Innovative Practices 2021 Grant Winner

North Lenoir High School (Lenoir County Public Schools) created a College Ambassadors Club for students with the goal to increase students’ confidence when completing college applications, scholarships, and the FAFSA application.

Key Strategies

Peer Mentoring

• Observed most students learn about college, scholarships, and FAFSA through word of mouth.
• Developed a peer mentoring approach for students in grades 10 to 12.

Safe Space

• Provided students with a safe place to ask questions and get the help they may not be able to get from home.
• Equipped students with knowledge about the college-going and FAFSA process to reduce fear and shatter misconceptions among first-generation students

Community Conversations

• Student participants applied the knowledge they learned through the club and effectively communication to their peers and community.
• Club activities led to a dramatically increased number of conversations around the FAFSA.