About the Episode
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About the Episode:
In this inspiring conversation, Dustin welcomes Dr. Siva Kumari, CEO of College Possible, to unpack how her team is rewriting the narrative for first-gen and low-income students. From helping students find their best-fit college to coaching them all the way to graduation (and beyond), College Possible proves that persistent, personalized support can change lives. Tune in to hear how they're blending human connection with AI innovation—and what higher ed leaders need to know to better serve today’s learners.
Key Takeaways
- Longitudinal support is critical — College Possible provides personalized coaching that begins in junior year of high school and extends through college graduation.
- Student-centered guidance matters — The nonprofit helps students navigate the college search process using a “best-fit” model based on academic, financial, and cultural compatibility.
- AI is transforming student support — College Possible’s AI-enabled coaching tools boost coach productivity while giving students on-demand access to critical knowledge and guidance.
- Retention starts with relationships — Maintaining a human touch through personalized coaching significantly improves persistence from year one to graduation.
- Data and partnerships drive success — College Possible works with hundreds of higher ed institutions and leverages data analytics to optimize outcomes for students and universities alike.
- Student voice is central — Feedback from alumni underscores the power of continuity and personal relationships in shaping long-term educational success.
What is College Possible and how does it work?
College Possible is a nonprofit organization focused on increasing college access and success for students from low-income and first-generation backgrounds. The program starts working with students as early as their junior year in high school and supports them through college graduation. College Possible provides one-on-one coaching, college admissions guidance, summer transition support, and ongoing persistence coaching in college. Their model is rooted in long-term, personalized engagement to help students navigate both academic and social aspects of the college journey.
How is College Possible different from traditional high school or university support systems?
Unlike school counselors or university staff who often serve large student populations with limited touchpoints, College Possible coaches build deep, multi-year relationships with individual students. They offer tailored support through each stage of the student lifecycle—guiding them through the college search and application process, FAFSA completion, summer melt prevention, and staying on track for graduation. Coaches are often AmeriCorps members or full-time staff who provide consistent mentorship and help eliminate personal and institutional barriers.
How does College Possible support students in making informed college choices?
The organization uses a “best-fit” approach to help students apply to at least five institutions: two “reach” schools, two “target” schools, and one “safety” school. This process ensures students are applying to colleges that align with their academic profiles and support needs. Coaches also provide transparency around graduation rates, cost of attendance, financial aid packages, and campus support services—critical insights that many first-gen students may not otherwise access.
How has the organization's model evolved over time?
Originally founded as Admissions Possible, the organization initially focused only on college entry. Over time, it became College Possible to reflect its expanded mission of supporting students through graduation. The model has also evolved to include virtual coaching, hybrid program delivery, and partnerships with community colleges. This adaptability has allowed College Possible to expand into rural communities and scale nationally, now operating in eight major sites across the U.S.
What role does AI play in College Possible's support system?
College Possible is embracing AI in higher education by integrating AI-powered coaching tools that improve operational efficiency and enhance student access to resources. Their AI system can answer student queries instantly using a curated knowledge base drawn from 25 years of organizational expertise. Students and coaches alike use the tool to access FAQs, reminders, and next-step guidance—reducing response time from 45 minutes to just 5. This digital layer amplifies the reach of their human coaches, while preserving the high-touch model that defines their success.
What trends is College Possible keeping an eye on?
Siva Kumari highlights two major trends: the increasing interest in community college pathways and the growing impact of AI on education delivery. More students are choosing to start their postsecondary journey at community colleges, drawn by affordability and the potential to earn workforce-relevant credentials before transferring. At the same time, College Possible is exploring how data analytics and AI can help map more effective student journeys based on past success patterns.
What advice does Siva Kumari have for higher ed leaders?
Siva urges institutions to build intentional, transparent, and student-centric support structures—especially for Pell-eligible and first-gen students. She emphasizes the need for clear financial aid communication, degree pathways with fewer credit barriers, and proactive career preparation efforts like internships and networking support. She also challenges institutions to view student success as a shared responsibility, not just an admissions goal, and to commit to the long game in supporting underserved learners.
About the Show: The Higher Ed Geek Podcast explores the impact of edtech on the student experience by speaking with diverse leaders from institutions, companies, and nonprofit organizations. Each week we aim to provide an engaging, fun, and relevant dose of professional development that honors the wide range of work happening all across the higher ed ecosystem. Come geek out with us! The Higher Ed Geek Podcast is hosted by Dustin Ramsdell and is a proud member of the Enrollify Podcast Network.
Connect With Our Host:
Dustin Ramsdell
About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
The Higher Ed Geek is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!
Some of our favorites include Generation AI.
Enrollify is produced by Element451 — the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.
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