The National College Transition Network
The mission of the National College Transition Network is to support Big Picture schools as they assist students and their families’ access to post secondary education opportunities. We are committed to developing multiple postsecondary pathways and transition and retention support systems for all Big Picture students and alumni.
Click here for a full prospectus.
The National College Transition Network includes over 30 College Transition Counselors (CTC) and more than 60 Big Picture schools. The College Transition Counselor plays an integral role in the National College Transition Network by supporting and empowering students and families, training Big Picture school staff, and working with community constituents to develop a collaborative and comprehensive college network. As a Network, we seek to achieve the following goals:
- Empowering families and students by educating them on the importance of a college education, teaching them how to navigate the college process, and working collaboratively with advisors to provide individual guidance and counseling
- Training advisors and other Big Picture school staff on the complexities of the college process in an effort to create a sustainable and knowledgeable community of school leaders
- Working collaboratively with colleges and universities, community-based organizations and other constituents to establish a comprehensive support network for students and families
- Providing enrichment opportunities, such as mentors, internships, grant projects, and others, to Big Picture alumni in college in order to help ensure their retention and successful completion from college
- Reengaging Big Picture Alumni who have not enrolled or have dropped out of college in order to support them in continuing their education
- Identifying and supporting most at risk and marginalized students, including AB 540 and foster youth, to ensure a clear path to and from college
- Providing alternative pathways to a four-year degree, such as two-year to four-year college, internship and volunteer programs, vocational certificates, and others, in order to keep students engaged
- Creating support services for alumni in order to ensure the successful completion of their postsecondary plans
The Big Picture College Emergency Fund
The Big Picture College Emergency Fund is intended to assist Big Picture high school graduates who are enrolled in college and are facing financial emergencies such as, but not limited to, car repairs, groceries, winter clothing, housing, medical emergencies, etc. that preclude a student from continuing his or her studies.
For more information about the National College Transition Network, contact Mario De Anda.