READINESS

College Readiness Workshops

Working with groups of students through churches, community organizations and school systems, our workshops introduce students to the importance of early preparation for the college selection process. Students are engaged in the  discussion, through group activities and by working with their peers, to complete their college planning worksheet. Each student leaves the presentations with the beginnings of their college plan.

Individual Education Consulting

Individual educational consultation is offered to students we meet through the readiness workshops or by referral of a teacher, counselor or community stakeholder.  Once accepted, we aid these students by crafting plans that meet their specific educational and personal needs. Our goal is to help them identify those needs and assist them in making informed choices about their college education. When finished, their choices are affordable, practical and attainable, and will increase their chances of graduating successfully.

READING

CREED Literacy Support Project

CREED distributes books to area elementary, middle school and high school students.  We strongly believe that developing a love for reading in a young person is a gateway to building curiousity about the pursuit of a higher education.  We are genorously supported in our efforts by the national non-profit, First Book, through whom we have purchased over 400 books for the cost of postage (.45-.65) per book.  

RETENTION

Undergraduate Mini-Grants, Internships & Retention Support

Working together with families, we support young people through the important first year of their college education. We answer their questions, help them navigate the maze of their colleges’ administration, and, when available, provide $50 - $100 mini grants for travel home and limited emergency funds. Previously approved funded requests include, but are not limited to, school supplies, bus tickets, and assistance with books.  A new pilot program, winter internships with CREED, will introduce undergraduate and graduate students to nonprofit management.  Minigrants and internships are dependent on the success of our annual fundraising campaigns.

RESEARCH

CREED Data Collection and Analysis Project

Since our founding in 2010, CREED has used surveys to assess student needs and readiness for college.  We are in the process of compiling the data and will spend the next years analyzing the information that we have collected.  It is our hope to build a profile of our students and to use the data to further understand the needs of our students.  We will use this information in grant solicitation and in lobbying efforts with our local, county and state politicians.