First LookConnecting middle school kids to a future in college

Why Middle School?Research shows that college readiness

should begin in the middle school, given the long-term course

taking and postsecondary planning

that college and workplace readiness

requires. (ACT Policy Report)

65% of U.S. jobs (almost 2/3) will require some form of postsecondary education by 2020.

(Lumina Foundation)

Even as early as age 11, thinking about

college as affordable with need-based

financial aid enhances school-focused goals.

(Psychological Science, 20(4), 414-418, Destin, M., & Oyserman, D.,

2009)

The Problem: Lack of

college awareness among low-income and

first-generation students

First Look, a program of UNC Visitors' Center,

has been meeting this need since

2008.

The First Look InitiativeAddress College

Awareness by introducing

middle schoolers to

the concept of college as a pathway to a

career

Three Big Goals for Middle School Participants

OneCollege is a possibility

Two

College creates options

ThreeDon’t let

the cost of college

stop you from

going, because there are ways to

pay

Why is First Look important to UNC?

● Has the potential to reach every county in North Carolina

● Offers valuable firsthand experience of UNC -- both inside and outside of the classroom

● Tangible, positive way to connect with Carolina

● Brings the UNC System to everyone, regardless of whether or not they attend college

How does First Look operate today?

First Look is a curriculum-based program organized by the director and

educator of the UNC Visitors’

Center. Goal:

Accommodate as many schools as possible

First Look Guides and Training

Learn about their own campus

Become lifelong advocates for education

Positively impact a future generation for North Carolina

The Solutio

n

Bring the First Look model to

higher education

institutions across the state

by providing

Operational plansProgram delivery

templatesTraining and

outreach materials

The First Look Itinerary Involves Four Important Elements:

OneMotivating children to

go to college

TwoLearning about the college

experience

ThreeDiscussing financial resources

FourTouring the

college campus

The First Look ModelEasily

transferrable to

any college

and universit

y

Templates for every

aspect of the

program

Low cost to campus

Immeasurable

value & service to North Carolina

First Look Consortium Campuses

The Future of First LookApril 2016

Admissions visit: Research reveals middle schoolers need a vision of

college

May 2016Identify Point

Person & write grant

June 2016Identify

locations & write script

adaptations

July 2016Filming begins

October 2016Launch app & iBeacons on

Campus

How does it work?

Apply for

GEAR UP

grant

Identify your

campus point

person

Film your

campus

Step 2

Step 1

Step 3

The Technology

GPS +

RFID

Why now?

North Carolina needs these

students

GA is supporti

ve

Gear Up money availabl

e

Templates ready

to go