When thinking about higher education, one issue that has always bothered me is access. Many colleges choose not to recruit in certain areas based on socioeconomic status. I’ve even heard institutions in Rhode Island say they won’t recruit in Providence because “students from Providence can’t afford their college.” This narrative is incredibly harmful. It reinforces systemic inequities and creates barriers for students in underserved communities, barriers to information, support, and ultimately access to higher education.
My goal is to demystify the college admissions process and provide free, accessible support to all students regardless of where they come from or who they are.
While I don’t work in a traditional K–12 classroom, my role sits at a unique part of education, almost like a hybrid between education and sales. From this perspective, I’ve come to believe that students learn best when we meet them where they are both cognitively and literally. Learning becomes more meaningful when it’s individualized and delivered in a way that makes sense to them.
That’s why I want to create a podcast/webinar that offers clear, accessible college admissions information in a format students already know and use platforms like Spotify and YouTube. By using digital tools in this way, we can break down barriers, particularly for students who may not have the ability to attend college fairs or visit campuses.
At Rhode Island College, for example, we still rely heavily on face-to-face recruitment. While that personal interaction is one of my favorite parts of the job, I recognize it’s not always feasible for students to visit campus or attend events. By creating a podcast, we give students a way to hear our voices, understand our values, and learn about the admissions process on their own time, in their own space, and without the pressure of having to come to us first.
I think this is a great idea! Researching and applying to college was an incredibly overwhelming process for me. While I've heard about some high schools that offer lots of support through guidance counselors and other staff, that wasn't the case for me and I think that isn't the case for many students, especially in places where public schools don't have enough funding to offer the right support.
ReplyDeleteYour idea is both powerful and deeply needed. I love how your passion for equity and access comes through so clearly in this brainstorm. You're absolutely right—when colleges decide not to recruit in certain areas because of assumptions about affordability, they reinforce the very inequities they should be working to dismantle. That kind of exclusion only widens the opportunity gap.
ReplyDeleteWhat makes your project especially compelling is how it bridges your unique position in education and outreach. You’ve identified a real gap in how students receive information about college—and instead of waiting for the system to fix itself, you’re actively working to meet students where they already are. Using platforms like Spotify and YouTube isn’t just smart—it’s relevant, and it speaks the language of this generation.
Your point about “learning being meaningful when it’s individualized” is spot on. Students need admissions info delivered in ways that feel familiar, safe, and digestible. A podcast can strip away the intimidating jargon and pressure, replacing it with genuine connection and clarity. And for students in under-resourced communities, this could be a lifeline.
I also appreciate that you’re not rejecting the value of face-to-face recruitment—you’re simply expanding access. You’re saying, “We see you, we hear you, and we’re making this process less mysterious because you belong here too.”
This podcast idea doesn’t just “demystify” college—it reclaims the narrative. You’re not just giving information; you’re giving hope, voice, and agency to students who’ve often been left out of the conversation.
I’d love to see this develop further. Some possibilities:
Include student or alumni guest voices to offer firsthand stories
Episodes in multiple languages or with transcripts for accessibility
Real-time Q&A sessions or IG Lives to foster community interaction
Keep going. You’re onto something powerful.
Let's do this bestie! What should we call our podcast?! Truly believe and know that this would be a blessing to so many students every where!!
ReplyDeleteDO IT! :) AI says: A good name for a college admissions podcast could be "College Bound Success," "Admissions Unlocked," "The College Compass," or "Beyond the Application."
ReplyDeleteThis would be AMAZING for students to have. I would definitely recommend it :)
ReplyDeleteThis is brilliant! We absolutely need to remove barriers for entry to college (or the trades) for lower-income students. Many of these students would be first-generation college grads, which means that their parents probably have never done this before and, odds are good, would be intimidated and/or confused about this.
ReplyDeleteDemystifying the process would go a LONG way towards helping these students break through barriers.