We recruit high school students at the end of their freshman year. They fill out an application, get recommendations, submit tax forms and interview with staff. Students selected begin in sophomore year, attending every Saturday during the school year for 4.5 hours each week during sophomore, junior and senior years. We raise funds to send students to pre-college summer programs after their sophomore and junior years. Seniors attend a one week application camp in August and then resume the regular schedule in September with applications, financial aid forms, and scholarships until March. We incorporate some "Transition to College" activities in the spring. Seniors graduate from the program in May. Minds Matter Portland is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to transform the lives of accomplished high school students from low-income families by broadening their dreams and preparing them for college success. Our goal is to equip underrepresented high school students with the tools to gain acceptance to a four-year university and navigate the financial aid process. Through these efforts, we watch our students develop as individuals. We introduce them to a world of opportunity outside their familiar neighborhoods and comfort zones. They are more confident of their abilities and eager to succeed. Minds Matter works with motivated students because we believe that no student dedicated to earning a college education should be limited by socioeconomic status.