As the 2025–2026 school year approaches, it brings with it new opportunities for growth, achievement, and the chance for students to shape their legacy.
From starting as freshmen to preparing to graduate as seniors, each step forward represents a pivotal moment on their journey toward adulthood.
“The college process can be complicated, but we are here to help,” said Carolina Ramirez, lead college advisor at Bryan Adams High School Leadership Academy. “There is so much that can be solved by simply asking for help, and we are here to direct you on a path to success and are always here as a resource even after graduation.”
Ramirez takes an active role in a program called Summer Melt, an outreach program that aims to make the transition to college as seamless as possible.
Through this voluntary program, students learn the ins and outs of college from professionals.
Recent graduates learn how to sign up for freshman orientation, receive financial aid, schedule payment plans, and send test scores to their colleges of choice. Underclassmen get firsthand guidance on how to write college essays and register for extracurricular programming.
“Whether it’s building an affordable college list or drafting their personal essay, students will enter the academic year with knowledge to better guide them and their families through college and or the college-going process,” Ramirez said.
Lizeth C., a 2025 graduate of Bryan Adams, credits Summer Breeze for getting into college. She is now enrolled at Texas Woman’s University and is planning to major in criminal justice.
“The program helped me with knowing about how to apply for scholarships and being organized with important information,” she said.
Lizeth got involved with Summer Melt to learn how to transfer documents to TWU, but came out with lasting relationships.
“I loved talking about how fun university will be. Everyone reminded me how I’ll have people to support me,” she said.
Emmanuel B., a rising senior at North Lake Early College High School, signed up to get ahead and prepare for his last year of high school.
“I wanted to be a step ahead of the college process this summer and spend my time focusing on my future in college,” he said. “This program helped me learn the differences between colleges, their financial aid benefits, and workshops that help students prepare for the college process.”
Emmanuel, who wants to pursue a career in architecture and political science, said his favorite part was learning more about the opportunities that await him and getting to know his mentors.
He emphasized the importance of staying connected to the people he met along the way.
“Build these strong connections; they build your chances to learn about new colleges that provide what you need,” Emmanuel said.
Lizeth agreed.
“Apply to every scholarship you see. Be organized with the stuff given to you, and try to visit your advisor and ask questions if you have any.
For Ramirez, the most rewarding part of being involved in the program is helping make students’ college goals a reality.
“Whether it’s taking the correct math class or participating in summer internships, the summer melt program helps open opportunities for our underclassmen students to stay on track,” she said. “For our recent graduates, there are a lot of steps and questions that come up after graduation that are overwhelming to navigate. Offering this type of help over the summer ensures that our students continue toward a path to their desired future.”
For more information about this school year’s program, click here.
