high school alumni who are attending college.
These near-peer coaches were in your shoes not too long ago, and they are trained to help you tackle all those post-acceptance tasks that can feel overwhelming. Your CTCs work directly in your high school with your Directors of College Counseling (DCCs) to help you navigate financial aid documents, set up your college student portals, and cheer you on.
Real Connections, Real Results
Our CollegeSendoffs are where the magic begins to happen. Earlier this year, we brought together over 250 students at CollegeSendoffs hosted at SUNY Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC and Canisius University in Buffalo. Students dove into interactive workshops covering strategies for academic success, financial aid, and wellness, as well as securing those game-changing internships.
“We take in feedback from the DCCs who work most closely with our students,” said Nicole Meyer, Manager of College Persistence (CP). “In Buffalo, for example, we adapted the agenda to host a workshop on campus culture, tailored to what our students feel is most useful.”
Perhaps the most valuable part? The connections with your peers! Students played board games, shared stories, and connected with others heading to the same colleges and universities. Sometimes the best support comes from knowing you’re not the only one figuring it all out.
CollegeBridge: Your Summer Support Squad
After you’ve crossed the graduation stage and summer begins, CollegeBridge kicks into high gear. Our CTCs work alongside the CP team to help you figure out the practical stuff that no one really talks about, like creating a transportation plan to get to campus, understanding different types of work-study jobs, and registering for enough class credits to keep your financial aid grants. We know this model works: research shows that near-peer mentorship programs increase immediate college matriculation by 7%, setting you up for success.
The best part? It’s never too late to jump in and get the support you need. The CP team partners with uAspire coaches, who meet in-person or virtually with college students to offer tailored advice on post-secondary systems. Whether you’re feeling confident or feeling adrift, reaching out for help is always a smart move.
CollegeJourney: Your Peer Network for Success
For students heading to any CUNY college, CollegeJourney offers something special: peer-to-peer support from alumni who’ve walked this path before you. Peer Leaders work with our CP team to provide a range of support from life skills workshops to fun events that help you adjust to college life. Peer Leaders are just a text message away for advice on social life and extracurriculars, registration reminders, and tips about the best eats near campus.
“While the transition to college may be challenging, you don’t have to face it alone,” said Gabrielle Oliver, Manager of College Persistence. “Creating nurturing spaces for alumni to connect helps you find your people and build your community.”
Cheering for raffle prizes 
Cookie decorating 
School supplies giveaway 
Peer Leader Miskatul, on left, joins students for bracelet-making
Take the CP team’s Back to School Alumni Welcome Lunch, for example. Nearly 40 incoming first-year college students gathered for lunch, learned essential college skills, and relaxed with classic board games, friendship bracelets, and cookie decorating. They also met the Peer Leaders and staff who will be supporting their schools this fall.
Your college journey is just beginning – and we’re here for every step of it. Congratulations again, HS Class of 2025, and good luck on your first semester of college!
Get Involved
Are you a Student Leadership Network alum attending CUNY, but have not yet signed up for CollegeJourney? Contact Gabby Oliver, Manager of College Persistence, to be matched with a Peer Leader this fall!
Student Leadership Network alumni attending other colleges and universities, or those who want support with college transfers or re-enrollment after time off, can make an appointment via our Alumni Referral Form.
