College Access
College Access coaches promote the Winning Attitude for Education mindset, which encourages high school students to take the first step toward College Success.
FGCB’s College Access Program serves more than 500 low- and moderate-income students in:
Bladensburg Central High School
DuVal High School*
Fairmont Heights High School*
High Point High School
International High School of Tacoma Park
Laurel High School*
Parkdale High School*
Potomac High School
Beginning in the 2021–2022 school year, FGCB partnered with the Montgomery County Housing Opportunity Commission (HOC) to expand College Access services.
* Next Generation Scholars school site
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How We Support Students
Our College Access Coaches promote a Winning Attitude for Education — encouraging students to take the first step toward college success.
Coaches provide personalized guidance and ongoing support to help students:
Set goals and create a college plan
Navigate the application process
Complete financial aid requirements
Identify colleges that are a strong academic and financial fit
Problem-solve challenges along the way
In high-poverty high schools, less than 60% of graduates go to college — FGCB works in nine area schools with high FARMS rates to raise that number.
During senior year, each student develops a customized College Access Plan focused on:
- Finding the best-fit college
- Maximizing financial aid opportunities
- Comparing financial aid packages
- Minimizing student debt
From Acceptance to Enrollment
FGCB ensures seniors:
- Complete admissions requirements
- Submit and verify financial aid documents
- Meet college deadlines
- Transition successfully to campus
Support continues through the summer, a critical period to prevent “summer melt” and ensure students enroll in college in the fall.
Up to 40% of college-intending students from low-income or first-gen backgrounds never enroll in the fall after high school. This is known as the “summer melt” and it’s why FGCB’s matriculation support is crucial to students’ success.
Students who enroll in college continue receiving support through FGCB’s College Retention Program, including:
- Ongoing check-ins and guidance
- Networking opportunities with alumni, board members, and staff
- Care packages and campus visits
- Encouragement to persist through graduation
Because getting into college is just the beginning — finishing is the goal.
Enrollment Interest Form
- Complete the interest form link below and a FGCB representative will be in touch with you concerning eligibility.
- To be eligible, students are required to maintain a 2.0 Grade Point Average.
- Parent/Guardian is required to attend the Parent/Guardian Commitment Orientation.
- There is a one-time non-refundable fee for student enrollment to be paid after you are accepted into the College Access Program.
College Access School Sites
FGCB partners with nine high schools in Prince George’s County to provide targeted, on-site college access support to expand opportunity for students with the greatest financial need. We work directly within these school communities to help students prepare for, enroll in, and complete college. – This language should be anywhere where the Find Your School box is located. I assume changing it once will change it in any footer where it appears.
Of all the graduations I attend, the one hosted by First Generation College Bound is the most moving. These are the students that have beaten the odds, followed their hearts, believed that they could become the first in their families to earn a college degree. For 20 years Joe Fisher and FGCB have been the North Star for many hundreds of kids, beginning in elementary school and staying with them through matriculation from college. You cannot help but support a program like FGCB!
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