In studying the needs of the Northside community, it was found that many parents in the community feared that their children may not be able to attend college, and as a result they may become adults with limited opportunities. In response to this need, NICA (Northside Inter-Community Agency) established the Circle of Winners program in 2004.
The program is designed to attract students (ages 13 to 17) who have decided that they would like to attend college, but they may not have the financial means to afford it. The Circle of Winners program teaches goal oriented teens how to navigate the complicated world of choosing a college or trade school, applying for loans, grants, and scholarships, and staying with a college or trade program until it is completed.
In addition to learning about what it takes to attend and be successful in college or trade school, the Circle of Winners program teaches valuable life skills, and encourages teens to become active participants in their community.