Hudsonite Brokaw helping low-income students
A first generation college student herself, Hudson native Katie Brokaw understands the overwhelming feeling of the college application process. Now she is helping students like her achieve their dreams of going to college.
A first generation college student herself, Hudson native Katie Brokaw understands the overwhelming feeling of the college application process. Financial Aid application deadlines and personal statements — they can all seem confusing to someone who is new to the college process.
Now she is helping students like her achieve their dreams of going to college. Brokaw recently finished a 10-month term of AmeriCorps service at College Possible in Omaha, a non-profit that works to make college admission and success possible for low-income students. In her role as a junior coach, Brokaw mentored 40 juniors at Omaha South High Magnet School as they prepared for the ACT exam, applied for summer enrichment programs and began their college search.
“I was drawn to College Possible because of their innovative and hands-on approach to working with youth,” Brokaw said. “We set high expectations for our youth because we know that they can rise to the challenge.”
Brokaw is a 2007 graduate of Hudson High School and holds a B.S. in Youth Studies with a Leadership minor from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. Before coming to College Possible, Brokaw interned with the Children’s Defense Fund where she served on a team to help plan and facilitate the CDF Freedom Schools 2011 National Training in Knoxville, Tenn. Brokaw also had the opportunity to intern with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights, where she worked on a campaign to use social media to engage youth in everyday human rights discussions and actions.
Brokaw competed against over 300 applicants for one of the 80 AmeriCorps positions at College Possible.
“Katie’s experience and knowledge of working with youth makes her an excellent coach.” said Laura Schabloske, College Possible Omaha executive director. “We were thrilled to have her on our team.”
“Along with expanding my awareness of issues that teens face today, I plan to bring this AmeriCorps experience with me as I continue on my path of changing educational policy in our education system,” said Brokaw.
In the fall, Brokaw will continue her AmeriCorps service with College Possible Twin Cities as a senior coach. In her free time, she can be found trying new gluten-free foods and advocating for stricter food packaging labels, creating crafts for her friends and family, and checking out local coffee shops.
For more information go to www.CollegePossible.org.
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