A BluePrint for Success: Case Studies of Successful - Educational ...

A Blueprint for Success
Bottom Line runs two programs for students: College Access and College Success.
College Access Program
Students begin working with Bottom Line during their junior or senior year of high school. At first,
Bottom Line counselors meet with students to discuss their interests, aspirations, academic history,
and family circumstances. Once students commit to the program, counselors help them navigate
every step of the college application process. Counselors typically help students in five main areas of
the college application process: college lists, essays, applications, financial aid, and making a college
choice. Given that students receive one-on-one guidance in these major areas, the way services are
provided to each student varies to suit individual needs. During the meetings, counselors are able to
build strong relationships with students, which, in turn, allow them to support students through any
obstacles that arise in the application process. When college acceptance and financial aid award letters
arrive in the spring, Bottom Line helps each student review their options to select a college that
best suits their academic, financial, and personal needs.
College Success Program
Almost all students who complete the College Access Program are accepted at a college or university.
After college decisions are made, students who elect to attend a “target school” are invited to join the
College Success Program. A target school is one of 19 Massachusetts colleges that a large percentage
of Bottom Line students attend. As part of the College Success Program, students participate in transitional
programming during the summer before their freshman year in college. Counselors work
with students in groups and individually to prepare them for the academic rigor and cultural shock
of college. This programming includes several workshops and events, as well as enrollment assistance,
financial aid advising, and general problem solving during individual meetings. Students must
attend the meetings in order to qualify for the College Success Program.
Once students arrive on campus, Bottom Line becomes a financial aid advocate, academic advisor,
career counselor, and mentor. Counselors visit students on campus to offer consistent support in
four areas: Degree, Employability, Aid, and Life (DEAL). Assisting students in earning a degree
means helping them select a suitable major, monitor their academic progress, develop strategies to
improve their performance, and connect with tutors, advisors, and on-campus resources. Bottom
Line assists students in renewing financial aid every year, but also helps students year-round to resolve
problems with tuition bills, determine how to pay balances, and encourage appropriate decisions
that will allow students to avoid excessive debt. Additionally, Bottom Line helps students secure
internships and part-time jobs, create and update their resumes, and build a unique brand that
will allow them to leave college employable. Lastly, Bottom Line offers parent-like guidance and
mentoring. The strong relationships counselors maintain with students enable the organization to
offer consistent support and help students through unexpected obstacles, such as illness, pregnancy,
debt, a death in the family, academic probation, or transferring to another college. This comprehensive
support is provided for up to six years or until a student graduates.
Educational Policy Institute 4 www.educationalpolicy.org