Facilitating Long-term Improvements in Graduation and Higher Education for Tomorrow (FLIGHT)

FLIGHT provides mentoring, scholarships, and additional support services to help disadvantaged middle and high school students (grades 6-12) stay on track for graduation, apply to college, and enroll in college. Students meet with trained adult volunteer mentors in school for a minimum of 15 sessions per year for at least 30 minutes per session. Every student is assigned a student advocate who works as a case manager and conducts College Access and Success Meetings (1-4 times per year for 15-30 minutes each) and Advocacy Meetings (4 times per year for 15 minutes each). Student advocates provide workshops covering goal setting, study skills, and college preparation. Students in grades 7-10 participate in three workshops per year (1-4 hours each), and students in grades 11-12 participate in six workshops per year (1-4 hours each). Students who fulfill FLIGHT requirements receive a two-year scholarship to college or vocational training. Students have access to college transition and retention services in their first three semesters of college. New mentors receive a 2-hour orientation and training session, and staff receive one 1-hour training and nine hour-long workshops annually.