College Reach-Out Program

CROP is an State funded program awarded through a grant submission by University of South Florida  to motivate and prepare students from low-income and educationally disadvantaged backgrounds to enter and complete postsecondary education.

CROP is open to middle and high school students from low-income families and those who would be the first in their families to attend college. The program specifically targets students who attend schools in Hillsborough County.

The Saturday Academic Enrichment Program runs during the Fall and Spring semesters from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. It provides tutoring by certified teachers in core subjects. Transportation is provided for students in selected county areas. The program also includes virtual tutorials on weekday (Tuesday) evenings.

CROP offers a variety of services, including academic tutoring, college counseling, career exploration, leadership development, summer residential programs, and enrichment activities. The program also provides workshops on social and behavioral skills, community service opportunities, and college campus visits.

The Summer Residential Program is a one-week program held from June 9th to June 13th, 2025. It includes overnight stays and offers students an immersive college experience with academic instruction and enrichment activities.

The Summer Academic Enrichment Program, running from June 16th to July 11th, 2025, provides structured academic support and innovative learning opportunities to prepare students for the upcoming school year. The program operates Monday through Thursday from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM and includes lunch for all participants.

Yes, transportation is provided for selected areas in the county for the Saturday Academic Enrichment Program. Specific transportation details for other activities may vary and will be communicated to parents in advance.

USF CROP emphasizes the importance of parental involvement through the College Reach Out Parent Partnership Initiative (CROPP). CROPP offers workshops that empower parents with resources and information to support their child's educational journey, including topics on college readiness and navigating the educational system.

Interested students and parents can apply through the CROP website by clicking here CROP APPLICATION or by contacting the program directly. Applications are typically reviewed on a rolling basis, and eligible students will be contacted for further steps.

CROP is funded through a state grant provided bby the Florida Department of Education, and there is no cost to students or their families for participating in the program. Partlicipants  must be eligible through the program requiremnt process. Please see PROGRAM GUIDELINE PAGE for more details. 

Parents are kept informed through regular communications from CROP staff, including emails, newsletters, and announcements on the CROP website. Important dates and details are also shared during parent workshops and meetings.

Students are expected to actively participate in all scheduled activities, maintain regular attendance, and demonstrate a commitment to their academic and personal growth. They are also encouraged to take advantage of the resources and support provided by the program.

Student safety is a top priority. USF CROP has established protocols and guidelines to ensure a safe and supportive environment during all activities, including background checks for staff, supervision during activities, and clear communication with parents about any off-campus events.

Yes, students can participate in CROP while being involved in other extracurricular activities. The program is designed to complement their educational journey and provide additional support. Students are encouraged to communicate their schedules to CROP staff to ensure there are no conflicts.

CROP provides a range of college preparation services, including college counseling, application assistance, financial aid workshops, campus visits, and SAT/ACT prep. The program aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the college admissions process successfully.