We’re always a little amazed at (and excited by) the sheer number of programs out there that want nothing more than to help students get ready for college (and beyond), especially students who are the first in their families to go to a college or university.
If this is you, first and foremost, let’s take a moment to recognize what a huge accomplishment this is. Navigating the college application process and then preparing to go to college is hard, and if you don’t have the benefit of someone else’s experience to learn from, it’s usually even harder.
But there are many resources for you, and the Exploring Horizons Institute (EHI) is one of them!
So in this guide, we’ll talk through what the program offers.
What is the Expanding Horizons Institute?
EHI is part of Teach Democracy, which is a non-profit organization focused squarely on getting young people to care about and work towards defending the idea of democracy in the United States by upholding the values outlined in the Constitution. They want students to play an active role in democracy instead of just reading about it!
Teach Democracy believes in ensuring access to civic education (understanding how government works, participating in service, learning about how history impacts politics and policy) through outreach to under-served communities, and the Expanding Horizons Institute is one of the key ways Teach Democracy tries to make education available to those who want and need it.
EHI started in 1995 (so it’s been around for a while), and its main goal is to help first-generation, college-bound students prepare for college life, learn about the various careers that are out there after graduation, and become civically engaged members of local communities.
(Important side note: if you’re a first generation and/or low-income student, check out our FG/LI Resource Center for guidance on core elements of the college application process.)
How does EHI do the things above? Glad you asked.
What programs does the Expanding Horizons Institute offer?
Each Spring EHI participants join a series of seminars that cover topics about Civics, Careers, and the College Application Process. You might learn about how political opinion polls and surveys work, how to make professional presentations, or how to navigate the financial aid process for college.
In the Summer, EHI students also complete a paid internship (yup… we said paid) in areas such as law, non-profit work, local government, and education. You might intern at a museum, at a local law firm, or at a corporate office. There is so much out there to learn!
So, before you even head to college, you’ll have some work experience under your belt and you’ll have already started on your path to becoming civically-educated and active, plus you’ll be doing work to impact your community. It’s a win-win!
Who is eligible to apply to the Expanding Horizons Institute?
There are some pretty specific eligibility requirements for the Expanded Horizons Institute, so read carefully to make sure these all apply to you!
To be eligible:
Students must come from a family in which neither parent graduated from a four-year college (you’re the trailblazer!)
Students must also be current high school sophomores or juniors at the time of application (more information on that below) who attend a Title I school in Los Angeles (these are government-funded schools aimed at securing education for students in low-income families).
You must also be able to attend all seminars and complete your internship (here are the most recent dates for you), and finally, you have to be eligible to work in the United States.
Does this sound like you? Are you still excited about the possibility of participating in the Expanded Horizons Institute? Then let’s go through the application process.
How do I apply?
When applying to EHI, there are some key dates to keep track of, so write these on your calendar, put them on your phone, put Post-Its all over your house—whatever it takes!
The application deadline is January 31 and includes several parts (here's the link to EHI's application page):
The first part is just a general application form that asks for information about
your school
your grade
your address and phone number
and your availability to attend seminars and internships.
Part Two is a lot more involved—you’re asked to
complete what is basically a resume
include two letters of recommendation from teachers, school counselors, or school administrators
include your current high school transcripts
and complete an essay in response to one of EHI’s “Getting to Know You Questions.”
The final application piece is a completed “Parent/Legal Guardian Agreement Form” that a parent or guardian must sign.
There are also two rounds of interviews (one in February and one in March).
After all of that, if you get accepted to EHI, you get to start your seminars in April!
Applying to the Expanding Horizons Institute isn’t a piece of cake, but we think it’s definitely worth it if you’re an eligible first-generation college student who wants to learn more about college, careers, and civics.
You’ll be surrounded by other students who want to learn just as much as you do, you’ll learn how to collaborate, and you’ll hone your leadership skills. If this sounds exciting and inspiring to you, we say “go for it!”
Special thanks to Jessica B for writing this blog post
Jessica has a Ph.D in English from the University of Southern California and teaches English at a Los Angeles-area independent school, where she has also been English department chair and a class dean. Sandra Cisneros is her hero, and she loves books, her awesomely-sarcastic family, the beach, cozy sweaters, and more books. Oh, and her sweet pitbull/lab mix named Ruby.
Top values: Curiosity, equity, wonder
