Beyond 12: Transforming Student Success In Higher Education

Education is a key pillar of success, but for many first-generation and low-income college students, navigating higher education can be challenging. Beyond 12 is a nonprofit organization dedicated to bridging the gap between high school and college, ensuring students not only enroll but also graduate. Through mentorship, coaching, and data-driven insights, Beyond 12 empowers students to achieve their academic and professional goals.

What is Beyond 12?

Beyond 12 is an innovative organization that works to increase college graduation rates, especially for students from underrepresented backgrounds. Founded in 2009 by Alexandra Bernadotte, Beyond 12 combines personal coaching with technology-driven solutions to support students through their college journey. By tracking students' progress and providing the necessary resources, Beyond 12 helps institutions refine their support strategies and create lasting impacts.

The organization partners with high schools, colleges, and community organizations to provide real-time data on student success, ensuring that interventions are targeted and effective. Their mission is to help students not only earn degrees but also build meaningful careers and financial stability.

How Beyond 12 Supports Students

1. Personalized College Coaching

Beyond 12 offers one-on-one coaching to help students navigate academic, financial, and personal challenges in college. Many students, especially first-generation college-goers, lack a strong support system. Coaches act as mentors, guiding students through coursework, time management, and career planning.

2. Data-Driven Insights for Schools

Beyond 12 collects and analyzes student data to identify trends in college persistence and success. This information is shared with high schools and colleges to improve their advising programs and ensure students receive the best support possible.

3. College Readiness & Transition Support

Transitioning from high school to college can be overwhelming. Beyond 12 offers resources, workshops, and guidance to help students adapt to the demands of higher education, including study habits, networking skills, and self-advocacy.

4. Career Preparation

A college degree is valuable, but career success requires more than just academics. Beyond 12 helps students explore career paths, connect with internships, and develop professional skills needed for post-graduation success.

5. Long-Term Mentorship

The organization stays connected with students throughout their college years and beyond, ensuring they have ongoing guidance and encouragement to reach their goals.

Impact of Beyond 12

Beyond 12 has made a significant impact on higher education, particularly for students from historically underrepresented communities. Some of the key outcomes include:

✅ Higher Graduation Rates – Beyond 12 students are more likely to graduate compared to the national average for first-generation college students.
✅ Increased College Retention – The support system helps students stay enrolled, reducing dropout rates.
✅ Stronger Career Readiness – Graduates are better prepared for the workforce, with access to job opportunities and career coaching.
✅ Institutional Improvement – Schools and colleges gain valuable insights to refine their student support programs.

Why Beyond 12 Matters

Education is one of the most effective ways to break cycles of poverty and create social mobility. However, many students struggle with financial barriers, academic challenges, and a lack of mentorship. Beyond 12 provides the tools and support to overcome these obstacles, ensuring that more students earn their degrees and achieve success.

By leveraging technology, coaching, and data, Beyond 12 is reshaping higher education support systems across the country. Their work is not just about helping individual students—it’s about transforming education so that every student, regardless of background, has a fair shot at success.

FAQs About Beyond 12

Q1: Is Beyond 12 a nonprofit organization?

Yes, Beyond 12 is a nonprofit that focuses on increasing college graduation rates through coaching and data-driven insights.

Q2: Who can benefit from Beyond 12's services?

The organization primarily supports first-generation and low-income college students but also works with schools and colleges to improve student success programs.

Q3: How does Beyond 12 provide coaching?

Students receive personalized coaching through virtual meetings, mentorship programs, and online resources to help them succeed in college and beyond.

Q4: What impact has Beyond 12 made?

Beyond 12 has helped thousands of students stay in college and graduate while also assisting schools in refining their support systems.

Q5: How can schools or students get involved with Beyond 12?

Schools, colleges, and students can visit the official Beyond 12 website to learn more about partnerships and student support programs.

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Conclusion

Beyond 12 is making a profound difference in the lives of college students by providing guidance, mentorship, and data-driven support. Through their innovative approach, they are helping students not only graduate but also build successful careers. Their work is essential in creating a more equitable education system where every student has the opportunity to succeed.

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