PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The College 1st Program
To help students design their future.
The College 1st Program works in partnership with school districts, education service centers and post-secondary institutions to offer students the opportunity to design their future, college, and career plans. Students engage in academic enrichment activities with mentorship experiences, while parents explore the benefits of completing a postsecondary education, understand what college and career readiness success really means, and learn how they can actively engage in their children’s education.
Program Impact
To ignite early college and career planning.
For more than 12 years, the College 1st Team has delivered over 1,800 On-Site and Virtual CAMPs and 650 Family Sessions, empowering more than 80,000 students and 45,000 families across the Rio Grande Valley.
Students, families, and educators consistently recognize College 1st as a trusted, practical resource for college and career planning.
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We collaborate closely with district administrators, principals, and program directors to ensure every instructional experience aligns with state and local mandates, TEKS standards, and district-specific goals. Each College 1st CAMP is intentionally customized to meet the unique needs of our partner districts—reinforcing core academic content while equipping students with the knowledge, guidance, and tools needed for success in high school, college, career, and life.
College & Career Readiness In Action
1
Students Explore High-Demand Careers Through Real-World Simulations.
Through immersive, hands-on CAMP activities, students step into the roles of engineers, medical professionals, entrepreneurs, scientists, and other in-demand careers. Each CAMP is designed to allow students to problem-solve, collaborate, and discover career pathways that match their interests and strengths. These experiences help students visualize their future and understand the relevance of their academic learning.
2
Students Build Academic Confidence and Early College Awareness.
College 1st helps students strengthen core academic skills while building the confidence needed to thrive in more rigorous coursework. Mentorship from relatable college role models and interactive presentations introduce students to college pathways, expectations, and opportunities. Students leave each CAMP with a deeper belief in their potential for success, and a clearer understanding of how to reach their educational goals.
3
Schools Strengthen Performance on College & Career Readiness Metrics.
Our program aligns with TEKS and Texas College & Career Readiness Standards, supporting districts in meeting key accountability measures. By increasing student engagement, improving academic behaviors, and expanding exposure to postsecondary options, College 1st helps campuses demonstrate measurable gains in CCR indicators. Schools benefit from turnkey implementation, robust data reporting, and programming that directly supports grant objectives and district strategic goals.
College 1st Program Local Business Industry Video
Students participate in rocket launch activity.
A day at Alpaquita Ranch offers students an exciting opportunity to learn about animal biology, conservation, and farm life through interactive activities.
Students participate in rocket launch activity.