Pathway from Greek Public Lyceum to US Higher Ed----

WHAT WE DO, WHY, AND HOW
There are many Greek students who haven't had the opportunity to explore the many options available for university studies in the USA - nor do they understand how to access need-based financial assistance.
There are over 5,000 colleges and universities in the United States, ranging from two year community colleges to private Ivy League research universities like MIT and YALE. Combined, they are often referred to as the “American Higher Education System”. In 2022 a total of 701,945 international students entered the US for Higher Ed studies. Almost 4000 were from Greece.
Greek universities are excellent but there are many Greek students who are interested in exploring alternative options and don't know where to start. The goal of our program is to support students who have the drive, interest, and qualifications to attend a US university but need guidance regarding the application and financial assistance process.
The US-CAP Pathway program, launched in the Fall of 2023, has 10 selected participants who are benefiting this far through 14 group weekend workshops, weekly one-on-one meeting with their appointed counselor, 7 presentations by US admissions college representatives, 4 presentations by Greek current US college upperclassmen who are following undergraduate degrees, and meetings with personal mentors in their selected fields.
US-CAP - May Workshop
On Sunday, 12/5, the US-CAP counselors met in person with the students of the program in order to touch base and work collectively. The three-hour meeting included two workshops focusing on:
a. resume preparation and
b. the use of images and video in the student's digital personal story project.
The meeting reinforced the element of mutual assistance between students with a special session aimed at sharing knowledge, experiences and advice.
US-CAP - April Online Meeting
The US-CAP team met online to further discuss three topics:
1. University search (How to find the perfect fit between student and college)
2. Developing personal skills appropriate and useful to the application process
3. Digital storytelling and its potential contribution to the application process
In our afternoon meeting we also had the pleasure of talking to Ms. Kiritsis, a communication expert, who spoke to our students about developing their communication skills and making successful first impressions.
US-CAP - April Workshops
On Saturday afternoon, April 6th , the US-CAP team gathered in person with the students participating in the third phase of the program for a meeting that would allow the students to exchange views and experiences from their work so far in preparing applications to US universities. Our high school college advisors, Eva Kanellis and Ariane Kotsi, together with the project manager Giorgos Malliaros, presented two workshops on the topics:
a. Reaching out
b. Proper communication (written and during interviews).
The aim of this and future in person workshops is to create a close-knit group of students who will help each other and exchange knowledge
based on their experiences. The next meeting was set for May 12.
US-CAP introduces selected students to the US Higher Ed system, its goals, and how it differs from European university systems. Open events will be hosted at the American Space in Thessaloniki to provide data and resources to Greek families and educators.
For interested students, we deliver a series of workshops focusing on: preparing them to meet the criteria to enter a US university, identifying their goals and best presenting their profiles. Workshops include meetings with US college admissions experts (online & in person), through interviews, meetings, and college fairs.
For selected applicants, we provide one-on-one preparation sessions in the final application stage. We also work with public school lyceum teachers and staff who must be involved in the verification of each student’s academic record. Our goal is to build teams working together all over Greece.
The US-CAP College Counselor Team designs and provides each stage of this guidance, working with a network of volunteers in both Greece and USA. The Directors Ariane Cotsis and Eva Varellas Kanellis together represent more than 40 years of US college counseling experience in Greece.
All services are free for participants.


US-CAP PARTNERS WITH EDUACT a long-established nonprofit organization in Greece.
Eduact hosts the American Space in Thessaloniki (one of the many American Space sites in 140 countries). American Space sites are cultural and information centers worldwide funded by the U.S. State Department under the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. (more)
The Greek Directorate of Secondary Education of Thessaloniki has worked with Eduact since its foundation to support underprivileged young adults in finding their academic and career paths. The Directory helps us reach public school students through their school directors and teachers.
FEE
All selected participants receive full Scholarships to the program, based on merit and need.
Location
Eduact Hub, 136 Tsimiski str.
The open events take place at the American Space in Thessaloniki, hosted by Eduact.
Participation Timeline
The program targets students attending 2nd Lyceum (11th grade) in a Greek public school (the major preparation begins in Spring of 2nd Lyceum school year and applications will be completed in October-November of 3rd Lyceum school year).
The number of students selected for each stage of the program is based on the organization’s funding ability to meet their needs.
(deadline of applications, December 30th)
Requirements for selection to the program are:
a) excellence in reading, writing, speaking English (determined by Duolingo Online Test)
b) strong grades from 3rd Gymnasium to the present
c) financial status qualifying for US need based aid
Date: 10.12.2023
Hour: 18.00
Location: American Space, Eduact Hub, Τsimiski 136
(there is a limit of 60 participants due to space)
DONATIONS
We rely on donations to make this program possible. Please help us make innovative learning opportunities available to every Greek student. Become a donor by completing this form:
You may pay through Bank Transfer or Paypal in the following accounts:
BANK ACCOUNT
Bank name: EUROBANK
SWIFT code (BIC): ERBKGRAA
Branch address: Tsimiski 114
Town / City: Thessaloniki
Post Code: 54622
Bank account name: EduACT - Drasi gia tin ekpaideusi
Bank account number: 0026.0434.11.0200380190
IBAN: GR3102604340000110200380190
Reason: US-CAP students support
Please note: ALL donations are used exclusively for program Scholarships
Donors’ names and all personal information is confidential. We will not sell, share, or trade donors' names or personal information with any other entity. At the end of the fiscal year, we send all donors an update sharing our progress in recruiting and working with students, as well as student successes made possible through their donations.
CONTACT INFORMATION
For further information you can contact us through email at us-cap@eduact.org or call us at +30 2311 286 369.