College Counseling Corps (CCC)

A New Vision for College Access

Importance of Increasing College Access

Since 1980, the gap in college participation between low-income and high-income students in the nation has widened substantially. Maryland is no different. Here,  only 37 percent of 18-24 year olds are enrolled in college. According to the National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education, 18-24 year olds from high-income families are twice as likely to attend college as those from low-income families. When diversity is considered, Maryland faces the troubling fact that 43 out of 100 young adult Caucasians are enrolled in college while only 28 of 100 young adults from other ethnic groups are enrolled. Additionally, when enrolled in college, African Americans are less than 3/4 as likely as Caucasians to complete certificates or degrees. To address these inequalities, Loyola University Maryland created the College Counseling Corps (CCC).

CCC Background and Overview

Created collaboratively with school counseling coordinators in Baltimore City and County,  Loyola's College Counseling Corps (CCC) is one of the nation's first college-access programs to employ a professional model, placing graduates from Master's of School Counseling Programs in high-need urban high schools, where they serve for one or two years as College Counselors/AmeriCorps Members.  The goal of each College Counselor/AmeriCorps member is not only to help high school students access higher education but also to provide them with the tools they will need to succeed once arriving on campus. To assist in this effort, each College Counselor/AmeriCorps member receives advanced training through Loyola's new Advanced Certificate in Education with a specialization in College Counseling program, which is comprised of 10 post-masters level courses (30 credits).

The College Counseling Corps exemplifies Loyola University Maryland's commitment to public service and outreach. Indeed, the Corps is contributing to Loyola's culture of service and volunteerism that earned recognition on the President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll for 2007, with distinction. These sentiments were echoed by Maryland State Superintendent of Education Dr. Nancy Grasmick, who in a letter of support said, "Loyola is uniquely qualified to develop a college advising corps of volunteers."

Learn more about the College Counseling Corps.