College Now Greater Cleveland | College Access, Scholarships & Mentorship in Northeast Ohio
Discover how College Now Greater Cleveland empowers students, families, and adult learners in Cleveland and Northeast Ohio with scholarships, mentoring, and resources for college success.
Why College Now Matters in Cleveland and Northeast Ohio
For over five decades, College Now Greater Cleveland has been breaking down barriers to higher education. From middle school students to adult learners, the organization provides resources that ensure everyone has access to college and career opportunities.
In today’s economy, a degree or credential isn’t just an option—it’s a requirement. For Cleveland and Northeast Ohio, where only 27% of adults in the city hold a postsecondary credential, programs like College Now are critical to transforming communities and building economic power.
Scholarships, Mentoring, and Resources That Change Lives
Scholarships That Remove Financial Barriers
College Now has awarded more than $111 million in scholarships to Greater Cleveland students. In 2022–23 alone, the organization distributed $9.3 million, helping students enroll, persist, and graduate at rates higher than the national average.
Mentoring That Builds Retention and Confidence
The College Now Mentoring Program connects nearly 1,700 students and mentors each year. With a 94% retention rate from freshman to sophomore year and 71% graduation rate, the impact is clear: Cleveland students thrive when supported by community.
Comprehensive Advising and Support
College Now advisors are embedded in 200+ schools, businesses, and community centers, guiding students and families through financial aid applications, FAFSA support, and career planning. Adult learners benefit too—receiving career re-entry planning, loan repayment counseling, and continuing education support.
The Importance of College Access in This Generation
Education as Economic Power
Every percentage point increase in postsecondary attainment in Northeast Ohio brings an estimated $2.8 billion in economic impact. That’s why College Now’s advocacy for affordability, FAFSA simplification, and Pell Grant expansion matters.
Equity in Opportunity
College Now ensures first-generation, low-income, and underrepresented students gain the same opportunities as their peers. With early advising starting in middle school, the pipeline for success begins long before high school graduation.
Programs That Support Every Path
| Who | How College Now Helps |
|---|---|
| Middle & High School Students | Career planning, FAFSA support, embedded advisors, scholarship access |
| College Students | Mentorship, scholarships, resource centers, gap year support |
| Adult Learners | Virtual and in-person advising, career re-entry pathways, loan counseling |
| Community Members | Volunteer mentorship opportunities, advocacy, and donations |
How College Now and Wake Hustle Grind Align
At Wake Hustle Grind, our mission is to uplift students, families, and entrepreneurs in Cleveland through education, mentorship, and opportunity. College Now embodies that same commitment by ensuring the next generation has the tools and resources to succeed.
We believe access to education is access to empowerment—and organizations like College Now are the backbone of that transformation.
Take Action Today
✅ Visit College Now Greater Cleveland to explore scholarships, mentorship, and advising.
✅ Partner with Wake Hustle Grind to support youth and families in Cleveland through educational programs, entrepreneurship training, and community development.
✅ Share this article to spread awareness about the power of college access in shaping stronger communities.
Conclusion: College Now Means Community
For Cleveland and Northeast Ohio, College Now Greater Cleveland is more than an education nonprofit—it’s a lifeline. By providing scholarships, mentorship, and guidance, it empowers students to graduate, thrive, and reinvest in their communities.
At Wake Hustle Grind, we see education as the foundation of opportunity. With College Now, Cleveland students aren’t just preparing for college—they’re preparing for life.
College Now Greater Cleveland: Why It Matters for Cleveland & Northeast Ohio
From scholarships and mentoring to FAFSA help and one-on-one advising, College Now Greater Cleveland is opening doors for students and adult learners across our region—and strengthening our community in the process.
Take Action Today
Sources:
https://medium.com/@Kevinconwellblog/college-now-and-the-heart-of-northeast-ohio-1530f012f0b9