Leaving home for the first time is mysterious – even frightening – for many teenagers. The Young Women's Leadership School of East Harlem is preparing seniors for the transition with "Jumpstart to College," a series of workshops that get students ready for the academic, social, and cultural changes they will encounter as first-year college students.

The workshops match seniors with volunteer coaches and mentors to work together on communication skills, essay writing, dressing for success and etiquette. The most recent workshop held January 9, 2008 on “College Survival Skills,” pushed students to think ahead about the challenges, such as adjusting to life in a new part of the country, managing time between schoolwork and a part-time job, homework load, and budgeting.

“Starting in seventh grade, we start pumping the girls up about college,” college counselor Chris Farmer said. “But the students also need the skills to make it in college once they are there.” Students say they’re learning what they need to know. “I want to go far away,” said 17-year-old Nina Rosario, who is hoping to attend college in North Carolina. "But I know I will need courage and strength to do well in a new place.”

Students also had more personal questions, like what to do if they don't like their roommate, or what happens if they're unhappy with the college they're attending. “This event helped me because it got me to realize what about college scares me,” Elizabeth Ramos, 17, said. “I can start to work on my fears now, so I will be prepared in the fall.”