Americorps program at Finlandia to encourage college culture in U.P.

Western U.P. high school students unsure of their options after graduation are going to be getting some help over the next few months, as a new Americorps program at Finlandia University focuses on getting students connected to post-grad opportunities.

Four-year and two-year colleges, vocational, technical and business schools, and military service all are post-secondary education choices that Americorps member Kevin Korte, a Finlandia graduate himself, wants to encourage high school students to pursue.

His job over the next year will be to recruit and train Finlandia University and Michigan Technological University students, AmeriCorps members and volunteer mentors from Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Western U.P., to act as “navigators,” or volunteers who will work with area students to encourage college or other post-secondary education.

“There is a strong disconnect in our tri-county area between students intending to pursue a postsecondary education and students who actually obtain a postsecondary education,” says TyAnn Lindell, VP for academic and student affairs at Finlandia University. “Kevin and the College Positive Volunteers will be working this academic year to help close this gap.”

The volunteers will help participating high schools by acting as mentors, role models, and helping students connect to information and resources about college. They’ll help students prepare academically for college, look at colleges, apply for financial aid, and get through what can sometimes be a daunting process.

While meetings and training will take place throughout the year, a highlight is College Goal Sunday, a nationwide day on Feb. 12 to help families complete their FAFSA, or application for federal student aid. An event with the navigators is already scheduled for 2 to 4 p.m. that day at Finlandia’s Jutila Center, to help students and families get through the necessary forms and paperwork.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: TyAnn Lindell, Finlandia University