CREWS Program

A Cohort Model for College Student Retention

AWARD

Crew Leaders are awarded an annual $500 scholarship for

their participation in the program.

TIMELINE

May 2010
BACKGROUND
• Participating organizations submit nominations
for potential Crew Leaders.
Although programs that help students access higher
education have gained strength and momentum in recent • SoCal CAN hosts an info session for students
years, many college students are still dropping out prior interested in the program.
to realizing their educational dreams. In fact, according to
the U.S. Department of Education, only 50% of those who June 2010
enter higher education actually earn a bachelors degree. • Crew Leader & Member applications due.
Retaining students remains a top priority of colleges and • Applications and nominations are reviewed, and
universities, and over the years, many have spent vast crew members are selected.
amounts of money and resources setting up programs
and services that aim to eliminate likely barriers to July 2010
student achievement. College access programs are now • Leadership Training for Crew Leaders.
looking for new creative ways to more effectively
transition and channel their students from orientation August 2010
through to college graduation. • “Crew Connect” Program is held to introduce
and “bond” crew members before setting off to
PROGRAM SUMMARY college.

The SoCal CAN CREWS Program (College Retention Excels PROPOSED PARTNERING INSTITUTIONS
With Students) is a network-wide retention initiative that
builds on the successes of its member organizations’ Community College
college retention strategies. Mission College
El Camino College
The program groups incoming freshmen attending the
same college into a cohort, or “crew”, of 5-6 students that Cal State University
works to provide the leadership and support systems CSU Northridge
necessary to ensure each student enjoys a fulfilling and CSU Dominguez Hills
successful college experience. Crews are managed by a
“Crew Leader”, a peer mentor who's responsibility is to University of California
organize and lead the group once they are at college UC Los Angeles
(organize meetings, recommend campus resources, UC Riverside
demonstrate a positive influence, etc.). After a series of
summer trainings, crew leaders are qualified to lead their Private
“crew” through the transition from high school to college Franklin & Marshall University
success. Occidental College

Southern California College Access Network

a project of Community Partners
1000 N. Alameda St., Suite 240, Los Angeles, CA, 90012
(213) 346-3280 – www.socalcollegeaccess.org