Here at E.L. Haynes, our College Office works to ensure every high school student graduates with a viable plan for after graduation. Beginning in the 9th grade, the College Office engages students and families through a multi-year process to explore and discover their strengths, talents, interests, passions, and future career goals. Students participate in at least two signature experiences at each grade level to prepare for college and career.
In 9th grade, students attend monthly College Academy sessions and a one-to-one College Connections family meeting. In 10th grade, they focus on professional pathways through Career Day in the fall, and Career Shadow Day in the spring. In 11th grade, students focus on the college application process. And in 12th grade, they participate in overnight college trips and quarterly College Prep Bootcamps.
College Visits
Every school year, the College Office organizes overnight college trips. This school year, students visited dozens of colleges and universities across the mid-Atlantic (see below). These off-site learning experiences give students a chance to participate in campus tours, get a sneak peek of life as a college student, attend sports games, engage in conversations about life after graduation, and much more. This year, while visiting Bowie State University, 10th grade students participated in a live on-air interview with WBSU Radio and discussed the powers and dangers of social media and education. Check out their discussion here!
| Albright College | Montclair State University |
| Bowie State University | Muhlenberg College |
| Delaware State University | Ramapo College |
| George Mason University | Rutgers University |
| Georgetown University | University of North Carolina Greensboro |
| Guildford College | Wake Forest University |
| Millersville University | Winston-Salem State University |
Family Engagement
As part of working with students to develop their post-graduation plans, our College Office partners with families to make sure they are supported in helping their student’s transition. For students looking to go into post-secondary education after high school, our College Office helps students and families with college research, applications, and decisions; financial aid research and applications; and more. Periodically throughout the school year, College Counselors meet with students and their families to discuss updates, new interests, and outstanding tasks that need to be done to help the student meet their goals. For students choosing to go into a specific trade or career field, we assign a College Counselor to work with them beginning in the middle of 11th grade to develop an individualized career development plan.
Pre-College Programs and College Advising
The end of every school year brings excitement as students finalize plans for what they will do next. Students in grades 9 – 12 think through their plans for the summer with support from College Office staff. In addition to college advising, the College Office supports students in accessing valuable learning and experiential experiences outside of E.L. Haynes. These opportunities range from academic summer programs at nearby colleges to year-round, after-school programs. We are proud to have supported student participation in Critical Exposure, Bringing the Lessons Home, MS2, DC Happ, Urban Alliance World Bank Internship, and POSSE Scholars. We hold a twice-yearly External Opportunities Fair and produce a quarterly newsletter introducing students to these programs.
Senior Year and Beyond
In 12th grade, students apply to college and pursue professional opportunities, including vocational training programs. On May 1, we celebrate National College Decision Day, during which 12th graders across the country announce their plans for after graduation to friends and family. This year, we look forward to celebrating the Class of 2023 and their post-graduation plans during our annual Commitment Ceremony on Thursday, May 25, from 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Additionally, we offer support to alumni as they navigate college and careers, including through an Alumni College Emergency Support Fund. Stay tuned for more highlights, events, and support opportunities from the College Office!
9th Graders meet with college and company representatives during the annual Pre-College Fair.
This school year’s second annual Sophomore Career Exploration Day, an opportunity for 10th graders to gain exposure to different career sectors, connect with community members serving in a wide array of roles within those sectors, and gain valuable insights into the job application process.
Senior Josiah Aniyikaiye-Preston celebrating his accomplishment of winning a full-tuition, merit scholarship to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, as a DC POSSE Scholar!
Students visiting Bowie State University. During the tour, students participated in an on-air interview with campus radio station WBSU about the power and dangers of social media.
