The start of a new school year is always full of possibilities, and no one is more excited than Peer Leaders to share those possibilities with their classmates. As students returned to back-to-school this fall, Peer Leaders hit the ground running with their First 30-Days Campaign. To set their classmates up for success in the college and financial aid application process, the first month back at school is critical for raising awareness about the resources Peer Leaders have to offer. The First 30-Days Campaign is about connecting Peer Leaders with students, staff, and parents throughout the school community and getting key application information out to those who need it.
How do they do it? Check out these back-to-school initiatives from Peer Leaders to see how you can start the year off strong at your school.
Orientations
Peer Leaders across the country tabled at their schools’ orientation events for parents as well as new and returning students. At Lake Wales High School in Florida and Charles H. Flowers High School in Maryland, Peer Leaders connected students across grade levels by compiling advice from upperclassmen for first-year students. One common piece of advice? It’s never too early to start thinking about and preparing for college applications!
Peer Leaders at Dr. Henry Wise Jr. High School in Maryland made an impact at Parent Orientation. The team reported, “We focused on introducing ourselves to new Puma Family members, talking to parents, staff, and of course the students.” Bowie High School Peer Leaders also took advantage of orientation to strengthen their outreach, gathering contact information from students interested in joining PeerForward events.
Back-to-School Events
Peer Leaders celebrated the start of the school year with their classmates at various back-to-school events. As they introduced themselves to the community and offered support and resources for college applications, they made sure to also have fun with games and giveaways.
At James Campbell High School in Hawaii, the state’s first-ever Peer Leader team showed off their spirit at Campbell’s Welcome Back Fair. They gave out free swag while promoting a free financial aid webinar. Meanwhile, the team at Vanguard Academy in Texas gave out school supplies and a college readiness newsletter to students at their Back-to-School Expo and Meet the Teacher events. Our Peer Mentors at Broward College in Florida are just as excited to start the year off right, tabling all around campus to connect with students and offer support.
Assemblies
Assemblies are another impactful way for Peer Leaders to reach their entire class. The teams at Everett High School in Michigan and Rembrandt Academy in Texas presented at their senior class assemblies, sharing how they can help, flagging important dates such as the Common App and FAFSA openings, and inviting their classmates to upcoming events.
As they complete the First 30-Days Campaign, we are excited to see how these powerful teams keep their classmates motivated and on track throughout the college and financial aid application cycle. Keep it up, Peer Leaders!
