As any college-prep counselor or coordinator knows, our job requires more than helping students apply to college. We play a crucial role in helping shape our students and guiding them towards a successful future. Unfortunately there are too many marginalized students that are at a disadvantage and don't have the tools they need to truly succeed. So how can counselors foster a culture where, despite their background or upbringing, every student can achieve their academic goals?

The answers lay within low-income students and the extra hurdles they must jump through. Studies have shown that, while they are resilient in their academics, low-income students need extra hands in steering them towards their goals. By building meaningful relationships and breaking down barriers with students and their families, we can help create a smoother path as students set sail for their future. Whether it's nurturing students in the face of non-academic challenges or showing students that counselors aren’t just for school matters, there are endless ways to be an anchor of support for every part of their college-prep voyage.