Applying to college is a big step—and if you’re a first-generation or low-income student, it can feel even more overwhelming. But what if we told you there’s a panel of experts ready to help, offering completely free resources for everything from essays and financial aid to SAT prep and mentorship?
This year at our Virtual College Fair, we’re starting with an exclusive 30-minute panel discussion featuring leaders from four incredible organizations who specialize in guiding students like you. Whether you’re looking for one-on-one mentorship, on-demand tutoring, or financial aid advice, these organizations have the tools you need to succeed.
Ready to meet the experts? Here’s what each panelist’s organization can offer to help you take control of your college future.
1. Fair Opportunity Project: Your Guide to College Applications and Beyond
Let’s start with Fair Opportunity Project (Fair Opp), a nonprofit organization that helps first-generation, low-income, and historically underserved students attend and afford college. Their services are not only comprehensive but also completely free.
What Fair Opportunity Project Offers:
Free Mentorship: Get paired with a trained mentor who can guide you through the SATs, essays, FAFSA, and every other part of the college process.
100+ Page College Application Guide: Available in seven languages, this guide is your go-to for everything from application deadlines to tips on nailing your personal statement.
FAFSA Support: Book a one-on-one session with Fair Opp’s financial aid experts to ensure you fill out FAFSA correctly and maximize your aid.
Essay Review: Their professional editors will review your college essays, providing detailed feedback to help you submit polished, standout applications.
Scholarship Guidance: Fair Opp helps students find scholarships and submit their strongest applications to make college more affordable.
Why Attend the Panel?
Fair Opportunity Project will share their best tips on how to maximize your financial aid, write stellar essays, and use their free resources to get into your dream college. You’ll learn how to sign up for a mentor and use their comprehensive guide to streamline your college applications.
2. Schoolhouse: Free Tutoring and SAT Bootcamps for Students Like You
Next, we have Schoolhouse, an innovative nonprofit that connects students with free tutoring for math and test prep. Whether you need help with calculus or want to improve your SAT score, Schoolhouse’s volunteer tutors have you covered.
What Schoolhouse Offers:
SAT Bootcamps: Schoolhouse runs 4-week SAT bootcamps where you’ll learn test-taking strategies, practice on real SAT questions, and get personalized support from peer tutors who have already excelled on the SAT.
Live 1:1 Help: Need help with homework? Schoolhouse offers one-on-one math tutoring for subjects ranging from Pre-Algebra to Calculus.
Small-Group Sessions: Join a small group to brush up on math concepts or prep for the SAT alongside other students like you.
Subjects Covered:
SAT Prep
Pre-Algebra, Algebra 1 & 2
Geometry, Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus, Calculus
Statistics
With a global network of over 13,000 volunteer tutors, Schoolhouse ensures that help is always available—completely free.
Why Attend the Panel?
Schoolhouse will share insights on how to take advantage of their free tutoring services and SAT bootcamps, helping you prepare for college while boosting your confidence in math and test-taking.
3. UStrive: Free Online Mentorship for College and Career Success
One of the most powerful resources available to students is mentorship—and that’s exactly what UStrive offers. UStrive connects students with mentors who provide free one-on-one guidance through every step of the college admissions process and beyond.
What UStrive Offers:
Personalized Mentorship: Through UStrive’s online platform, you’ll be paired with a mentor who can help you navigate everything from building a college list to filling out financial aid forms. Your mentor will offer professional advice based on their own experiences and knowledge of the college process.
Career Support: Mentorship doesn’t stop when you’re accepted to college. UStrive mentors also help students with the transition to college life and provide career guidance after graduation.
Safe, Monitored Communications: Using UStrive’s secure platform, you can connect with your mentor via video chat or instant messaging anytime, anywhere.
Why Attend the Panel?
UStrive will discuss how mentorship can play a pivotal role in your college journey, helping you make informed decisions about where to apply, how to get the most financial aid, and how to succeed in college. You’ll learn how to sign up for a mentor and begin receiving personalized, one-on-one support today.
4. UPchieve: Free, On-Demand Tutoring and College Counseling—Available 24/7
Rounding out our panel is UPchieve, an amazing platform that offers free, on-demand tutoring and college counseling for low-income students. If you’ve ever been stuck on a math problem late at night or needed help with a college essay, UPchieve is the perfect solution. With 24/7 availability, you can connect with a tutor in minutes.
What UPchieve Offers:
24/7 Tutoring: Need help with your homework or prepping for the SAT? UPchieve provides access to a tutor in math, science, reading, writing, and more—anytime you need it.
College Counseling: In addition to academic help, UPchieve offers personalized support for building a college list, completing applications, and drafting scholarship essays.
1:1 Learning Sessions: Using a whiteboard and doc editor, you can work through concepts with your tutor in real time, making it easy to tackle even the toughest problems.
Subjects Covered:
Math (Pre-Algebra through Calculus)
Science, Reading, and Writing
College Counseling and SAT/ACT Prep
Why Attend the Panel?
UPchieve will explain how to use their platform to get the academic support you need—any time of day. You’ll learn how to sign up for free tutoring or get help with your college applications in minutes.
Why You Should Attend This Panel Discussion
This is more than just another college fair—it’s a chance to hear directly from organizations that are ready to offer you free, expert help in applying to college and navigating the challenges ahead. Here’s why you should make this panel discussion a priority:
Get Personalized, Live Advice: You’ll have the chance to ask real-time questions and get answers specific to your needs. Whether you’re curious about essay writing, FAFSA, or how to find scholarships, our panelists are here to help.
Access Free Resources Immediately: Each organization offers free tools you can use right now, from tutoring sessions and essay reviews to one-on-one mentoring and SAT bootcamps.
Boost Your Confidence: With expert guidance, you’ll feel more prepared and empowered to tackle your college applications and transition into higher education.
How to Register for the Virtual College Fair
Ready to take the next step in your college journey? Register now for our Virtual College Fair and attend this panel discussion that will give you the resources, guidance, and confidence you need to succeed.
Date: Saturday, October 19
Time: 1:00 pm ET / 10:00 am PT
Where: Online—you can attend from anywhere!
Register today at https://explorewithuprooted.vfairs.com/ and get ready to unlock your potential!
Final Thoughts
You don’t have to navigate the college process alone. By attending this panel, you’ll learn from organizations like Fair Opportunity Project, Schoolhouse, UStrive, and UPchieve that are committed to helping first-generation and low-income students succeed. Join us at the Virtual College Fair, and get the support you need to make your college dreams a reality!
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