Building Futures, One Slice at a Time: Minds Matter Houston’s New Recruitment Strategy
At Minds Matter Houston, we are always looking for better ways to connect driven and determined students from low-income families with the preparation and possibilities they need to succeed. This year, we made a strategic shift in our outreach by launching our first Spring Recruitment cycle, moving our information sessions earlier in the year to give students more time to navigate the application process.
Success at Yes Prep Fifth Ward
Our first major stop this spring was Yes Prep Fifth Ward, and the energy was incredible. We believe that the best way to reach prospective students is through the voices of those who are already in the program. To make the session engaging and informal, we hosted a "Lunch and Pizza" session, where several of our current Minds Matter students served as brand ambassadors.
These students did more than just enjoy the pizza; they shared their personal experiences, discussing how the program’s three-year mentorship and Saturday sessions have impacted their academic goals. This student-led approach proved highly effective, helping us successfully recruit eight new students from the Yes Prep community.
Next Stop: Booker T. Washington High School
Building on this momentum, our leadership team is now preparing for an upcoming info session at Booker T. Washington High School. We are excited to partner with College, Career, and Military Readiness (CCMR) Advisor Lynnetra Johnson to introduce our program to a new cohort of high-achieving sophomores.
Why Booker T. Washington?
Expanding to Booker T. Washington is a critical part of our mission to serve Houston's diverse demographics. While the school has a rich history and specialized programs, students in this community often face significant hurdles to college access.
According to recent school quality rankings and state data, Booker T. Washington students often excel in specialized engineering tracks, yet the school as a whole faces challenges common to underserved districts. The 4-year college acceptance rate for many students in these areas remains below the state average, often due to a lack of dedicated resources for complex application and financial aid processes.
Furthermore, research shows that college readiness must start early. By the time a student reaches their senior year, many opportunities for test prep and summer enrichment have already passed. This is why Minds Matter starts working with students in their sophomore year, providing the long-term support necessary to bridge the gap between potential and university enrollment.
Join the Movement
As we continue our spring tour, our goal remains clear: to ensure that every "driven and determined" student in Houston has a seat at the table—and a clear path to a four-year college.
If you are a sophomore at Booker T. Washington or know someone who is, we invite you to join us at our next session. Come for the pizza, stay for the future!
