College & Career
Helping students plan, prepare, and take their next step
The Challenge
Without a clear plan, graduation becomes a cliff instead of a launchpad.
Many students (especially first-generation college students) struggle to navigate what comes after high school. Applications, deadlines, financial aid, and career paths can feel overwhelming and out of reach.
Young adults with a clear postsecondary plan earn up to $1 million more over their lifetime than peers without one.
How the College & Career Center Makes A Difference
The College & Career Center provides guidance, resources, and real-world opportunities that help students move confidently into college, careers, or training programs.
We walk with students through every decision, deadline, and milestone. Students always know the next step and have the necessary support to take it.
Local high schools only have 1 guidance counselor for every 600 students.
What it looks like
Students can get help with FAFSA, scholarships, applications, and interviews. They explore different career paths, meet with mentors, and build personalized “Launch Plans” that outline their next steps and long-term goals.
Students leave the program with clarity, momentum, and a plan. Many become the first in their family to go to college. Others find high-demand careers that align with their strengths and passions. Every student leaves with a direction and the tools to follow it.
“I think I can summarize what I’ve learned at Urban Ventures in two things: hard things are worth doing, but you don’t have to do them alone,”
- Jesús, college grad (and class president)
The College & Career is launching students into successful careers
💛 You Can Help Make This Possible
Programs like this are possible because of people who believe in the potential of every child and family we serve.
Your generosity fuels lasting change across our neighborhood and for the generations to come.