The Education Data Initiative’s College Drop Out Rates indicate that a significant proportion of college students who discontinue their studies do so in their first academic year. In fact, between the fall semesters of 2021 and 2022, 28.9% of all first-time, full-time first-year students discontinued their college education. According to U.S. News, first-year students are particularly vulnerable to dropping out.
The primary reasons for student dropouts include financial and tuition costs, lack of preparedness, inadequate family support, difficulty adapting socially, and food insecurity. Encouraging Hearts acknowledges the challenges that these students face and works to provide the necessary wrap around support to enable them to succeed in their freshman year and beyond.
Encouraging Heart’s Collegiate Care initiative begins with high school seniors. In collaboration with guidance counselors, Encouraging Hearts identifies high school seniors who could benefit from additional support during their freshman year. First, to alleviate some of the financial pressures of college, EH provides dorm supplies. Next, college care packages are sent during the fall and spring semesters. Finally, encouragement cards are sent throughout the year to motivate students and offer them support.
The timeline for the services for the 2024 – 2025 academic year is as follows. College Decision Day falls on May 1st, and on May 15th, Encouraging Hearts delivers dorm supplies to the high schools to prepare students for the year. The dorm supplies include sheets, towels, comforters, pillows, lamps, trash cans, under-bed storage, mattress covers, hangers, bed risers, shower shoes, iron, ironing board, and mirrors, among other items. They are delivered in a customized box that bears the name of the university the student is attending. During the weeks of fall and spring mid-terms care packages will be sent containing an encouragement card, snacks, and a gift card for a special treat. A monthly encouragement card will be sent for the months of September through May.
If funding permit, the dorm supplies will include additional resources such as refrigerators, a copy of the 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens and Thinking Critically in College, The Essential Handbook for Student Success.
Encouraging Hearts is committed to supporting students and providing them with the resources they need to not only survive but thrive in their freshman year and beyond. Our Collegiate Care initiative is designed to support these students and help them achieve their full potential. Join us in our mission supporting these amazing students and providing them with the resources they need to not only survive but thrive in their freshman year and beyond.
Encouraging Hearts Cares 