SOAR

(Students Online Achieving Results)

Using the success of SRA’s Rising Stars program as a model, SOAR combines the scalability of the SRA Hub technology with the personal interaction that makes a powerful difference in keeping students engaged and on track. The SOAR program engages current four-year and community college students to increase college persistence rates, graduation rates, and the obtainment of career-ladder jobs.

Application and Requirements

College Advising and Peer Mentoring

Students in the SRA SOAR program are matched with a virtual SRA advisor and placed in a small cohort. Throughout their participation in SOAR, students participate in one-to-two virtual hangouts per month, which guide students through financial aid, budgeting, resume creation, career exploration, professional etiquette, the summer internship search, interviewing, stress management, self-care, and more.

Not only do SOAR students have access to their online Advisor, students in the program will also collaborate with a Peer Mentor, creating an even stronger sense of community and engagement among SOAR students. This network of student peers creates connections among students, ensures they have access to resources, and provides social and emotional support, all especially critical for first-generation college students. First-generation students may not have a pre-existing support system to provide encouragement, problem-solving, and college insights, so creating this cohort of students working together is a critical part of the program.

Career Preparedness and Development

As with SRA’s Rising Stars program, career development is a critical component of the SOAR curriculum. Students gain knowledge of everything from how to use Linkedin to workplace culture to networking. SOAR students also have the opportunity to receive one-on-one interview preparation, attend SRA’s in person Career Development Workshops, and participate in Career Insight Days at various Bay Area companies such as Google, Autodesk, and Tesla. Through the comprehensive career development offered, SOAR is preparing students to graduate from college and enter the workforce as prepared, confident, diverse leaders.