Family Forum: Creating a Homegrown Project

For students targeting selective colleges, strong grades and test scores are only part of the story. Admissions officers are increasingly looking for evidence of initiative, intellectual curiosity, and meaningful engagement beyond the classroom. One of the most powerful ways students can demonstrate this is through a “homegrown project” a self-directed initiative that reflects a student’s authentic interests and shows depth of commitment.

In this Family Forum, we will explore what homegrown projects are, why they matter in today’s admissions landscape, and how students can thoughtfully design projects that align with their academic interests and potential future majors. Families will learn when students should begin these projects, how admissions officers evaluate them, and what separates a compelling initiative from something that feels forced or superficial.

The session will also provide practical guidance on what students should focus on, common mistakes to avoid, and examples of meaningful project ideas across a range of fields. Whether a student is interested in STEM, business, humanities, or the arts, we will discuss ways they can translate curiosity into a project that demonstrates leadership, creativity, and real-world impact.

This program will be led by Bonnie Kleffman, M.Ed., GCDF, Program Director at Access College America, who works closely with students developing distinctive experiences that strengthen their college applications.

Families targeting selective colleges will find this conversation especially valuable. As admissions becomes increasingly competitive, students who show initiative and intellectual engagement often stand out in the applicant pool. This 45 minute session will be content packed and designed to be conversational, followed by a 15 minute live Q&A where families can ask questions and gain clarity on how to help their student begin building a meaningful project.

PRESENTERS:

Bonnie Kleffman, M.Ed, GCDF

Program Director

Access College America

Bonnie is a globally certified Career Development Facilitator who holds a Masters in Education and English. She has worked with students of all ages and backgrounds, and has a passion for helping students find careers that they love and the educational paths to get them there. She is the Program Director for Access College America, a national provider for guidance with college planning based in Austin, Texas.