For many working parents, helping their teenage children navigate the complexities of applying to colleges and universities can be time-consuming and stressful. From helping them find the right college, to understanding the application processes, and figuring out how to pay for college, it can feel overwhelming. Not to mention, finding the right help can be difficult and expensive.
Fortunately, employers can help. Care Specialists is an employer-sponsored benefit that saves college-bound students and their families time, stress, and money by helping them navigate all aspects of the college planning process.
How Care Benefits Helped a Student with Learning Disabilities Find the Right College
Caryn Galpin, a Care Specialist with a BA degree and background in education, has five years of experience helping families with college planning and admissions. In her role, she has worked with hundreds of families to understand students’ goals, explore their academic strengths and interests, and guide them to resources to help them succeed. One of the things Caryn loves most about her job is helping families uncover resources that they did not know were available to them.
A case that is most memorable to Caryn is helping a student who has learning disabilities get into the college of her choice. College-planning is difficult for any student, but when a student has learning disabilities or other unique challenges, it can be even harder. One particular high school student was finding it difficult to manage the application process, meet deadlines, and get the scores she needed on college standardized tests. The student’s mother turned to Care for support.
Caryn reassured the mother that there are plenty of resources available. She set up a call with both the mother and her daughter to understand the student’s college goals—as well as to learn more about the student’s learning disabilities. Caryn then went to work researching options and preparing referrals and information to resources including:
- Tutoring and test-prep services: Caryn found a tutoring service that offered a specialized program specifically for students with learning disabilities. The tutoring service provided test-taking strategies and helped determine which test was a better fit for the student—the ACT or SAT.
- Accommodations for students with learning disabilities: The family was not aware that students with disabilities may be eligible for accommodations on standard tests—so Caryn provided them with all the necessary information. The daughter applied and qualified for accommodations that allowed her extra time to take the standardized tests. Between the tutoring and test accommodations, the student was able to significantly improve her standardized test scores.
- College and university profiles: Caryn was able to research and refer the family to colleges and universities that offered special programs and accommodations for learning disabled students and help the family compare options at different colleges and universities.
- College coaching/advising: Caryn noticed the family was also eligible for Care for College through their employee benefits program. Since organization and time-management skills were a particular challenge for this student, Caryn reminded her to access the Care for College platform to access college planning tools–and to connect with college advisors who review college essays and share strategies for completing the application process.
Caryn will never forget when she learned this student was accepted into the college of her choice. “I will always remember the joy and relief this family felt,” says Caryn. “They did not think it was possible, and it reinforces to me that there are programs out there for everyone. I was so happy to be a part of the process.”
Employer-subsidized benefits such as Care Specialists and Care for College help employees navigate the complexities that may distract them from work at every life stage. Connect with a Care Expert to learn more.
