About
Chester EnterChange is an organization founded under the principles of education and community. We strive to ensure equal access to resources necessary for positive post-secondary outcomes for Chester students. We serve as a guide to first-time students navigating the intimidating world of college admissions.
EnterChange is a nonprofit organization that acts as an advocate for youth and adults. We support students and families through college and financial aid counseling, education and financial strategic planning, and social and cultural preparedness.
Numerous education disparities plague socio-economically disadvantaged students. Equitable access to educational and financial resources remains a challenge to our students, and because of this, they are enrolling in college at lesser rates than their counterparts. Even still, once enrolled, our students are less likely to complete a degree than their peers due to either inadequate academic preparation, lack of financial assistance, or unfamiliarity with university social constructs.
Too many of our high school students lack accurate information about college costs and processes because they are the first in their families to overcome the cumulative effect of generational poverty. We strive to give our students a fair chance to achieve their goals by providing support, in whichever form that looks like for each student, from the start of the application process on to their college graduation.
“Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.” —President Barack Obama
Our Mission
EnterChange works with students, families, teachers, and college administrators to create a financial and academic plan that promotes the success of our students. Our goal is to improve college access to low-income and first-generation college students. We address and eliminate educational and financial disparities that impede our students' transition from high school to college.
Our Vision
Chester EnterChange is a community-based organization that relies on the support of its neighbors and community leaders. We hope to create a cycle of change within our homes and city by encouraging and backing the dreams of our student members. The youth we foster will return as the next generation of leaders to rebuild our communities and continue the cycle.
"Education breeds confidence. Confidence breeds hope. Hope breeds peace."
- Confucius