As part of the academic program, participants work with college students, who often become positive role models for Cal-SOAP participants.  Motivational support is provided by:

Tutors/peer advisors: college students who are often from backgrounds similar to those of the students and with whom the students can identify.  These college tutors and peer advisors understand where the students are coming from and the challenges they experience.  Tutor/peer advisors will meet with students in a classroom or college/career center and provide academic or advisement assistance.  Cal-SOAP tutors are placed at either junior high schools, high schools, or youth centers. They work with students to encourage them to be academically successful so that they can be eligible to attend a college or university.  Tutors are supervised by Cal-SOAP site coordinators--on-site staff that help coordinate our collaboration efforts.  Cal-SOAP strives to establish strong connections between the schools we service and local colleges and universities.

As part of the advisement program, Cal-SOAP offers activities that increase knowledge among students and their parents about college preparation and financial aid availability.  At Cal-SOAP sponsored events, college recruiters meet students and parents and make presentations on admissions, financial aid, and support services.  Students may also receive help with college applications and admission forms.  Advisors are available to meet with students in groups as well as in individual sessions.  These sessions may include the following information:

• College availability, preparation and admission
• Career planning
• Financial aid
• College tours and on campus residential experiences
• College fairs and college awareness weeks

Cal-SOAP administers the following programs:

• Transfer: Making It Happen
• Cash for College
• I'm Going to College