CSM teams up with College Possible to support low-income youth in Omaha
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OMAHA, NEB. – As Development Director at College Possible, Megan Moslander ’08 spends her day working to help low-income students succeed. So, when she saw the chance for College Possible to team up with CSM, her alma mater and a place where she experienced the power of a supportive, inclusive network first-hand, she jumped at it.
“I’m excited to have a partnership with College of Saint Mary because I know how much it changed my life,” said Moslander.
Earlier this fall, CSM secured a collaboration with College Possible – a group that works to break the cycle of poverty by empowering talented, low income students to become college graduates. Based in Omaha, the program offers a range of support services to low-income students who want to go to college but may not have the know-how or support to get there. College Possible uses AmeriCorps members who have recently graduated college as coaches to guide students from their junior year of high school through college graduation. The organization has plans to reach more than 2,000 Omaha students this year alone.
“The goal is to work with capable, low-income youth to get them to and through college,” said Moslander. “The youth we work with have the desire to have a 4-year degree, but they might not know how to get there.”
Through the partnership, CSM will be able to connect more women with access to an affordable, excellent college experience, career-driven coursework, and lifelong leadership skills. Students within the program will be paired with a coach to help maximize their experience and heighten their success.
“One of the things that I learned being a student at College of Saint Mary was finding your voice, having cheerleaders, and being empowered to make the positive decisions in your life,” said Moslander. “Really, that’s what we are doing for our students.”
At CSM, the group will work in unison with the university’s student-centered, values-driven atmosphere, providing students with an extra level of support. College coaches work one-on-one with individuals to break down potential barriers to success, working with students on everything from registration support and financial aid guidance to sharing study techniques and connecting students with on-campus resources. As Moslander has noted, these personalized techniques mesh brilliantly with CSM’s actively inclusive and intimate environment.
“We’ve had students on campus for a while, but I really pushed the partnership with College of Saint Mary,” said Moslander. “I know how they wrap their arms around students, and that’s what our students need.”
Moslander and College Possible will bring over 30 high school juniors and seniors from over eight area districts to CSM for a group visit on March 22. Students will learn about the admissions process, academic offerings, scholarship options, and more about college life. The day will also feature a panel of current CSM students who can speak to their own college experience. Then they’ll finish up with a campus tour and group lunch in the dining hall.
This new partnership seeks to further CSM’s mission to empower motivated women of all economic means, broadening access to education for all women and bolstering support throughout the community.
Already, 12 College Possible students are currently enrolled at CSM, and leaders expect numbers to grow in the future.
“It was empowering to go to CSM…I’m excited that more women will get to experience that,” said Moslander.
