UTOOLS is an experiential learning program originally designed to introduce teenagers in foster care to a university setting. Now in its fourth year, the program has been revamped to place a greater focus on the logistics of getting into—as well as succeeding in—college.
“We don’t want to just expose them to campus life; we want to help them navigate the process to get here,” said Monica Porter, assistant vice chancellor for student success. “Our goal is to give students the attention, tools and resources needed to prepare for college.”
Workshops focus on themes from Sean Covey’s book, “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Teens.” Habits like being proactive and putting first things first serve as the framework for each week’s lesson.
One week, you’ll find students discussing their goals, preparing to develop an education plan.
Later, they’ve moved on to mapping out career goals and putting together resumes.
Selecting a major, writing a personal essay, completing a mock FAFSA application. With each task, students become more familiar, more comfortable, with the process; that new familiarity is especially important to the many who would be first-generation college students.
“We know little things along the way are stopping points—not knowing about scholarships, not understanding the application process,” Porter said. “UTOOLS allows us to walk with them through the process and help them understand the steps.”
Once they’ve mastered what it takes to get into college, the focus shifts to resources and skills needed to succeed in college. Students learn about problem solving, stress management, study skills and time management, as well as leadership skills, eating right and exercising.
These life skills are essential, Porter said, for a foster youth population in which 70 percent aspire to attend college, but only roughly 2 percent attain a college degree.
The UTOOLS program runs every Saturday for 10-weeks. Staff members from nine Enrollment Management and Student Life offices lead the sessions.
