College and Career Readiness

The transition from high school to adulthood is one of the most important seasons in a young person’s life. At Urbana Neighborhood Connections Center (UNCC), we believe students should never have to face that transition alone or unprepared. Our College and Career Readiness Program is designed to help high school juniors and seniors confidently step into their futures with a strong foundation, clear goals, and a supportive network behind them.

Each session is built to provide practical guidance, one-on-one mentoring, and real-world preparation for the decisions students will face after graduation. Whether a student plans to pursue college, a trade, military service, or enter the workforce, our program equips them with the tools they need to move forward with confidence and clarity.

This program is intentionally limited to 25 students from the Urbana and Champaign school districts to ensure deep, individualized attention. By meeting for three hours, twice each month, students have time to dive into detailed topics, ask meaningful questions, and form connections with peers and mentors.

No two students are exactly alike. That is why our team takes the time to understand each participant’s background, interests, goals, and concerns. Some students may need help with scholarship applications, while others may need to learn how to write a resume or prepare for a job interview. Our goal is to meet students where they are and help them move forward step by step.

Students in the College and Career Readiness Program engage in a wide range of hands-on activities, discussions, and workshops, including:

Many students graduate from high school without a clear plan, and some are unsure what options are truly available to them. Our College and Career Readiness Program helps close that gap by offering guidance from trusted adults who want to see students succeed—not just academically, but in life.

For students who are the first in their family to attend college, the process can feel overwhelming. For those unsure about college, there can be pressure or confusion about what comes next. UNCC provides a safe space to ask questions, explore options, and build a plan that makes sense for the student’s life and future.
Parents often tell us that their children leave each session feeling empowered. They start taking ownership of their decisions. They begin to visualize success and see a path forward, even if it looks different from that of their peers.

While the program is focused on students, we recognize that families play a crucial role in helping teens succeed. We invite parents to participate in select workshops, attend guest speaker events, and meet with our team to understand how they can support their student’s goals at home.

We also work closely with local colleges, businesses, and civic leaders who contribute time, resources, and expertise. These partnerships give our students exposure to the real world and access to opportunities they might not find elsewhere.

Enrollment in the College and Career Readiness Program is limited to ensure quality mentoring and personalized support. If your student is currently a junior or senior in Urbana or Champaign and would benefit from structured guidance, practical tools, and positive mentorship, we encourage you to sign up today.

To enroll or ask questions, please contact us at: (217) 954-1749 or fill out the form below.