Access and Mentoring to #ReachHigher

Ninde Scholars at Oberlin

For the past decade, a peer mentoring program has been quietly working in the background to provide college prep services to select Oberlin High School students who demonstrate ability but lack the resources to apply to college.

The Ninde Scholars program pairs Oberlin College tutors with highly motivated students, many of whom would be the first in their families to attend college. In return, the scholars commit to a rigorous curriculum that includes a prep course for college entrance exams, evening workshops, and a summer enrichment program that helps them prepare for college level work. Other benefits include college access workshops throughout the academic year and opportunities to build a competitive college resume by participating in sponsored service projects and activities.

The results speak for themselves: Since the program began in 2005, 80 percent of the scholars have attended or graduated from a four-year college.

In honor of First Lady Michelle Obama’s Reach Higher Initiative, we are showcasing a Ninde Scholars success story. Amethyst Carey, a third-year Ninde Scholar leader majoring in sociology, has helped prepare Oberlin High School senior Morgan K. Smith for college while serving as a tutor, a mentor, and a friend.