The Everest Program, developed by staff at Dearborn Academy, offers support, guidance, and structure to help students successfully transition into, through, and beyond college. Beginning in 2020, Everest initially supported graduates of Dearborn Academy. However, starting this year, Everest is not just for Dearborn alumni anymore; it is now open to any college student, regardless of where they went to high school or whether they have a learning or mental health diagnosis.  

The transition from high school to college can be daunting for students, with a host of new expectations, projects, deadlines, and a maze of classes, not to mention the need for social connection as students find themselves away from friends they may have known since grade school. Without their social support network, college students can sometimes feel isolated, even as they seek to build new friendships. It’s enough to make anyone feel overwhelmed.

The Everest Program believes that all students deserve the opportunity for a fulfilling and successful collegiate experience. As leaders in special education and social emotional learning, they understand the complexities and nuances of student profiles and uniquely approach each student to teach to skill gaps, build confidence, and achieve lofty goals.

During weekly 50-minute virtual sessions, students enrolled at Everest receive one-on-one coaching to work on customized plans and collaborative goal setting. Support areas include not just fundamental skills like time management, course planning, and study skills, but also motivation and accountability. This also includes crucial soft skills like how to communicate with professors, advocating for accommodations, advisors, roommates and navigating social or emotional hurdles, and mental health needs.

Everest’s team of coaches include experienced special educators, SLPs, clinicians and transition specialists trained in supporting students with learning differences, anxiety, ADHD, PANS/PANDAS diagnosis, and executive functioning challenges. Working with an executive function coach, transitional coach, and/or clinician, students receive direct instruction and thoughtful, consistent communication.

Most uniquely, Everest specializes in family collaboration. Caregivers are students’ primary support and advocate throughout high school. The shift to independence can also feel significant for caregivers, who lose the ability to communicate and advocate to the school. Coaches support caregivers with open communication after sessions to help them understand their students’ challenges and progress.

Most coaching is conducted remotely, offering consistency and flexibility no matter where your student attends school, but for students in the greater Boston area, coaches can even come to campus to meet.

When students work through and understand challenges such as these at the college level, they begin to build healthy habits to last a lifetime. Through the Everest Program, students become the masters of their learning, exceeding expectations and graduating with the skills to excel in their future careers.

If you have a college student in your life who could benefit from Everest, learn more at https://dearbornacademy.org/everest-program/ or contact Karolyn Ormond at 781.641.5992 ext. 3201.