How to Adjust to College Life, Affording College, Learning to Learn, & More

 

Check out this five-part video series on the "Hidden Curriculum" — the unspoken rules, expectations, and knowledge about how to navigate life on a college campus. It's what students are expected to know, but are rarely taught. This video was made for any student starting their college journey, particularly those who are the first in their families to do so.

CEG's Hidden Curriculum Series

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Part 1 - You're In! Now What? What does it mean to be first-gen? Why does college sometimes feel like it wasn't made for you? And how can you find community, confidence, and practical tools to help you thrive once you’re there? Diana shares guidance on all of these.

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Part 2 - It's a Whole New World Diana explores why starting college can feel like entering a whole new world. Why does college feel so different from high school? How do you handle culture shock, peer pressure, or being “the only one” in the room?

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Part 3 - Learning to Learn Diana breaks down one of the biggest college transitions: learning how to learn. What’s the difference between lectures, seminars, recitations/discussions, and labs? What role does your major really play in your future? And how do you use office hours, syllabi, and campus resources to stay on top of your workload?

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Part 4 - Paying for College Diana talks about money. Not in the simple "make a budget way" but in the ways that actually matter for going to college. Grants and scholarships, subsidized and subsidized loans, student accounts, and more.

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Part 5 - What's It All For? Diana answers the big question: "Why am I doing this?" Is a college education worth it? The benefits of college for first-generation low-income students. Ways to make your degree even more worthwhile. Pathways for after college. And more.

Men's College Scholarship

 The Men’s College Scholarship application is easy to complete and has no essay component. Applicants have the chance to receive a $500-$1,000 scholarship to help them feel better prepared for their next big adventure: college. Encourage your students to apply today!

Available to any male graduating high school senior who is enrolling in a four-year undergraduate college program commencing in fall 2026, more than $50,000 in scholarships will be awarded to inspire young men to attend college and feel prepared financially to do so. Scholarships will be issued via ACH transfer directly to recipients — not their institution.

SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION

The scholarship is designed to identify and reward outstanding high school seniors who have demonstrated an ability to excel in the fields of academics, extra-curricular school activities and community involvement. 

Jill, we feel a college education is important and want to assist young men who make the choice to attend. Please share this easy, no-essay application with your students and their parents/guardians today! The deadline for applications is April 1 at 11:59 pm ET (8:59 pm PT).

Emily K Center Opportunity Fair

The Opportunity Fair is a free college and career fair, highlighting pathways through community college, trade school, military, and employment. This event will feature short-term certificate and credential programs that students can earn after high school, as well as entry-level opportunities with local employers. 12th grade DPS students are invited to attend from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 9th-11th grade and non-DPS students students are invited from 1 to 2 p.m.

The Emily K Center invites high school students and their families to attend and learn more alternative postsecondary options!

HBCU Showcase

 BULL CITY IN BLACK: HBCU Showcase celebrates the history and enduring legacy of historically black colleges and universities from across the state and region. The Emily K Center hosts representatives and student organizations from HBCUs who share information about admissions opportunities. There are also workshops covering topics such as financial aid, first-gen student experience, resume support, and more!

This event is FREE and open to all — high school students and their families are strongly encouraged to attend. Bull City in Black 2026 will take place on February 7th! Registration now available here.