Delaware Students Get Familiar with the College Process

The Delaware Goes to College initiative has cracked the code on high school students. The program is woven into the fabric of what every high school student finds most important: their phone! Delaware Goes to College has a texting campaign for Delaware students in grades nine–twelve (parents can participate, too). This statewide texting program is the only one of its kind in the country.

The program works like this: when a student signs up, text messages are tailored to that student’s grade level. Seniors will receive two texts per month that include helpful information and reminders about FAFSA, financial aid, and scholarships. Texts will also include “to do lists” that contain steps that students take to get into college. Students in grades 9 – 11 receive one text per month to help them begin to think about their future and stay focused on college.

Students can also text in and ask questions at any time. Eleventh graders might ask a question like “What is FAFSA” (because I certainly didn’t know) and staff from the Delaware Department of Education’s Higher Education Office and the University of Delaware’s Institute for Public Administration will respond via text.

The texting campaign is a smart tactic because it reaches students in an innovative way. The program uses a platform that kids understand and respond well to. Students are constantly on their phones and the texting program allows students to ask questions inside and, importantly, outside the classroom. And getting brief reminders about college and the application process can make a crucial difference in a student’s decision to enroll in and attend college after graduation.

Delaware strives to have students that are motivated and on the right track. The texting campaign is a community collaboration—students, parents, and schools—that actively works to achieve this goal.

Sign up now!

Students: Text the word “Student” to 302-273-5310

Parents: Text the word “Parent” to 302-273-5320

Note: College access professionals can also participate if they text “Counselor” to the parent number: 302-273-5320