ALUMNI SUPPORT Program

The UrbanPromise experience is a 20-year journey - and nothing brings us more excitement than seeing former students and StreetLeaders excel at their goals. For so many first-generation college students, there are significant barriers faced just getting to the first day of college. According to the Pell Institute, nearly 26% of low-income, first-generation college students leave higher education after their first year. 

UrbanPromise Charlotte currently has a 100% college acceptance rate for StreetLeaders - but if we quit supporting students once they enter college, then we feel that we have stopped short.

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We know (anecdotally, and from statistics) that first-generation college students face a host of unique struggles as they begin this phase of their journeys. As our Alumni base has expanded, the need has grown more pressing for us to offer this incredible group of students a formal framework of support as they navigate their college years.

How does the alumni support program work?

UrbanPromise’s Alumni Support Program is an extension of our StreetLeader Promise Coaching Program — it leverages the mentoring relationship that StreetLeaders developed with their Promise Coaches during high school to help them succeed in college.

With the support of our Alumni Director, Promise Coaches touch base with their first-year StreetLeader Alumni monthly, and they complete formal check-in tasks across four categories (academic, social, financial, and emotional) during six strategic “zones” throughout the year. These check-ins are designed to identify areas of struggle before they get too overwhelming and provide opportunities for encouragement and troubleshooting.

The goals of UrbanPromise’s Alumni Support Program include:

Academic & Financial Support:

  • 100% of Alumni who start at a two-year college but desire to transfer to a four-year college do so within three years

  • 100% of Alumni maintain a 2.5 GPA

  • 100% of Alumni have a declared major by end of their sophomore year

  • 90% of Alumni have less than $5,500 in student loan debt

Socio-Emotional & Faith Support:

  • 100% of Alumni desiring counseling are enrolled in counseling (through UP’s counseling partner, at their college, or privately)

  • 100% of Alumni who desire to involved in a faith community are connected to one

Career, Networking & Leadership Support:

  • 80% of Alumni participate in an internship by the summer before their senior year

  • 100% of graduated Alumni obtain a first meaningful job

Interested in mentoring one of our StreetLeaders during high school and beyond? Learn more about our Promise Coaching program below!