Mount Prospect Native Serves to Make College Possible
MILWAUKEE–Mount Prospect native Laura Eirich has begun a year of full-time service as an AmeriCorps member with College Possible Milwaukee, a nonprofit dedicated to helping low-income students earn college degrees. In her role as events coordinator, Eirich is responsible for planning and executing student events including campus visits, practice ACT exams and College Possible Milwaukee's Year-End Graduation Celebration.
A native of Mount Prospect, Illinois, Eirich attended John Hershey High School in Arlington Heights, Illinois, and graduated from Carroll University in 2013 with a degree in Public Health and Psychology. Eirich's academic pursuits instilled in her a passion for service and volunteerism. Her research into the achievement gap in the United States led her to apply for a year of service with College Possible.
“Thus far, my experience has been extremely eye-opening,” said Eirich. “I have learned so much about the importance of College Possible' s work and how much we impact the students who are involved in the program. I am so grateful to have this opportunity!”
For her position with College Possible, Eirich has already planned and executed twelve campus visits and one ACT exam. These events allow College Possible high school students to become enthusiastic about going to college and improve their chances of gaining admission to college.
“Laura has taken to the position incredibly well,” said Operations Coordinator Paolo Guttadauro. “She's already booked more campus visits for our students than we had all of last school year. This hard work allows for many low-income students to visit colleges and universities, often for the very first time.”
After her service with College Possible, Eirich plans to remain committed to service and to obtain her Master of Public Health degree in Global Health or Social and Behavioral Science, before pursuing a career in the global public health nonprofit sector.
ABOUT COLLEGE POSSIBLE MILWAUKEE:
College Possible™ is making college admission and success possible for low-income students through an intensive curriculum of coaching and support. Started in 2008, College Possible Milwaukee serves more than 2,500 low-income high school and college age students through its college access and success program. Nationwide, College Possible's innovative and award-winning model serves nearly 15,000 Minnesota, Nebraska, Oregon and Wisconsin students with plans to reach 20,000 students annually in 10 locations across the country by 2020. According to a recent Harvard study, the program more than doubles a low-income student's chances of enrolling in college. More information at www.CollegePossible.org.
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