Beyond 12 Cohorts

Project Description

A peer support network for first generation college students that integrates into beyond 12's existing coaching platform.

Problem

First generation college students have to oftentimes navigate college alone, and unprepared for the institutional expectations placed upon them that do not align with the skill set they enter college with. This can result in costly errors both financially, and socio emotionally for the student.

Insights

Through our research we identified that a cohort model can provide a support network that allows first generation college students to advocate for one another and influence institutional change. First generation students are expected to enter college with institutional knowledge that they have not been granted by their previous education institutes. The inevitable failures that transpire result in lost revenue, time, confidence and eventually lead many to experience a stop out that carries a heavy burden of shame.

Solutions

Beyond 12 cohorts takes advantage of a gap in the existing service model for community colleges, by reclaiming underutilized time during the space between high school and the start of college to introduce first generation students to critical skills and resources at their colleges. By introducing a cohort model within beyond 12's existing coaching model we afford first generation students with a support network of accountability partners needed to complete their college journey.