Raleigh County Peer Leaders met with the Raleigh County Board of Education to discuss how College Summit workshops, curriculum, and peer coaching have helped them and others in planning for their futures.

By Sarah Plummer Register-Herald Reporter

BECKLEY — Students from Independence, Shady Spring and Woodrow Wilson high schools met with the Raleigh County Board of Education last week to talk about their experiences participating in College Summit.

Nelson Spencer, director of secondary schools, explained the program is “designed to increase the college enrollment rate in addition to providing peer coaching for at-risk youths.”

Through the summit, students can visit area colleges, get assistance in applying for college and work with other students to encourage them to consider higher education.

Grace Sorah, a senior, is the president of College Summit at Shady Spring High School.

Being involved with peer coaching has been one of the most rewarding experiences in the program, she said.

“We talk with at-risk freshmen who are having problems with their grades or are missing school and motivate them,” she said.

“Being a good peer coach is about being open-minded and friendly, and it betters you in the long run,” Sorah added.

She explained that, while College Summit is a great program for people like her, who already plan to attend college, “it is most important for people that might have a lower GPA because you learn about all the options available and learn about all the help and scholarships that are available.”

Another participant, Josh Snow, attended the Concord University College Summit and also works as a peer mentor.

He said that a writing group at Concord, where participants get personalized help writing their personal statement for college applications, was a great experience and helped build his confidence.

Snow also shared his experience as a peer mentor.

“I work with this boy who does not come to school regularly. I work to tell him what is going on with my life to build trust so he will confide in me,” he said.

Snow added, “I hope College Summit continues to flourish in this area. It really is a great thing.”

Board member Larry Ford commented, “You all are our best ad for promoting College Summit to others in our schools, and I thank you all.”