By Reyna Rivera
“The hardest part of applying to college isn’t filling out forms. It’s finding your voice and telling your story.” These words resonate deeply with students and families across our community, and they are the very inspiration behind The Youth Center’s new program, Write Your Future: College Essay Coaching.
Starting this August, The Youth Center is launching a free, 10-hour personalized college essay coaching program to assist high school seniors who are determined to apply to college but lack the financial means to access professional essay coaching. This new initiative provides expert guidance on crafting compelling essays for the Common App and UC applications, with an emphasis on authenticity and personal storytelling.
The program, valued at $2,000, is open to students with a minimum GPA of 3.5 who demonstrate motivation and enthusiasm for their college applications. Through this program, 18 students will be selected each year to receive one-on-one coaching at no cost, empowering them to craft essays that truly reflect who they are, what they value, and where they want to go.“Every student has a story worth telling, and this program gives them the tools to share it in the most compelling way possible,” says Lina Lumme, CEO of The Youth Center. “As a result, we’re not just helping them write essays—we’re helping them build confidence in their own voice, positioning them for success in the highly competitive world of college admissions.”
Bernie Glasser, a College Prep Coach with over 15 years of experience, will lead the program, offering students up to 10 hours of one-on-one coaching. Glasser has helped hundreds of students get into top colleges by focusing not only on strong writing skills but on helping students understand their own stories and express their true selves.
Eric Frankenberg, Board President of The Youth Center, adds, “This program is about giving students who are determined to succeed the chance to truly stand out in the college admissions process. We believe that every student, regardless of their financial background, should have access to the tools and support needed to make their college dreams a reality.”
The Write Your Future program kicked off in August for students applying for early admissions and will continue through December for all seniors. Registration is open now, and we are actively seeking students who are passionate about their college applications and who would benefit from individualized coaching and support.
For more information or to apply, please visit TheYouthCenter.org or call 562-493-4043
The Youth Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing youth and families with the tools and resources they need to succeed. Through educational programs, community-building initiatives, and career development services, The Youth Center strives to empower the next generation to reach their full potential and build a bright future.
Reyna Rivera is an intern with The Youth Center