Programs & Events
At LiftED, our programming is centered on immersive, community-based events that provide first-generation and low-income students with early access to college knowledge, financial education, career exploration, and future planning tools.
Pathways to College: Spring Accelerator Series
The Pathways to College: Spring Accelerator Series is one of LiftED's signature college readiness initiatives designed to introduce students to the foundational knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to successfully navigate the journey to college and beyond.
This Accelerator Series is intentionally designed for high school students in grades 9–12, with a strong focus on students who are first-generation, limited-income, or navigating the college process without consistent access to guidance and support. Rather than overwhelming students with information, the Spring Accelerator Series emphasizes clarity, early planning, and informed decision-making, helping students understand how academics, finances, and career goals connect.
About the Spring Accelerator Series
The Pathways to College: Spring Accelerator Series is one of LiftED's signature college readiness initiatives designed to introduce students to the foundational knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to successfully navigate the journey to college and beyond.
This Accelerator Series is intentionally designed for high school students in grades 9–12, with a strong focus on students who are first-generation, limited-income, or navigating the college process without consistent access to guidance and support. Rather than overwhelming students with information, the Spring Accelerator Series emphasizes clarity, early planning, and informed decision-making, helping students understand how academics, finances, and career goals connect.
The Accelerator focuses on:
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Demystifying the college pathway.
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Building early financial awareness related to college costs.
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Supporting career exploration and goal setting.
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Encouraging confidence, self-advocacy, and proactive planning.
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Normalizing the first-generation college experience.
Students engage in interactive workshops, guided activities, and facilitated discussions that prioritize practical understanding over pressure.
What Students Will Experience
Participants in the Spring Accelerator Series will take part in sessions that include:
Understanding the College Pathway
What college readiness really means, how timelines work, and how students can begin preparing early, regardless of grade level.
College Costs & Financial Awareness
An introduction to budgeting, college-related expenses, and smart money habits that support long-term success.
Career Exploration & Goal Mapping
Helping students connect interests to potential majors and career pathways while understanding how education supports future goals.
Entrepreneurial & Critical Thinking Skills
Encouraging creativity, problem-solving, and ownership over one's future, skills that apply across careers and life choices.
Navigating the First-Generation Experience
Creating space for questions, uncertainty, and honest conversation while reinforcing that students are not alone.
Students leave with tangible take-home resources, guided worksheets, and a clearer sense of next steps.
Student Outcomes
Outcomes for Students
By the end of the Pathways to College: Spring Accelerator Series, students will:
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Have a clearer understanding of how college preparation works.
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Gain early financial awareness related to college planning.
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Feel more confident asking questions and seeking support.
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Understand how interests connect to education and careers.
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Leave with an actionable plan for what to do next.
Community Impact & Partnerships
The Spring Accelerator Series is intentionally designed as a community-centered initiative. LiftED collaborates with schools, nonprofit organizations, civic groups, foundations, and community partners to ensure programming is accessible, relevant, and sustainable.
Support from partners and funders helps to:
Expand access to college readiness programming for underserved students.
Provide materials, facilitators, and student take-home resources.
Reduce barriers to participation for families.
Strengthen local pipelines to higher education and career opportunities.
This inaugural series also serves as a pilot model for LiftED's broader Pathways to College programming, informing future multi-session accelerators and school-based partnerships.
Upcoming Events
Pathways to College: Spring Accelerator Series
Date
March 28, 2026
Time
8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Location
Gathering Place Community Center
6280 Bryant Street, Union City, GA 30291
Registration
Advance registration is required. Space is limited to ensure a high-quality, interactive experience for all participants.
Students and families are encouraged to register early to receive event updates, pre-event materials, and important logistical information.
Frequently Asked Questions
For Students
Who should attend the Pathways to College: Spring Accelerator Series?
This event is designed for high school students in grades 9–12, especially students who are first-generation, limited-income, or want more clarity about college, careers, and future planning. Students do not need to be actively applying to college to attend.
Do I need to know what college or career I want before attending?
No. The Spring Accelerator Series is designed to help students explore options, ask questions, and begin thinking intentionally about their future. Many students attend specifically because they are unsure and want guidance.
Will this event help if I am early in high school (9th or 10th grade)?
Yes. Early planning is encouraged. Students in earlier grades will benefit from understanding timelines, expectations, and how to start preparing now, before college decisions feel urgent.
Will we be filling out college applications or FAFSA at this event?
No. This event focuses on foundational knowledge, planning, and readiness, not completing applications. Students will learn when and how those steps happen so they are better prepared later.
What should I bring with me?
Students are encouraged to bring: A notebook, folder, iPad, or laptop; A pen or pencil; A willingness to participate and ask questions. All materials and resources will be provided.
Will I receive anything to take home?
Yes. Students will receive free take-home resources, guided worksheets, and planning tools to help them continue preparing after the event.
For Parents & Families
What is the goal of the Spring Accelerator Series?
The goal is to help students and families gain early clarity about the college pathway, including planning, costs, careers, and decision-making, so students feel more confident and informed moving forward.
Is there a cost to attend the Spring Accelerator Series?
No. There is no cost to attend. The Pathways to College: Spring Accelerator Series is free for all registered students and families, thanks to community partnerships and program supporters.
Is this event only for students planning to attend a four-year college?
No. The Spring Accelerator Series supports multiple postsecondary pathways, including two-year colleges, four-year institutions, technical programs, and other educational options. The focus is on helping students make informed choices that align with their goals.
Do parents or guardians need to attend with students?
Parent or guardian participation is not required, but encouraged. Additional guidance about attendance expectations will be shared during registration and in pre-event communications.
How does this event support first-generation families?
The Spring Accelerator Series is intentionally designed to: Explain college processes in clear, accessible language; Avoid assumptions about prior knowledge; Create space for questions without judgment; Provide families with tools they can use beyond the event.
Logistics & Registration
Is registration required?
Yes. Advance registration is required, even though the event is free to attend. Space is limited to ensure an interactive and supportive experience for all participants.
How do I register?
Families can register using the event registration link on this page.
Will I receive confirmation and reminders?
Yes. Registered participants will receive: A confirmation email; Event reminders; Any pre-event details or materials.
Who can I contact with additional questions?
Contact information will be provided on the registration page for families who need additional support or have questions before the event. You can also email contact@wellfeducation.org.