Paper Planes Project

Founded in May 2023, our mission is based upon two issues: the amount of college prep resources that are inaccessible to underrepresented communities like first generation college students, and the ongoing mental health crisis within high schools– especially those that are academically rigorous and prestigious. High school can be a crushing experience: from the loneliness and academic "culture shock" of freshman year to the competitiveness of admissions and imposter syndrome . Coupled with the unfortunate reality that many underrepresented families cannot afford the majority of college prep resources and don't have the experience nor time to help their child through high school, this all makes what should be an enriching four years to literal hell. We want to change that. Our solution? College advising - with a personal and supportive twist. We offer a mentorship program to all high school underclassmen and juniors that lasts until they finish the college application process. This mentorship would cover everything a $10,000 package would - choosing the right courses, extracurriculars, financial aid, personal statements - but with the personalized guidance of someone who has been in their shoes. Our talented team of senior and college student mentors come from different backgrounds, but share the same passion of uplifting youth. They'll act as "older siblings", someone who the mentee can go to whenever they're struggling or have questions. In addition, our mentees will have access to additional resources like tutoring, essay review, and test prep. All to make sure mentees make the most out of their four years of high school. Every student is a piece of paper. Initially, the paper is plain and blank. But we believe that paper is a canvas. A canvas that, through care and guidance, every student can fold into their future self, into a unique and thoughtful human being - ready to change the world. Ready to push through tough winds and turbulence. Ready... to fly.