Admission Possible has three central value propositions:
-To offer low-income students the skills and guidance necessary to earn admission to college;
-To provide colleges and universities with a more diverse pool of qualified applicants, thereby helping to ensure a strong and diverse workforce for the Minnesota economy, and
-To help prepare the next generation of teachers, guidance counselors and youth workers by providing recent college graduates with the opportunity to serve in schools as AmeriCorps members.
One of the great promises of this country is often referred to as "the American dream” the notion that everyone willing to work hard and play by the rules will have an equal opportunity to use their talents to make a good life for themselves. Unfortunately, this does not appear to be the case when considering a key component of achieving the American dream in the 21st century: access to a college education. Only about one in 17 young people from the nation's poorest families - or less than 6% - can expect to earn a bachelor's degree by age 24. For those from the nation's wealthiest families, the rate rises to better than one in two (USA Today, 2005).
This trend is especially troubling because those with a college degree, according to the U.S. Census, will earn approximately $1 million more over their lifetime than a high school graduate. In addition, they will pay $300,000 more in federal income taxes and will experience unemployment rates 30% lower than high school graduates. A college education remains the surest path for an individual out of poverty and into a solid middle-class life.
By providing low-income students with both the guidance and the basic tools necessary to compete effectively, Admission Possible has demonstrated that it can dramatically improve these students' chances of attending a college or university. To date, 98% of our students have earned admission to college, and nearly 80% of those who enrolled in college are still working toward their college degree or have already graduated.
Our Mission
Admission Possible is a nonprofit organization committed to helping promising low-income high school students gain admission to college. Each year, approximately 200,000 low-income students in the United States graduate from high school prepared for college, but don't go. At no cost to students or our partner high schools, we provide four critical services to help students prepare for and earn admission to college, including:
1) Intensive ACT/SAT preparation;
2) Guidance in preparing college applications;
3) Financial aid assistance; and
4) Guidance in the transition to college.
Students in the program are "coached" by recent college graduates who dedicate a year of their life to serve as AmeriCorps members. These idealistic, energetic young leaders have a powerful influence on high school students, and the AmeriCorps model allows for a cost-effective and highly replicable approach.
Why We Need a New Website
This June, President Obama drew national attention to Admission Possible's work at a White House event highlighting innovative nonprofit solutions to serious domestic challenges. He said, "Admission Possible operates in just two states now. So imagine if it was 10, or 20 or 50."
Admission Possible intends to answer the President's call to service - this December our Board of Directors voted to implement a national growth strategy that will provide students across the country the support they need to gain admission to college. This growth plan has renewed our sense of urgency to develop a fully functional website, focusing on the following areas:
-Navigation and Structure: Our current structure is not conducive to a multi-site operation, a capacity that will become increasingly important for our organization in the coming years. As our program has grown, more and more information has been added to our site without proper organization. We would like to start fresh and design a site with clear, intuitive navigation that provides a call to action for each segment of visitors so we don't lose them!
-Optimization and Content Management System: Without any web design expertise on staff, we need help optimizing our site so that when parents and students are seeking college access support, they find us. In addition, a system that was easy to use would encourage staff members to make updates and keep information current.
- ADA Compliance: In keeping with our deep commitment to ensuring equal access to all individuals, we want to improve the usability of our website based on ADA best practices.
-Visually Pleasing: Admission Possible is an energetic, dynamic and professional organization.We would love to update our site design to reflect our organizational culture and possibly add some bells and whistles like flashing photos and scrolling logos of our donors.
-Social Networking Space: Admission Possible supports its high school program graduates in their transition to college and through the completion of their degree. We currently use Facebook to share resources and facilitate a network of peer support but are limited by the constraints of the site. A social networking space on our website could help us better support college students as they complete their degrees.
-Information sharing: Over the years, Admission Possible has gathered an abundance of resources on college access that have the potential to help students beyond those enrolled in our program. Right now, we do not have a way to catalog resources online and share them with the broader community.
-Program improvement: We have long been interested in having the capability to host a library of podcasts on our website to help train new AmeriCorps members. Due to the nature of their one-year time commitment, each year we have a considerable number of incoming coaches to train and a library of best practice videos would help increase consistency and decrease cost, especially across multiple branches.
How Our New Site Will Help Make the World Greener
We have several other website improvement ideas that could help Admission Possible "green" our work:
-Online Applications: Each winter, we have more than 300 individuals apply for AmeriCorps positions with Admission Possible and they each submit multiple documents with their application. If we had an web-based system to accept applications, we could save both on paper and staff time.
-Student Worksheets: Currently we provide each of our coaches with a binder of worksheets that they share with their students throughout the year. If some of the worksheets could be converted to webpages, our students could access them online in the computer labs where they have session and we could avoid making thousands of copies each year.
-Password Protected Access: A password-protected section of our website to share documents, training and resources would be a greener and better way for staff and Corps members access regularly used data that would otherwise be printed and stored in hard copy form.
When the judges choose which non-profits will be selected to participate in this year's Challenge they will take into account testimonials from beneficiaries, donors, volunteers, board members and other
Admission Possible changes lives. Looking at Admission Possible's website, however, makes you want to change the page. While that may be a bit of an exaggeration, a new website would help Admission Possible flourish. I work with alumni from our program, most of whom are college students. We have a lot of resources to offer these students, but when we direct them to our website, they don't always have the easiest time accessing those resources. A new website would help our students access important resources vital to their college experience.
Kayla -- AmeriCorps member
Admission Possible has helped me in many ways. It has given me the confidence to apply to wonderful colleges and help me get a better score on my ACT. Being the first one to graduate high school and pursue college in my family, I don't think I would have been able to do it without Admission Possible!
Chaltu Omar, Admission Possible Student at Roosevelt High School Class of 2010
Admission Possible has allowed me to accomplish my dream of attending college without any financial worries. It has dramatically changed my life, and I don't know how I could have done all of this college preparation on my own without the help of Admission Possible.
Sue, Admission Possible Student
There’s nothing better in the universe than Admission Possible! As a high school student who has been with Admission Possible for two years, I believe it is a true blessing in my life. I, along with all students in Admission Possible, deeply care about what we want in our futures; however we don’t have all the access and resources to help us. Admission Possible gave us the opportunity and has given us coaches to be by our side and guide us through getting ready for college. Admission Possible has helped us in so many unbelievable ways that will help us in the long run and benefit ourselves in college and our lives. However, there is still one thing that sets us students apart from Admission Possible. We'd like to go online to the Admission Possible page and see it be helpful to us when we need the assistance. With an update to the Admission Possible page, not only students, but other viewers who would like to know more about Admission Possible, will be amazed and see it well organized with helpful information. Admission Possible is so awesome; it deserves everything because students like me would not be as far along as I am now in the college admission process!
GaoZong Ashley Yang, Central High School; Saint Paul, MN, Class of 2010
The website of Admission Possible could be an amazing resource for everyone involved with Admission Possible, but at the current time is clunky, ugly and a wasted opportunity. The menus are ugly and confusing for new-comers trying to navigate the site. A better website would allow easier access for high school/college students looking for information, allow Admission Possible to better recruit new Americorps members and be more functional in every capacity. Seriously, our website works fine for where we were as an organization five years ago, but needs an overhaul to grow with us into the future.
Steve, current Americorps member
To even consider Admission Possible with such an extraordinary class of non profits is an honor. Admission Possible strives to be accessible to people from all different backgrounds and computing expertise. It would be great to have professionals make our site more user friendly and enable us to transition into the new decade (or techade should I say…). This would increase the visibility of the services we deliver and also allow us to be more effective and efficient when working with students. The individuals in the organization work extremely hard and being granted a website would really serve to validate and encourage the efforts of much of the staff. In any event, I’m sure that the non profit chosen will be deserving of such an opportunity. Thanks again for the consideration of Admission Possible.
Nate, also a current Americorps Member
As a past Admission Possible student starting in 2003, and a current Admission Possible Americorps member now, I can say that I have not seen the Web site change very much. In the seven years I've been involved with Admission Possible, I don't think it's changed at all. And although the Web site looks well enough, I think there is a need for change. Admission Possible is a great organization which benefits many students. The ideals and service of the organization are wonderful and has great potential to grow. I certainly think that the Web site has lots of room to grow. It's cluttered and needs a new look, and maybe needs to add some more interactive points on the Web site.
Douachee, Admission Possible Alumni & current Americorps member
Help us! As someone who uses our website every day, I'm haunted by overflowing sidebars, uncooperative code and a convoluted site map. Poor Admission Possible - Greater Milwaukee looks like an afterthought with its strange sidebar button and floating menus. What will happen when we add new sites as part of our plan to grow? Will we end up with an ungainly family tree on the homepage?
As a winner in the Overnight Website Challenge, Admission Possible could leave these problems behind and do more: help more students, reach more donors, recruit more AmeriCorps candidates, tell more stories.
We know where the website is, and where it should go, but we can't get there alone: We don't have the html knowledge or funding. Nerdery, we need an Overnight Website makeover.
Marie, AmeriCorps member and current Admission Possible Communications VISTA
Admission Possible NEEDS this website makeover! This program is unbelievable and is changing the lives of countless numbers of students who may never make it through the college search process alone. As someone on the "other side of the desk" (a college admissions representative) I frequently use the website to try and track down necessary information for AmeriCorps members (AP Coaches) and students...and find it frustrating to do so! A website makeover could really enhance the program's accessibility to college representatives, parents, students involved in AP and the broader community. This program is going to (deservedly!) expand nationally and cannot continue to use the current page with expansion! I have never worked with a more deserving program than Admission Possible--everyone associated with this program--from the Leadership Team to the AmeriCorps members and the students themselves is truly dedicated to higher education. Now I need to start thinking of a phrase similar to "MOVE THAT BUS" for when the upgrade is complete...
Jillian Hiscock, Asst. Director of Admission at the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University
Admission Possible is an amazing program and it only makes sense that it should have an amazing website. In this day and age businesses and programs are legitimized by their websites. Admission Possible needs this website makeover in order to reflect to the online masses the actual great work that is being accomplished.
Jim, current AmeriCorps member
Admission Possible has been apart of my life for 8 years and now I am serving as a college coach making this my 9th. I often visit teh website to see what's been updated, check out resources, or look up current members who worked with me. Each time, my visit to the website has taken longer than planned because of confusing links or not being able to find a resource. I don't mind navigating the site but most individuals will not share that same sentiment. For students already trying to make their way through college, it's vital we have a website that can help them navigate that process. Otherwise, we're not doing our job and helping them 100%.
Iris, Admission Possible Alumn & current AmeriCorps member
I was part of Admission Possible. If it had not been for this program, I would not have made it to college. It is true that this program exists because the overall education system is failing many students. But until we fix those problems, programs like Admission Possible are essential for the well being of many students like myself. Admission Possible definitely needs this website in order to fulfill its agenda and overall growth and progress int he future.
Juventino Meza, former Admission Possible student
Admission Possible has done so much for a student as myself. I had no idea what I was getting myself into when I had signed up for the program. I later would come to know the great value of the program. It has helped me build self-esteem and I've learned a lot about myself. The AP coaches are wonderful people and they really do take the time to get the know students individually and meet each student's needs individually. AP reaches out to students like me, who dream of going to college but have no idea of how to do so. Going into AP, I had very little knowledge of the college process, but after joining, I am so proud that I can share my knowledge with fellow classmates who weren't in AP. Admission Possible continues to change the lives of students everyday with their ongoing support. They truly deserve their own website and with it, they can continue to help even more students on their way to college.
See Lor, Admission Possible Alumni
A new decade has come and it is time to bring in this new year with a new website. Our 10 year-old site is out of style, and out of touch with the people who use it the most. It is difficult to navigate, does not reflect our brand, and to be frank, not pretty to look at. We want to reach a larger audience and we want people to see how (and where) we are expanding and growing.
Admission Possible has made a positive impact on so many people and we want to continue to make a difference, and having a new website would help us to do just that. I am confident that the teams at the Nerdery Overnight Website Challenge can change our image around and bring it from 2000 to 2010, and will help us continue to do service to our communities in the Twin Cities, Milwaukee, and beyond. So, please consider Admission Possible.
Hannah, current Admission Possible Communications VISTA
Our nation -- and the world -- needs more organizations like Admission Possible (AP). Yes! We! Can! -- and what does President Obama say about Admission Possible?
“Admission Possible operates in just two states now. So imagine if it was 10, or 20 or 50.â€
Finally, something on which the President and I can agree.
Donor, M. SNRUB
As an independent marketing consultant and website strategist myself, AND a strong supporter and donor of Admission Possible, I can personally and professionally attest to the fact that Admission Possible is in need of a website redesign and most deserving of this award!
The existing site was designed pro-bono more than five years ago and the organization has completely outgrown it. As Admission Possible grows and evolves into a national brand, the site is no longer strategically, programatically or functionally sufficient for the many reasons listed above. The website needs new architecture that support a multi-site operation, and appeals to multiple audiences; it requires a more robust content management system that allows for a strong and user friendly interface design on top of it; it needs to more effectively showcase the breadth and depth of programmatic research, learnings, results that this incredible organization has garnered in its short life; it must better incorporate social media; and of course, it could use a fresh new look that is more consistent with how the Admission Possible brand has evolved over the years.
Admission Possible is not only deserving of these services, it would make you - the firm doing the work -- look good to have the privilege of building a site for such an amazing organization that has the power to directly impact young lives and achieve the kind of results AP has. They change lives and futures and help improve our state and our country over the long term. The return on investment of Admisison Possible is one of the greatest that I know. 98% of ALL students admitted into college; 80% who are enrolled still in college and persisting; and the opportunity to help prepare the next generation of teachers, guidance counselors, principals!
This one is a "no-brainer" - build this organization's website and you win! This young, award-winning, results-driven, nationally-recognized, totally amazing organization deserves/needs the very best website one can create.
Lori Schaefer, Marketing that Matters; Relationship: Donor, Volunteer, Vendor
As an AmeriCorps member serving with Admission Possible, and someone who has been working with the website for two years, it is extremely pertinent that Admission Possible receives the opportunity to have a new website design. There are numerous reasons why Admission Possible needs this update including ways for donors, supporters and alumni to hear student stories and experiences. As a College Coach, one of my main goals is to connect with as many Admission Possible alumni as I can, and allowing there to be a social networking space would greatly increase our odds of connecting with those students who may fall through the radar. As a person who works with the website content on a daily basis, it is important for the layout to be simplistic and eye-catching, none of which the website has. It would be a fantastic opportunity for the tech-geniuses of the Nerdery Overnight Website Challenge to bring their skills and knowledge to make Admission Possible's website reflect the goals of the organization.
Please consider Admission Possible in the running for the organization in the Overnight Challenge. You will not only be helping Admission Possible create a much more beautiful website, but you are also helping students connect with resources easier and allowing the organization to show off the inspiring work that they do every day.
Jordan, current Admission Possible College Coach and AmeriCorps Member
When I worked at Admission Possible six years ago, the website seemed fine for our purposes, however the organization has grown tremendously and a website redesign is sorely needed. Having a new website would enable Admission Possible to better serve it's students and alumni. As someone who works at a college which receives numerous applications from Admission Possible students and enrolls many Admission Possible alumni, a new website would also make the work that I do much easier. Also, a new website would enable Admission Possible to reach out to other colleges who might not be as familiar with this college readiness program. I've seen countless lives changed by the work that Admission Possible does, please help this organization reach out to more students by providing them with a website redesign!
Janet, Former AmeriCorps Member and Assistant Director of Admissions at Augsburg College
the program works wonders just the website doesn't.
seph
AP is an effective and inspiring program that I've volunteered to work with in the past. The website looks like it was designed using Microsoft Frontpage 1995 though...
JR, volunteer
Admission Possible has been an innovator from the start. It was the first organization nationwide to use the AmeriCorps model for college access and it has been continuously refining its approach since its founding to achieve unprecedented results. It now has the potential to innovate again by supporting program alumni as they pursue their college degrees by exploring the use of online resources and communities.
Todd Firebaugh, Admission Possible board member and fan
As a College Program Coordinator for Admission Possible my work is to help AP College students stay connected to the great resources provided by Admission Possible. Our college students attend a variety of different schools throughout the country so the web is one of our main tools. Our current website houses useful resources for our students but a new and more efficient website can help students better navigate and access these resources in order to utilize them to the students’ advantage.
The web and technology in general, are always evolving. We need to keep up with this advancing technology in order to fulfill the needs of our students, who no doubt are growing and learning new technologies as they emerge. A new website will help students find jobs, internships, and financial aid with better ease. In addition, students can build a community with their peers online where they can share, read, and see what other students’ college experiences are like. Students are able to connect and have a sort of support group without the need of geographic challenges. Coaches can also post and share information that will support their students’ college education and future careers. A new website will ensure that Admission Possible achieves its goal of supporting low-income students in their pursuits of succeeding in higher education.
Kong Her, Admission Possible College Program Coordinator
My name is Brian Peterson and I work with a nonprofit called Students Today Leaders Forever (STLF). For years, I have admired Admission Possible for the quality of work they do and the class of their leadership. I have had friends who have worked there, have volunteered with them in the past, and have a great respect for their people and their model. Their results speak for themselves, as they are unmatched in getting students into college. I know they are in the midst of a growth plan to expand their services to more schools and communities. I also know firsthand the importance of a quality website in carrying out such a plan, because I work for an organization that is trying to do the same thing.
STLF was very lucky and fortunate enough to have been a recipient of a new website last year, and will forever be thankful to Team Pollywog Stew and the Overnight Website Challenge for what they gave us. Our new site has made an indescribable difference in our organization and has helped us to communicate and engage in a time of growth.
Because I know what a new website has done for us, I know what it can do for Admission Possible. While I know there are many deserving organizations in this Challenge, there are none more deserving than Admission Possible.
Brian Peterson, Supporter
A new website for Admission Possible would enable the organization to connect and share resourceful tools with its students and the broader community. There are many useful tools and financial aid resources, such as internships and scholarships, for current college students on the current website; however, these resources are impossible to find on the current website.
As the lead for scholarships, financial aid is an important component for students pursuing post-secondary education. With a newer website that is easier to navigate, students from Admission Possible and the broader community can easily access these financial aid resources to enable students to pursue their educational goals, as well as open doors for opportunities that students may not have without access to these resources. Students from Admission Possible and the broader community would greatly benefit from a website makeover!
Mee Cheng, Program Coordinator
Admission Possible is an amazing organization with an outstanding record of success! As the current individual who is taking applications for next year’s AmeriCorps members, I see lots of paper, paper and more paper come across my desk. It would be great for Admission Possible to become more environmentally friendly by having online applications, worksheets and forms. Please select Admission Possible and help our organization go green!
