Our College Readiness Parent Institute is here to help parents and guardians learn key success strategies to navigating college planning.

From kindergarten to college graduation, we've got you covered! And we provide a community of support for parents on this journey.

We don’t just give families the advice to get through the application process and get admitted to college, we take a personalized, individualized, hands-on approach that will help propel students to new heights of opportunity.

Our methods are unique, researched based, and different.

Our approach is to empower parents and dream supporters with the information needed for college success from college application to college graduation.

Parent Institute Workshop Info

• Workshops are in person & virtual. Check out the descriptions below.

• Choose one workshop or register for all workshops. You decide.

• Workshops are usually held the last Thursday each month. Some are held the last Saturday.

• Registration is required for all workshops. Register for each workshop you want to attend.

• Details and Zoom info sent after registration.

• A light dinner will be served at in-person workshops

Parent Institute Workshop Details

Navigating the Scholarship Maze

October 24, 2024

7:00pm - 8:00pm EST

Location: Virtual via Zoom - Workshop is free but registration is required.

Presenter: Dr. Nicole Henderson

Learn how to find, apply for, and win scholarships to make college more affordable. By the end of this transformative workshop, you possess a sense of calm and confidence in not only applying for scholarships but winning scholarships!

A Mindful Approach to Navigating the Financial Aid Process

-Presented In partnership with Crestmont Community Outreach Center (CCOC)

March 28, 2024

6:30pm - 7:30pm EST

Location: CCOC - 1681 Summit Ave, Willow Grove, PA

A light dinner will be served at 6:00pm.

Presenter: Dr Angela McNeil — Educational Consultant at McNeil Journey Services

Preparing your child for college can be an overwhelming and anxiety producing process. In this workshop, we aim to equip you with valuable tips for incorporating mindfulness into every aspect of the application process. Not only will you gain insights into practicing mindfulness, but we will also provide you with a basic understanding of navigating the landscape of the financial aid process. We will review the financial aid process as well as talk about various types of aid for post-secondary education. By the end of this transformative workshop, you possess a sense of calm and confidence in not only applying for financial aid but also the college application process.

** REGISTRATION CLOSED**

Managing the Stress and Anxiety of the College Application Process

-Presented In partnership with Crestmont Community Outreach Center (CCOC)

April 25, 2024

6:30pm - 7:30pm EST ***DINNER IS SERVED AT 6pm**

Location: Crestmont Community Outreach Center - 1681 Summit Ave, Willow Grove, PA | First Baptist Crestmont Education Building

Presenter: Dr Angela McNeil — Educational Consultant of McNeil Journey Services

The college application process can feel overwhelming and produce anxiety and stress. As parents, how we manage our emotions can impact the college application process and our relationships with our children. This workshop will have a holistic approach to equip you with tools and strategies to tame stress and anxiety surrounding the college application process.  Parents will have the opportunity to share their thoughts, concerns, and feelings leaving them feeling more empowered and confident in navigating the college application journey!

** REGISTRATION CLOSED**

What to Expect Before, During and After a College Visit

April 27, 2024

12noon - 1:00pm EST

Virtual via Zoom - Registration is required and Zoom info sent after registration.

Presenter: Danielle Marshall - The College Visit Journal Founder & Author

Going on a visit soon, but not sure how to get ready? We will cover what you need to know before, during and after a visit. This workshop will prepare you for what you should ask, look for, and do on a visit. This session is great for families planning campus visits with their college ­bound students. **

Crafting Standout Admission and Scholarship Essays

May 23, 2024

6:30pm - 7:30pm EST

Virtual via Zoom - Registration is required. The Zoom info will be sent after registration.

Presenter: Dr. Ebonee Mayo-Mitchell — Educational Consultant and Founder & CEO of College Prep 365

Are you eager for your college or scholarship application to shine? Join us for an engaging workshop where you'll learn the art of writing compelling admission and scholarship essays that captivate readers and set you apart from the competition. In this workshop, we will delve into the key elements that make an essay stand out in the eyes of admissions officers and scholarship committees. From brainstorming ideas to polishing your final draft, you will gain invaluable insights and practical tips to help you craft essays that leave a lasting impression.

Engage and Connect: Getting Involved and Staying Enrolled

June 27, 2024

6:30pm - 7:30pm EST

Location: TBD

Presenter: Dr Craig Smith

Several student retention theorists have purported unique models to support the First Year Engagement theory. With the development of first year experience programs on the rise there still remains a struggle to retain first semester students. This workshop will focus on strategies that will help to ensure student success during the first year. A deeper investigation of factors that support and thwart student success and persistence yields a comprehensive first year engagement theory that will be discussed. The proposed theory of first year engagement model outlines the core tenets of the theory and discusses the theory in practice.

Internship, Work-study & Career Opportunities While in College

July 25, 2024

6:30pm - 7:30pm EST

Virtual via Zoom

Presenter: Shamelle Yemofio - Director of Counseling and CEO of Keys to College

Feeling lost in the sea of college options? This workshop on Internship, work-study & career opportunities during college dives into landing the perfect internship to gain valuable experience, exploring work-study programs to earn while you learn, uncovering career paths that align with your interests. Leave with a clear roadmap to maximize your college experience and jumpstart your future success

WHAT DO PARENTS SAY ABOUT OUR WORKSHOPS?

“I always learn so much from Dr Nicole. Our family used a recommendation from a previous seminar and they granted us an additional $5,000."

“Everything was so helpful! I learned so much and feel more confident now.”

"This is information that we just don't get anywhere else. Why aren't high school counselors having you do workshops at high schools to get this information out or train them to do them!"

"Everything was most helpful. Dr. Nicole is a wealth of knowledge. This seminar should be shared with all parents who have a child entering college. I have learned so much and I am looking forward to the next seminar. She put the calm in what can be a most stressful process."

Future Workshop Topics

• SMART Scholarship Strategies

• Developing Strong Study Skills and Time Management

• Building Strong Parent-Student Relationships to Support Academic Success.

• Understanding the Interpersonal Dynamics of Transitioning from High School to College

• Navigating College Experience and Supporting Students Through Campus Resources

• Life After Graduation

• Developing a Growth Mindset

Have Questions? Text us at 484-341-3903

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OUR OTHER PARENT INSTITUTE OFFERINGS

SMART Scholarship Strategies provides strategies and tools that families can implement immediately and begin the journey to a debt free college degree!

SmartStart® is a research-based coaching program which motivates college students to succeed through a hands-on approach to college readiness, persistence, and graduation. Students who participate in SmartStart® overwhelmingly tested college-ready with more confidence and felt more prepared for college.

We provide premium face-to-face or virtual student success coaching. Our individual success coaching equips our students with the skills necessary to begin college successfully. Our personalized hands-on coaching and data-driven approach motivates students to enroll and successfully graduate from college.