Project Discovery: Navigating the Future with You

On the heels of the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent economic slowdown and rising inflation, more and more students are finding it difficult to justify or save up for college expenses. According to The Princeton Review’s 2021 College Hopes and Worries survey, 98% of families reported financial aid would be necessary for college expenses; 82% reported financial assistance would be “very” to “extremely” necessary. Originating as a Total Action for Progress (TAP) pilot program, Project Discovery works to assist low-income students attend despite financial constraints in times like these.
Originally founded in 1979, the program has a 44-year strong history in helping bolster college enrollment rates for moderate to low-income students. The program offers a multitude of services for students and parents alike to take advantage of on their own personal journeys. For students, workshops are available as early as middle school for SOL and SAT preparatory classes, financial aid, college life and guidance in class selection. High school seniors can attend trips to college campuses to experience the campus, professors, dorms, and food firsthand before making any commitments. Certain students may also be eligible for SAT fee waivers, college fee waivers, and special scholarship opportunities after joining the program.
Project Discovery offers a simple, online application process in both English and Spanish for students to utilize. After filing out the form, WJCC-CAA Project Discovery staff will lend their aid and expertise to help students get into their college or technical school. Additionally, Project Discovery will team up with families to help keep students on task throughout their timelines of applying and working to get into college. They even offer to waive certain fees for college application, SAT and ACT when applying to multiple schools at once. Depending on availability, WJCC-CAA also offers emergency utility, rental, mortgage, electric and water bill assistance for affiliated students.
If interested, Project Discovery meets every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month, 2PM in the WHS library Media Center. Students are also able to reach out to Project Discovery via [email protected] or 757-229-9332, Option 5.