We believe in students – students of all backgrounds – and the capacity they have to transform their lives along with those of others through a quality education. Our communities are stronger when we recognize every person has the potential to contribute. We are better off when we unite to ensure this potential becomes reality.

We are not alone in our beliefs. After a year of developing a mentoring partnership with Carter-Parramore Academy (CPA), an alternative high school in Gadsden County, a common vision has emerged. We call it CUSP.

A college readiness initiative driven by FSU students, in collaboration with CPA, CUSP is designed in a way that is practical and yet, visionary. CUSP will engage a pilot cohort of 10 students with the goal of supporting them in carving a path towards a quality education and a promising future. FSU Mentors will connect with CUSP students 3 days a week after school and focus on the following components:

• Peer Advising - CUSP students will be assigned FSU Peer Mentors who will meet with them each 
  week and engage in open conversation about academics, aspirations, and challenges.

• College Readiness - FSU Mentors and CUSP students will collaborate to develop a future readiness 
  plan that is catered to their interests and goals and to ensure they are meeting specific milestones and deadlines.

• ACT Test Preparation - FSU mentors will facilitate a curriculum to teach CUSP students about 
  effective testing strategies and prepare them for this important examination.

Through your donation, you are helping to equip a tenacious group of students with the tools of success they otherwise would not have access to. You are helping to cultivate a connection between two educational institutions. Through investing in relationships between two communities bound by a mutual mission, you are opening the doors to sustainable, lasting, lifelong impact.