New Jersey SEEDS, a nonprofit for low-income students, took 30 alumni on private tours of University of Pennsylvania and Villanova University recently. Students visited the campuses and attended information sessions coordinated by the schools’ admissions offices to help them navigate the college application process. 
Students on the tours were graduates of New Jersey SEEDS’ Scholars and Young Scholars programs, free 14-month programs that place students in private high schools and middle schools and prepare them for the experience. Once they’re placed, they receive support from the organization’s guidance department, which arranges college tours. Graduates have also visited Johns Hopkins University, Franklin & Marshall College, Swarthmore College and Gettysburg College.
“Most of the youth we serve are the first in their families to explore going to college,” said New Jersey SEEDS President and CEO John Castano. “The process can seem daunting so we work to demystify it. These private tours make it less intimidating for our students to ask questions and get a sense of each school’s culture.”
