Paramount Unified School District is helping more than 120 graduates of the Class of 2019 successfully transition to college, guiding them through the process of filling out financial aid paperwork, touring colleges and staying on top of deadlines through the District’s six- week Summer Melt Program.
Summer melt refers to students who commit to attend college after graduating but never actually enroll. Counselors assist students with college planning during their high school career, but after graduation students are typically expected to continue the process alone.
“We’ve had some students come in with no plans at all and we worked together to develop a plan and help them execute their path to college,” said Greg Francois, director of Secondary Education. “We had many students who were unaware of important deadlines and orientations, and as a District we realized there was a big need for a program like this.”
With Paramount’s Summer Melt Program, counselors work one on one with students to answer questions and ensure they are turning in paperwork and applications on time. So far this year, 125 graduates have received help in making the transition to college.
During the course, many students received assistance with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Counselors went through each step of the application and assisted students through the submission process.
Counselors also provided students with step-by-step instructions on how to enroll in college courses and in deciding which courses to take during the fall semester.
“At Paramount Unified School District, we are committed to ensuring our students are prepared for college and career – even when it means assisting them after their high school graduation,” Superintendent Dr. Ruth Pérez said. “Our wonderful counselors and administrators are helping to eliminate yet another, often-hidden barrier to our students’ success.”
