College Reach-Out Program

About CROP

College Reach-Out Program Logo

"Success Is a Journey, Not a Destination" - Arthur Ashe 

The College Reach-Out Program (CROP) was established in 1983 by the Florida Legislature to motivate and prepare students in grades 6–12 from low-income educationally disadvantaged backgrounds towards pursuing and successfully completing postsecondary education.

Participants are students who otherwise would be unlikely to seek admission to a postsecondary institution without additional support and recruitment efforts. CROP supports local programs throughout Florida led by postsecondary educational institutions. Program funds are appropriated by the Legislature to the FDOE and allocated through a competitive process. According to Section 1007.34(3), Florida Statutes (F.S.), to participate in CROP, a postsecondary institution may submit a proposal to the FDOE. Section 1007.34(9), F.S., states that members of the CROP Advisory Council, appointed by the Commissioner of Education, will review the proposals, and recommend to the State Board of Education an order of priority for funding the proposals.

CROP Group Pic 2024

 

HISTORY OF COLLEGE REACH-OUT PROGRAM AT THE UNVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA

The College Reach Out Program (CROP) at the ±«Óãtv stands out as an integral part of the Transitions and Academic Growth initiative within the Office of Undergraduate Studies. By focusing on middle and high school students, as well as community college students preparing for transition to ±«Óãtv or within the State 12 Univeristy System, CROP uniquely addresses the needs of those from low-income and educationally underserved backgrounds, equipping them with the tools and resources for postsecondary success.

Since 1983, CROP at ±«Óãtv has been committed to breaking down barriers to college access for underrepresented students. Through immersive academic and enrichment programs, such as the Saturday Academic Enrichment, Summer Academic Enrichment, and Summer Residential Programs, students receive rigorous academic support, high school and college counseling, career guidance, and leadership development. These initiatives also introduce students to college life through hands-on experiences that build both academic and personal confidence.

Additionally, ±«Óãtv’s CROP program recognizes the critical role of family support in a student's educational journey. With dedicated workshops and resources, ±«Óãtv CROP empowers parents to engage actively, offering guidance on college processes and even on their own educational pursuits. By fostering a robust community of support for both students and families, ±«Óãtv CROP creates pathways to success that resonate well beyond the classroom.

COLLEGE REACH OUT PROGRAM GOALS 

The College Reach Out Program Goals:

  • Motivate students to pursue a postsecondary education.
  • Enhance students’ basic learning skills and performance.
  • Strengthen students’ and parents’ understanding of the benefits of postsecondary education.
  • Foster academic, personal, and career development through supplemental instruction.

WHO SHOULD APPLY

Students in grades 6 through 12 who are low-income or educationally disadvantaged are eligible to apply. The program targets students from diverse cultural backgrounds who might not seek admission to postsecondary institutions without additional support.

APPLICATION PROCESS

To apply for CROP, eligible students must:

  • Complete the online application form available in the APPLY section.
  • Submit required documents, including proof of income and academic records.
  • Follow the submission guidelines provided.
  • Attending Parent and Student orientation session (TBA).

The College Reach-Out Program is not accepting applications at this time. We are currently only collecting interest forms for this year's After School "Saturday" Enrichment. The interest form is NOW OPEN! The full application for the 2025–2026 academic year will be available starting August 22, 2025.

Please complete the  using the link provided to be added to the waiting list. Should you have any questions, please email ugs-crop@usf.edu, and a member of our team will respond promptly. We appreciate your interest and look forward to welcoming you to the College Reach Out Program at the ±«Óãtv.

±«Óãtv CROP 2025-2026 PROGRAM SCHEDULE 
LOCATION DATE  TIME
CROP ORIENTATION MICROSOFT VIRTUAL September 6th 2025  11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
CIS Building (Saturday Tutorial)  September 13th 2025  9:00 AM - 1:00 PM 
CIS Building (Saturday Tutorial)  September 27th 2025  9:00 AM - 1:00 PM 
CIS Building (Saturday Tutorial)  October 4th 2025  9:00 AM - 1:00 PM 
CIS Building (Saturday Tutorial)  October 11th 2025  9:00 AM - 1:00 PM 
MICROSOFT VIRTUAL October 25th 2025  10:00 AM - 12:00 PM 
CIS Building (Saturday Tutorial)  November 1st 2025  9:00 AM - 1:00 PM 
CIS Building (Saturday Tutorial)  November 15th 2025  9:00 AM - 1:00 PM 
CIS Building (Saturday Tutorial)  December 6th 2025  9:00 AM - 1:00 PM 
MICROSOFT VIRTUAL December 13th 2025  10:00 AM - 12:00 PM 
MICROSOFT VIRTUAL January 10th 2026  10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
CIS Building (Saturday Tutorial)  January 17th 2026  9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
MLK Parade UB, UBMS, CROP January 19th 2026  8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
CIS Building (Saturday Tutorial)  January 24th 2026  9:00 AM - 1:00 PM 
CIS Building (Saturday Tutorial)  February 7th 2026  9:00 AM - 1:00 PM 
CIS Building (Saturday Tutorial)  February 21st 2026 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM 
BBCB CONFERENCE March 6th 2026   7:30 AM - 2:00 PM
CCIS Building (Saturday Tutorial)  February 21st 2026  9:00 AM - 1:00 PM 
CIS Building (Saturday Tutorial)  March 7th 2026  9:00 AM - 1:00 PM 
CIS Building (Saturday Tutorial)  March 28th 2026  9:00 AM - 1:00 PM 
FAMU SPRING PREVIEW 2026 (SENIORS ONLY) March 27th - 28th  9:00 AM - 1:00 PM 
CIS Building (Saturday Tutorial)  April 18th 2026  9:00 AM - 1:00 PM 
CIS Building (Saturday Tutorial)  April 25th 2026 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM 
CIS Building (Saturday Tutorial)  May 9th 2026  9:00 AM - 1:00 PM 
CIS Building (Saturday Tutorial)  May 16th 2026  9:00 AM - 1:00 PM 
SENIOR GRADUATION | TBA  May 16th 2026  12:00 PM - 1:00 PM 
SUMMER RESIDENTIAL EXPERIENCE 2  MICROSOFT VIRTUAL  June 4th 2026  6:00 PM - 7:00 PM 
SUMMER RESIDENTIAL EXPERIENCE 2 S.R.E. June 7th - 12th 2026  6 DAY OVERNIGHT 
SUMMER ENRICHMENT EXPERIENCE 2 S.E.E. June 15th - July 9th 2026  9:00 AM - 3:00 PM 
CROP SUMMER COLLEGE TOUR "NORTH" (INCOMING JUNIOR - SENIORS ONLY)   July 15th - July 17th 2026  2 DAY OVER NIGHT 
SENIOR LEADERSHIP RETREAT 2026  July 24th 2026  8:00 AM - 1:00 PM