Plays2Empower College Access Academy
Empowering Students to Navigate the Path to College
A short story about us
The Plays2Empower College Access Academy is a free virtual college readiness and mentorship program designed to help high school students in the DMV (Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia) prepare for life after graduation.
Through personalized mentorship, educational workshops, and college planning resources, students receive the guidance and confidence they need to pursue higher education—whether that's a two-year college, four-year university, HBCU, trade program, or another postsecondary pathway.
Our mission is to ensure every student has access to the knowledge, support, and resources needed to make informed decisions about their future.
Who Can Apply?
This program is open to:
High school students in grades 9–12
Students living in Washington, DC, Maryland, or Virginia (DMV)
Students interested in any postsecondary pathway, including:
Four-year universities
Community colleges
HBCUs
We especially encourage applications from:
First-generation college students
Students from underserved communities
Students attending schools with limited college counseling resources
No minimum GPA is required—we welcome students from all academic backgrounds.
What Students Receive
As a participant in the College Access Academy, students will receive:
One-on-One Mentorship
Each student is matched with a trained college student or recent graduate who provides personalized guidance throughout the school year.
Monthly Virtual Meetings
Meet with your mentor to discuss:
College planning
Academic goals
College applications
Scholarships
Financial aid
Transitioning to college
Participate in monthly workshops covering topics such as:
College research
Building a college list
Writing personal statements
FAFSA and financial aid
Scholarships
Comparing college offers
Preparing for college life
Interactive Workshops
College Resource Library
Students gain access to our Google Classroom!
Including...
Application checklists
Scholarship databases
Essay guides
College planning worksheets
Workshop recordings
Grade-level college planning resources
Students begin accessing these resources immediately after enrollment. Mentor matching begins in October.
Program Timeline
August 1 – October 15: Student Registration
Student applications open on August 1 and are accepted on a rolling basis through October 15.
The Plays2Empower College Access Academy is open to high school students in grades 9–12 throughout the Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) region. Students are encouraged to apply early to begin accessing program resources as soon as they are accepted.
September: Rolling Student Acceptance & Onboarding
Beginning in September, accepted students will be enrolled on a rolling basis and welcomed into the program.
Upon acceptance, students will receive:
Access to the Plays2Empower Google Classroom
A program welcome guide and orientation materials
Grade-level college planning resources
College research and application guides
Scholarship and financial aid resources
Essay writing tools and templates
Monthly program announcements and updates
Access to upcoming workshops and special events
The Google Classroom serves as a year-round college readiness resource hub, allowing students to begin preparing for college immediately while mentor matching is underway.
October: Mentor Matching Begins
Beginning in October, students will be thoughtfully matched with trained college mentors based on their grade level, academic interests, career goals, and areas where they would like support.
Each student will receive:
A dedicated near-peer college mentor
One virtual mentoring session each month
Personalized college planning guidance
Accountability and goal-setting support
Assistance with applications, essays, scholarships, and financial aid
Ongoing encouragement throughout the academic year
October – May: Monthly Workshops & College Readiness Programming
Students will participate in monthly virtual workshops designed to help them navigate every stage of the college planning process.
Workshop topics may include:
College exploration and building a college list
Academic planning and high school success
Scholarship searches and applications
FAFSA and financial aid
Common Application and application strategies
Personal statement and supplemental essay writing
Interview preparation
College decision-making
Transitioning successfully to college
Career exploration and professional development
Workshop recordings and additional resources will be available in the Google Classroom for students to access throughout the year.
Year-Round Student Support
Throughout the program, students will have access to:
Monthly one-on-one mentor meetings
A digital college resource library
Scholarship opportunities and reminders
College planning checklists
Live virtual workshops
Guest speakers and college admissions professionals
Office hours and Q&A sessions
Email support from the Plays2Empower team
Special college readiness events and activities
Our goal is to equip every student with the knowledge, confidence, mentorship, and resources needed to successfully pursue their postsecondary goals, whether that path includes a four-year university, community college, HBCU, trade school, military service, or another career pathway.
Program Completion
At the conclusion of the academic year, students will celebrate their achievements through a program recognition event highlighting their growth, accomplishments, and next steps after high school. Participants who remain actively engaged throughout the program will receive a Certificate of Completion recognizing their commitment to college and career readiness.
Frequently asked questions
Is the program free?
Yes. There is no cost to participate.
Can mentors guarantee college admission?
No. Mentors provide guidance, resources, and encouragement, but admission decisions are made by colleges and universities.
How often do students meet with mentors?
Students meet virtually with their assigned mentor at minimum once each month. More appointment times can be set up through the portal.
Will I receive scholarship support?
Yes. Students receive scholarship resources, financial aid guidance, and workshop opportunities throughout the program.
Do I need a certain GPA?
No. Students of all academic backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
When will I be matched with a mentor?
Students can access program resources immediately after enrollment. Mentor matching begins in October.
How many students will be accepted?
The Plays2Empower College Access Academy is launching as a pilot program for the 2026–2027 academic year. We anticipate serving approximately 100 students, though final enrollment may vary based on mentor availability and program capacity. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so we encourage students to apply early.
Who are the mentors?
Our mentors are current college students and recent college graduates who are passionate about helping the next generation navigate the college admissions process. While mentors are not professional college counselors, they have firsthand experience with applying to college, earning scholarships, managing academics, and transitioning to college life. All mentors complete Plays2Empower training before being matched with students
How will students communicate with their mentors?
Student safety is one of our highest priorities. All mentor communication takes place through approved Plays2Empower platforms.
Mentors use official @plays2empower.org email accounts for communication.
Meetings are scheduled through Calendly.
Virtual mentoring sessions take place using Google Meet.
Students also have access to resources and program updates through Google Classroom.
Mentors and students are not permitted to communicate through personal text messages or social media direct messages. This helps ensure a safe, professional, and well-documented mentoring experience for everyone.
Can parents or guardians be involved?
Absolutely. We encourage parents and guardians to stay engaged throughout their student's college planning journey. Parents will provide consent during registration and are welcome to support their student by staying informed about program updates, encouraging participation in mentoring sessions and workshops, and helping students stay on track with important deadlines. Our goal is to partner with families to help students succeed.
What if there aren't enough mentors right away?
Because mentor matching depends on volunteer availability, some students may begin the program before being paired with a mentor. During this time, students will have full access to the Google Classroom, workshops, and college planning resources. As additional trained mentors join the program, students will be matched on a rolling basis.
Ready to Get Started?
Become a Mentor
Make a lasting impact by helping students navigate the college admissions process.
Student Registration
Take the first step toward your college journey.
Partner With Us
We're always looking to collaborate with schools, nonprofits, colleges, and community organizations that share our commitment to expanding college access for students across the DMV. Contact us to learn how we can work together.