The NET College Access program at Littleton High School is a school based, innovative educational program specifically targeted to address the needs of students who are the first in their families to go to college. These students are considered First Generation college bound students. The NET Program was started in 2003 with 25 students and now serves 80-100 students each year. In each graduating class at Littleton, twenty five percent of students are First Generation and many are the first in their families to go to graduate from high school.
Students, who are referred to the program by teachers, counselors and/or Post Graduate Center volunteers, attend a weekly class where they learn about college access, complete the college application process, search for financial aid, practice resume writing and interview skills. The first semester, students with a 3.0 GPA or better will participate in the NET Program. This allows them to apply to more selective schools before the January application deadlines. The second semester, the program is repeated with students with 2.0-3.0 GPAs who are often applying to state, junior and community colleges. The classes are taught by the NET coordinator with help from Post Grad parent volunteers.
The NET Program provides consistent, personal and informational support throughout the year. Students help each other through the college decision and application process, providing a NET-work of friendship and support that in many cases continues after graduation. Students also need help with personal issues including family conflicts and increasingly, we are dealing with undocumented and immigration issues. The NET class is open to all First Generation students at LHS, including IB, AP, and ESL.
One of the most exciting parts of the NET Program is the opportunity to visit a college campus. The class visits 2 or 3 campuses in during the course of the semester including both larger, public universities and small, private colleges. Many of the NET students and their parents have never been on a college campus and the visits help to demystify the college experience. The group enjoys the information sessions and the tours, but their favorite part is always lunch in the college dining hall!
To help First Generation students, the Counseling Office at Littleton High School believes that they need a NET work of support from parents, teachers, counselors and friends to provide assistance when they need it. It is important that these students have an on-site person to speak to as questions and concerns arise on a daily basis. The NET has become a very important program for the Littleton High School Post Graduate Center. If you are interested in learning more about the NET Program, please contact Lucy Allen, NET Coordinator at 303-347-7721.
