2025 Conquering College
Admissions Boot Camp
April 21st – April 25th

Join top high school students (9th–11th grade) from all across the United States for our week-long virtual program that helps them prepare to get accepted into their dream colleges with the best financial aid possible.

Let's Get You ready for Your dream college

Since 2009, TeenSHARP has helped hundreds of motivated students navigate high school successfully and get admitted to great colleges with minimal or no debt.

Our virtual “Conquering College Admissions Boot Camp” will bring together top students from around the country for an engaging and interactive program that helps them:

We supported Guadalupe in high school, and she will be graduating from Princeton University in 2025. 

What happens during the conquering college admissions Boot Camp?

During the Conquering College Admissions Boot Camp, students will participate in interactive sessions online for around four hours each day for five days that cover the following topics:

Colleges are not alike: Steps to Selecting One That is Strategic for You

Cyber College & College 101

Understanding the College Admissions & Evaluation Process

Determining Your Readiness for College & Learning Strategies for Getting Ready

Developing Your College Readiness Blueprint

As boot camp participants, students will also have access to our online course, which includes recordings from all sessions, along with additional videos and tools that will help them prepare for college. Parents or guardians can also attend a 1.5-hour workshop during one of the boot camp evenings that answers their questions about the admissions process.

After the program, students can attend various specialized events (including virtual college admissions officer visits) that help them be prepared when the time comes to apply to college.

What do students say about the program?

stay in the loop with the college prep blueprint newsletter!

The College Prep Blueprint is a bi-monthly newsletter designed to help educators, school system leaders, youth-serving professionals, and parents guide students in accessing top colleges.

our alumni Spotlight

We have helped hundreds of students from many different schools and states with various academic and personal contexts achieve academic excellence in high school and attend top colleges with minimal or no debt. We would love to work with you and your students.

Samiah Sudler-Brooks
(Howard Univ. '26)

Caelin Foley
(Bryn Mawr College '25)

Dua Hussain
(Johns Hopkins '26)

Flematu Fofana
(Yale '28)

Josh McCrae
(Cornell '25)

Precious Akomoledge
(UPenn '28)

Frequently asked questions

How much does the program cost? Are there group rates?

The program costs $1,000 per student, which includes the week-long boot camp, access to session recordings and resources, and year-round virtual workshops.

For education and nonprofit sector partners, group rates are as follows:

  • $65,000: Access for 76-150 students and their families.
  • $45,000: Access for 45-75 students and their families.
  • $1,000 per student: Access for fewer than 45 students and their families.

For more details or to customize access for your school or organization, contact Tamara Fentress at tamara.fentress@teensharp.org.

Participants and their families have access to:

  • Over 20 hours of live and recorded workshop content focused on admissions, financial aid, and academic success.
  • College readiness and career interest assessments, along with personalized plans for high school success.
  • Parent workshops to provide support and clarity about navigating the college prep process.
  • Opportunities to meet with admissions representatives from top colleges.
  • Information about youth leadership programs and scholarships.
  • A supportive, engaged community of college-bound peers and families.
  • Year-round workshops, group chats, and newsletters to help students prepare for college and excel in high school.

We have partnered with a variety of education sector and nonprofit partners for over a decade. Here are some of the results you should expect to see as a result of the Conquering College Admissions Boot Camp. 

  • College awareness & readiness: Increased college preparedness, academic rigor, and student awareness about academic success skills, college admissions, and financial aid. 
  • College admissions: Improved college choices and application strategy to maximize admissions and access the best possible financial aid possible with minimal debt. 
  • Leadership development: Enhanced leadership development and engagement of top students who will join a national community of like minded peers. 
  • Parent empowerment & support: Your families will have additional support and a clearer roadmap for success throughout high school and the college admissions process. They will have reduced anxiety and will be able to connect with a diverse community of parents. 

The curriculum includes:

  • Admissions and Financial Aid 101: Understanding the application process and financial aid opportunities.
  • Academic and Leadership Readiness: Strategies for excelling in high school and building a competitive profile.
  • College Selection: Choosing colleges strategically to increase the chances of admission and secure excellent financial aid.
  • Career Awareness: Understanding how college can accelerate career and financial goals, and connecting with college students to learn about different majors and opportunities.
  • Application Strategy: Crafting strong applications and essays to stand out in a competitive admissions process.

The Boot Camp includes five days of interactive sessions (4 hours per day). Students also gain access to session recordings and supplemental materials for one year. After the Boot Camp, students and parents/guardians can attend optional virtual college prep workshops offered during most months.

We have been delivering online boot camps for 5 years with great success. We prioritize engagement through highly interactive and dynamic sessions, including:

  • Small breakout groups for discussions and peer connections.
  • Real-time Q&A with college prep and admissions experts.
  • Fun, collaborative activities that make learning enjoyable.
  • Opportunities to interact with college admissions representatives.
  • Music and prizes for engagement! 

Participants consistently highlight the interactive and positive atmosphere as a favorite part of the program.

The 2025 Boot Camp runs from April 21 – April 25, from 1 PM to 5 PM EST. The virtual format allows students nationwide to participate from the comfort of their homes. Students unable to attend the live sessions will have access to all recordings and resources via our online course platform. Students can access these recordings and additional resources at their convenience.

Yes! After completing the Boot Camp, students and their families receive:

  • Access to virtual college tours and meetings with admissions officers.
  • Membership in our community and group chats for ongoing advice and support.
  • Monthly parent workshops to guide families through college prep with less stress.
  • Opportunities to attend virtual college prep sessions throughout the school year.
  • Regular newsletters featuring exclusive opportunities and resources to prepare for college.

The support continues well beyond the program week to ensure students stay on track toward their college goals.

To participate fully, students should have:

  • A computer, tablet, or smartphone with internet access.
  • A web camera (students are expected to be on camera throughout the program).
  • A notebook and pen for taking notes.

Absolutely! The Boot Camp is designed to help students explore their options and make informed decisions. Whether you’re considering college or exploring alternatives, the sessions provide valuable insights, tools, and strategies for a successful future.

Yes, we are committed to making the Boot Camp accessible for all students. Please let us know about any specific accommodations needed during registration, and we will work to provide a supportive learning environment

Yes! A limited number of scholarships are available for students with demonstrated financial need. Indicate your interest in financial aid during registration, and our team will reach out if we can accommodate your request.

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Our partners & Funders

Deborah Yanez

Parent Programs Manager

Deborah leads TeenSHARP’s parent empowerment work with love, conviction, and credibility. She grew up in one of America’s poorest cities (Camden, NJ), has served as an elected school board member, raised two sons who have accessed higher education successfully (one is a TeenSHARP alumnus and McCabe Scholar at Swarthmore) along with her husband, and has helped many more families prepare their children for college.

Zoha Fatima

Director of Operations & Special Projects

Zoha is driven by a deep passion for education and social justice. With over 8 years of experience in the development sector, she has made significant contributions to various education projects aimed at increasing access and equity. Zoha’s commitment to empowering learners stems from her belief that education is a fundamental right. She honed her expertise at Harvard University, earning a Master’s in Education and Technology, building upon her undergraduate studies in Public Policy.

Based in the Bay Area, Zoha loves exploring the diverse California landscape, especially through hiking. When she’s not championing educational equity, you can find her baking, hitting the trails, or enjoying the outdoor.

Sara Petty

Director of Pre-College Success

Sara Petty is TeenSHARP’s powerhouse Director of Pre-College Success, orchestrating a nationwide expansion to ensure that talented Black, Latino, and low-income students have a direct path to elite colleges. With a proven track record from her days scaling a college access program in Houston, Sara has a knack for turning educational challenges into triumphs. She thrives on transforming obstacles into opportunities and is known for her relentless drive and innovative solutions. When she’s not making waves in the world of education, you can find her brainstorming the next big idea over a cup of coffee or diving into a new book that sparks her curiosity. Sara’s mission? To make sure every student has the chance to unlock their full potential and claim their spot in the future’s top colleges.

Tamara Fentress

Chief of Staff

For over 18 years, Tamara has been a passionate advocate for educational equity, inclusion, and the overall improvement of support structures to build a solid foundation for the journey of learning. Driven by a desire to see all students and families thrive, she has successfully led major projects of varying budget sizes, while also co-creating and implementing innovative strategies at mission-driven organizations across various operational areas, from technology and project management to legal and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEIB) initiatives.

Her journey began in a large urban school district, where she spent a significant portion of her career leading the development of critical strategies that served over 86,000 students. This experience allowed her to work closely with a diverse team of over 10,000 employees, understanding and addressing needs across all levels of the organization. Her collaborative spirit extended beyond the school district, fostering strong partnerships with parent groups, community organizations, and government entities.

Tamara’s dedication to education stems from a deeply personal place. As a mother to two inspiring children, Harmony and Hudson, she sees firsthand the potential and power of having access to opportunities, caring adults, and belief in that which is greater than yourself.  This unwavering belief in the power of serving others, access, equity, and education to empower and transform lives fuels her commitment to continuous learning and creating equitable opportunities for all.

Tatiana Poladko

Co-Founder

Our “force of nature” founder came to New Jersey from Ukraine for graduate school over a decade ago and immediately put her hands to the work of community empowerment and expanding educational opportunity. She has experience managing youth programs for the UN in Ukraine (at the age of 19!), teaching at Temple University, building/managing nonprofit organizations, and supporting students to and through college. She is also a mother to three lovely kids (Zoryana, Nazariy, and Taras), plays guitar and piano, and makes amazing soups!

Atnre Alleyne

Co-Founder/CEO

As TeenSHARP’s resident historian, Atnre is quick to share stories of the organization’s humble church basement beginnings, its growing pains, and many milestones. With his background in research and evaluation, policy and advocacy, communications, technology, and instruction, he has the type of Swiss Army knife skills that are critical in a fast-paced social impact organization. He has three lovely children (Zoryana, Nazariy, and Taras), an amazing wife (TeenSHARP’s Co-Founder), and he plays bass guitar and blogs when he finds the time.