Scholar Workshop: Your High School Path to College Success

*Exclusively for Access College America Scholars.

*For Class of 2029 and 2030.

In this lab, we delve into the fundamental aspects that contribute to a successful high school journey to college. Through interactive sessions and practical exercises, participants will develop a comprehensive toolkit to navigate their high school academic journey with confidence.

The objective of this Lab is for scholars with essential life and study skills to thrive academically and with confidence by covering the pillars of study skills, career exploration, academic planning, and activities.

PRESENTERS:

Julie Gooden, M.Ed.

College Consultant Director

Access College America

Julie leverages executive-level educational insight to guide students through highly competitive admissions environments. Julie holds a Master’s Degree in Education and possesses the powerful operational combination of a Texas Educator Certificate as a School Counselor and an official School Principal Certificate from the Texas Education Agency. Highly regarded across Austin's elite school districts, she is a primary local resource who has conducted specialized Common App main essay workshops directly at top-performing campuses, including Westlake, LASA, and Westwood High School. Her exceptional dedication to families earned her the ACA 2025 Third Quarter Employee Award. Click here to learn more about Julie in her bio at accesscollegeamerica.org

Shayla Rodriguez-Bell, M.A.

College Consulting Director

Access College America

Shayla Rodriguez-Bell, M.A., brings over 25 years of experience as a Professional School Counselor, supporting students across elementary, middle, and high school levels. For the past 18 years, she has focused on high school students, guiding them through academic planning, college readiness, and social-emotional development with a personalized, student-centered approach.. Click here to learn more about Shayla in her bio at accesscollegeamerica.org.