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HomeMy Public PortalAboutCollege Applications Coach - IndividualCity of Watertown, MA  ARPA Project Proposal Submitted by: Weiyan Cai Submitted on: May 26, 2023 Request Number: ARPA-27 Project Name: College Applications Coach Proposal Type: Individual Recommended Project Manager: Project Summary: We present a compelling project proposal aimed at utilizing ARPA funds to support and guide high school students in Watertown through the college application process. The College Applications Coach program aims to provide personalized assistance, mentorship, and resources to students, ensuring they have the necessary guidance and support to successfully navigate the college admissions journey. Below, you will find the requested information and further details about the project. Amount of ARPA Funds Requested: $60,000 Minimum Funds Needed: $20,000 Matching funds available? No Other funds available? No Project Narrative: I have a detailed narrative to upload Proposal Title:College Applications Coach -Empowering Watertown's High School Students Introduction: We present a compelling project proposal aimed at utilizing ARPA funds to support and guide high school students in Watertown through the college application process.The College Applications Coach program aims to provide personalized assistance,mentorship, and resources to students,ensuring they have the necessary guidance and support to successfully navigate the college admissions journey.Below,you will find the requested information and further details about the project. 1.Applicant Information: -Applicant Name:Weiyan Cai -Contact Person (if applicant is an organization): -Contact Email Address:elvaweiyan@gmail.com -Contact Phone Number:8572729422 2.Project Details: -Project Name:College Applications Coach -Amount of ARPA funds requested for the project:$60,000 3.Funding Considerations: -Matching funds available for the project from other sources:No a.Source of funds: b.Amount:0 c.Are funds guaranteed or if not,likelihood:No 4.Project Viability: -Minimum funds needed to make the project worth doing:$20,000 5.Recommended Project Manager: -City department,non-profit entity,or other: 6.Project Description: The College Applications Coach program is designed to assist high school students in Watertown with their college applications,ensuring they receive the guidance and support they need to pursue higher education successfully.The program will provide the following: -Personalized Coaching:The program will be staffed by highly qualified college application coaches,primarily consisting of current students or graduates from prestigious institutions such as Harvard University,Yale University,Columbia University,Brown University, Princeton University,as well as the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge in the UK.These coaches are familiar with the college application process and the circumstances of high school students.One-on-one coaching will be offered at a rate of $70 per hour,and group lessons will be available at a rate of $150 per hour,accommodating up to 5 students per group. -Workshops and Resources:The program will organize workshops to educate students about the college application process,financial aid opportunities,and scholarship applications.Additionally,resource materials,such as guides and online platforms,will be made available to students,ensuring they have access to the most up-to-date information. -Mentoring and Peer Support:The College Applications Coach program will establish mentoring relationships between college students or recent graduates and high school students.This peer support system will provide additional encouragement and guidance, creating a network of support for students. -Community Engagement:The program will collaborate with local schools,community organizations,and colleges to foster partnerships and expand resources available to students.By leveraging existing networks,we can maximize the program's impact and offer a comprehensive support system to our students. 7.Project Timeline and Budget: -Detailed budget:The budget includes expenses for hiring coaches,organizing workshops, developing resource materials. The maximum budget will be spread into 3 years,and each year will only target the students from 12th grade or students ready to apply for college.The funding expense will be capped at $20k for each class of students.Unused amounts will be rolled over to next year to be spent on the next class.The rate of one to one personalized coaching will be $70 per hour, and group lessons will be available at a rate of $150 per hour,accommodating up to 5 students per group. For the minimum proposed funding,it will only cover for one class of students.And if there is any remaining balance available by the end of the school year,it will be rolled over to the class when they are ready to apply for college.or used as continued coaching program for the same class of students during the summer depending on the amount of remaining balance. -Timeline:The project will aim to commence by October 2023,with key milestones such as the completion of coach hiring,workshop scheduling,and resource development.Once this is approved,this program will reach out to the high school superintendent to make the students,and host a seminar (also available online)open to all students and then coordinate with each student.The program's duration will extend until Aug 30 2026,allowing students to receive support during the college application process. 8.Metrics for Success: -The success of the project will be measured by: -The number of students receiving coaching and support -Increase in college acceptance rates among participating students -Feedback and satisfaction surveys from students,parents,and school staff 9.Overall Benefit to Watertown Residents: -The College Applications Coach program will have a significant impact on Watertown's high school students by: -Increasing access to higher education opportunities -Empowering students to make informed decisions about college choices -Enhancing their chances of receiving scholarships and financial aid -Strengthening the educational landscape of our community 10.Alignment with City's ARPA Proposal Criteria: -The College Applications Coach program aligns with the City's ARPA proposal criteria We believe that the College Applications Coach program will provide invaluable support to our high school students and help shape their future educational opportunities.By utilizing ARPA funds to invest in their college application journey,we aim to empower students, increase their chances of success,and contribute to the overall development of our community. .