Oasis College Connection

Did you know that in the 2022-2023 academic year alone, Oasis College Connection (OCC) helped 2,003 students in their post-secondary education journeys?

We frequently hear from these youth, whose lives have been positively impacted by OCC. One alum wrote to her Mentor "If it wasn't for your help, I would not have been able to escape my terrible situation at home and get a full ride to a top university.” Another student who was admitted to Vanderbilt University said "I don’t think I can ever repay all of your hard work and incredible efforts to make me successful. You have made unbelievable changes in my life.”

Without OCC, many students lack information on available opportunities, which limits their post-secondary educational options significantly. 

The students who benefit from OCC come from a range of circumstances: some dream of going to college but don't know how to make it a reality; others may not even have college on their radars. As Nashville's largest college access program for low-income, New American, and first generation college students, OCC helps them explore post-secondary opportunities, reduce barriers to enrollment, and make college a realistic option. Each year, OCC provides one-on-one college counseling to more than 2,000 youth.

Our OCC Mentors begin fostering a college-going identity with high school students, offering individualized support to help them explore various colleges, majors, and interests, identify their best options, navigate the postsecondary enrollment process, prepare for entrance exams, and complete college and financial aid applications. They hold workshops, college tours, and ACT test prep courses for students considering college.

Post-high school, OCC Student Success Advocates work with students attending Nashville State Community College at three campuses, supporting them through their academic journeys. At our campus Resource Centers, we offer tutoring services, access to laptops and printers, healthy living workshops, presentations from business and community partners, and other wraparound services to help students success.  

Oasis College Connection is proud to support young people as they map out their futures and transition into successful, happy adulthood.