The 3PI Mentoring Program
The Potential on the Periphery Pipeline Initiative (3PI) is a collaborative outreach program of the Simmons Memorial Foundation, Inc. (SMF) that utilizes nonprofit, public, private, and university resources to bridge the gap between vulnerable students and selective colleges and universities nationwide.
Goals
- To facilitate access and achievement for vulnerable students at selective colleges and universities nationwide.
- To develop and identify a pipeline of academic talent among vulnerable student populations.
- To provide the highest quality college consulting to vulnerable students at no cost.
- To operate as a de facto feeder system for selective universities whose missions include educating talented students from diverse backgrounds.
Student Perspective
For students, 3PI is an extremely valuable form of advocacy and intervention that ensures talented students from all backgrounds receive the necessary guidance to achieve better qualitative and quantitative higher education outcomes. Students receive the highest quality college consulting, SAT Preparation, and career exposure at no cost. In addition to live seminars, students receive other materials in the form of college guides, test preparation and on-line resources. 3PI aims to guide groups of young scholars and future leaders, who compete for admission at selective colleges and universities nationwide. Click here for more information and to obtain an application.
College Perspective
For selective colleges, 3PI operates as a de facto feeder system bringing together talented public school students and dynamic universities. In this sense, 3PI plays a key role in identifying a talent pool of diverse students for selective colleges. At no cost, universities can access a talented group of students from vulnerable and underrepresented demographics.
High School Perspective
For high school schools and particularly guidance counselors, 3PI operates as an independent consulting resource that provides valuable information and expertise on college admissions trends and strategies for vulnerable students. 3PI assists high schools to improve upon their quantitative and qualitative college admissions results among their vulnerable, yet extremely talented, students.
Implementation Plan:
Beginning summer 2009, 3PI will implement year-round programming in North Carolina to provide academic enrichment and enhance higher education outcomes for vulnerable students. 3PI will rely heavily on the human capital of volunteers and their diverse range of talents, experiences and perspectives to ignite a spark in students. 3PI’s network of volunteers includes young professionals, professors, graduate students, and alumni from top colleges and universities nationwide. Throughout the year, 3PI volunteers will conduct seminars, lead workshops, and facilitate leadership building exercises for students. Students may also participate in college trips and standardized test preparation seminars. These activities will not only prepare students for college admission, but nurture habits of mind that are essential for high achievement in diverse and complex learning communities. Ultimately, 3PI’s programming will allow student participants and their families to make informed decisions about college based on their interests and needs. 3PI will partner with area high schools to develop a talent pipeline among area high school students. In addition, 3PI will partner with college admissions offices at selective universities nationwide, who demonstrate a commitment to recruiting a diverse student body. These mutually beneficial relationships will promote student, high school, and university goals by facilitating student access to selective universities nationwide.