Get2College
Get2College is Mississippi’s most impactful college access program—serving thousands of students each year with free, personalized support as they plan for life after high school.
Get2College is a program of the Woodward Hines Education Foundation that provides free, practical support to help Mississippians plan, prepare, and pay for college. With three in-person centers, a mobile center, and a statewide virtual reach, it offers one-on-one counseling, workshops, and resources that meet students and families where they are and help them take the next step toward education beyond high school. In addition to supporting students directly, Get2College builds capacity in schools and districts by equipping educators with the tools, training, and data they need to improve college access outcomes.
As both a direct service provider and a statewide leader, Get2College equips students and families with trusted guidance, trains educators, and strengthens systems that make college access and completion possible, all in pursuit of Mississippi’s Ascent to 55% attainment goal. While it is especially committed to reaching students who have been historically underserved—rural students, first-generation students, students of color, and those living in poverty—Get2College is intentionally designed as a universal resource, available to every Mississippian.
6,485
unique students served by Get2College in 2023-2024
1,166
educators were trained by Get2College this year.
95%
of students who visit a Get2College center say that they feel well-prepared for the next step toward postsecondary education.
2,200
FAFSAs completed, corrected, and renewed by Get2College staff this year.
#1 in FAFSA Completion
The National College Attainment Network (NCAN) ranked Mississippi first in the nation in completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the class of 2025. NCAN’s data shows that 71.2% of those graduates completed the federal student aid application, more than 11% above the national average.
Yet each year, millions of federal, state, and institutional aid dollars still go unclaimed when students don’t complete the form.
Get2College reduces those barriers with free one-on-one counseling, workshops, and online tools that make the FAFSA process clear and manageable. Our counselors help students avoid mistakes, submit on time, and claim the aid they’re eligible for—bringing Mississippi closer to its Ascent to 55% goal.
Get2College Programs
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Camp College is a free summer program that gives rising high school seniors a head start on the college admission process. Under the guidance of Get2College counselors, students explore timelines, applications, financial aid, and scholarships while also learning how to set goals and build strong resumes. The highlight of the program is touring Mississippi community colleges and universities, giving students a firsthand look at their options after high school. Held at our three centers in Jackson, Southaven, and Ocean Springs, Camp College is 100% free—including meals, swag, and plenty of fun—making it an accessible and inspiring way to prepare for what comes next.
For Students
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Through the U.S. Department of Education’s GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) grants, Get2College partners with schools and communities to expand college-going opportunities for Mississippi students in high-poverty districts. The goal is to create not only a college-going mindset in students and families, but also a college-going culture in schools and communities.
In the Mississippi Delta, a $15 million GEAR UP grant is reaching nearly 3,000 students across 21 middle and high schools. Students are building stronger academic skills, increasing ACT® scores, and seeing new possibilities for their futures. In McComb, Greenville, and Meridian, a $28 million GEAR UP grant is helping students beat FAFSA completion rates, grow scholarship eligibility, and improve academic performance beyond the national average.
GEAR UP also funds interactive planning tools—such as scholarship searches, financial aid calculators, and loan repayment estimators—that were used more than 78,000 times between July 2023 and July 2024. And surveys show the program is changing mindsets: 58% of ninth graders in GEAR UP schools now say, “I can see myself going to college.”
By combining federal investment with local partnership, Get2College is equipping students in some of Mississippi’s most challenged districts with knowledge, confidence, and pathways that can change the trajectory of their lives.
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The ACT® and SAT® are standardized exams often used for college admission, scholarships, and academic advising. Get2College helps students approach these exams with confidence through free, pre-registration workshops and online resources. Offered virtually and in person, our workshops cover all subject areas, share time-saving strategies, and provide tips to help students reach their target scores. To extend that support, we also offer a Resource Kit that includes a full-length workshop video (broken down by subject), official practice tests, and additional study materials—all available online so students can prepare on their own schedule.
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Get2College offers a wide range of free tools and resources to help students and families plan for college with confidence. Whether you’re comparing Mississippi colleges, preparing to transfer from a community college, or mapping out your financial strategy, Get2College provides practical support every step of the way.
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Filing the FAFSA can make college possible—but it can also feel overwhelming. Get2College provides one-on-one guidance, school workshops, and community events to help students and families complete the FAFSA accurately and on time. Their hands-on support has a measurable impact: students who receive FAFSA help through Get2College are 84% more likely to enroll in college. Thanks to the persistence and problem-solving of the Get2College team and their school partners, Mississippi consistently ranks among the top states in the nation for FAFSA completion. With expert coaching and encouragement at every step, families can confidently secure the financial aid they deserve.
Learn more about FAFSA
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College Countdown Mississippi (CCMS) is a statewide campaign led in partnership with the Institutions of Higher Learning, Mississippi Community College Board, Mississippi Department of Education, and Get2College. The campaign creates opportunities for students to walk step by step through the college application process, ensuring more Mississippi seniors complete applications and pursue education beyond high school.
The campaign is built around three statewide events:
Application Days – supporting students as they complete and submit college applications.
FAFSA Days – guiding seniors and families through the federal financial aid process.
College Signing Days – celebrating students’ decisions to continue their education after high school.
By combining hands-on activities in schools with statewide communication, CCMS makes the application process more accessible and manageable—removing barriers that often stand between students and their college goals.
For Educators
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Through a partnership with AccelerateMS, the state’s lead workforce development office, Get2College helps train and support career coaches serving in Mississippi high schools. These coaches play a vital role in guiding students—especially first-generation and underserved students—toward clear college and career pathways.
Get2College provides in-person training along with a digital resource hub that includes videos, lesson plans, and a message board where coaches can share strategies and best practices. By equipping coaches with consistent tools and knowledge, Get2College ensures that students across the state receive personalized, effective support as they plan their futures.
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Launched in November 2023, College Academy is Get2College’s professional development platform for educators and counselors who guide students in college planning. This online resource expands Get2College’s impact statewide by giving school professionals access to specialized training anytime, anywhere.
With more than 20 self-paced courses available 24/7, College Academy helps educators build both their own expertise and their students’ opportunities. Course topics range from building a college list to supporting students experiencing homelessness—closing gaps and ensuring every student can find a path forward.
Since launch, 373 educators and counselors have collectively completed 437 courses through College Academy, strengthening the statewide network of specialists equipped to help Mississippi students pursue postsecondary success.
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Since 2022, every Mississippi public high school student has been required to complete a course in college and career readiness (CCR) to graduate. Get2College developed the course’s college planning and financial aid components, ensuring students statewide receive practical, Mississippi-specific guidance for their futures.
Through CCR, Get2College provides:
Student Resources: More than 74,000 CCR workbooks were distributed across the state in 2023 and 2024.
Educator Tools: 270 lesson plans used by teachers to integrate college and career content into the classroom.
Professional Training: A CCR course for educators was completed by 359 teachers from 198 schools since 2021, including 40 teachers in 2024 alone.
By equipping students and teachers with proven tools, Get2College is aligning classroom instruction with real-world opportunities and helping thousands of students graduate with a clearer path to education and careers beyond high school.
“Our Get2College Counselor is amazing! She knew exactly what our concerns were, and she addressed everything. I know my dad will sleep better tonight, thanks to her help today. Thank you.”
– Richard, College-Bound Student
News & Updates
See what’s happening across our programs and partnerships—from new research and grant announcements to policy progress and student success stories.
