We are Yalies passionate about increasing college access.
What we do
Matriculate is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded by Yale alumna Madeline Kerner. Yale is the first (and now one of the largest) of 14 Matriculate fellowships across the country.
We’re undergraduates dedicated to advising high-achieving, low-income high school students through every stage of the college application process. Through one-on-one virtual meetings, we work on building college lists, identifying college fit, writing essays and supplements, constructing resumes, navigating scholarships and financial aid, and making a final enrollment decision.
But, most importantly, we advise as students who just went through the college application process. We know how stressful, frightening, and exciting it can be!
How we do it
After a rigorous training and certification process, each Advising Fellow (AF) is paired with up to 4 High School Fellows (HSFs) nationwide. We tailor the Matriculate curriculum to the needs of our HSFs, keeping their individual goals in mind. To accomplish this, AFs hold weekly, one-on-one phone calls with HSFs to guide them through the college application process.
Our AFs come from many different backgrounds and college application experiences, including first-generation college students, former HSFs, collegiate athletes, and both STEM and humanities majors. As a community of advisors, we work together to lend a hand whenever a fellow AF needs help!
Why we do it…
At Matriculate, we believe that everyone should have access to a college education. It’s not just us—data from the Brookings Institution shows that a college degree can significantly increase the social mobility of low-income students in the United States. It’s often the students with the most to gain who do not apply to schools that are an academic, social, and financial fit. Our goal is to provide high-achieving, low-income students with the support that they deserve.
…and what inspires us.
The college application process is a maze of paperwork, essays, and fees. We believe that no one should have to navigate it alone. Advising Fellows are committed to supporting their High School Fellows every step of the way. We’re happiest when our students finally see their hard work paying off!
