About the program
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The national SEO Scholars program is a free, eight-year academic program that gets public high school scholars to and through college – with a 85% college graduation rate. SEO Scholars are committed to their personal growth and building successful futures for generations to come.
shift_ed piloted the first program outside NYC or San Francisco in 2022-23, bringing this rigorous academic and college preparation program to the Triad in a hybrid format. The fourth cohort of ninth graders will be chosen in fall 2025.
Need more info before applying?
If you would like to learn more, please be on the lookout for our information sessions that will be hosted in the fall of 2025. These are open to all 9th grade students who are interested in learning more. This is an opportunity to meet the team, learn about the program, and listen to a scholar panel.
If you’d like to speak to a shift_ed SEO Scholars staff member about whether the program is right for you, complete an interest form and one of our advisors will reach out to you.
Results
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College Graduation Rate
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College Acceptance Rate
Applications
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There are two stages in the selection process: the application and interview. Applications will open September 1st for the Class of 2029. In the meantime, please fill out the interest form if you have any questions. We look forward to reviewing your application soon.
September 1 – Application Opens
November 17 – Priority Deadline
December 8 – Application Closes
If you complete the application before the priority deadline of November 17th. Scholars will be entered in for a drawing to win a prize valued at $100.
A complete application includes:
- Parent/family information
- Three short, written responses
- Most recent ninth-grade report card or 8th grade transcript
- Family income information
After the application deadline, top candidates will be invited to interview virtually with the SEO team and take a diagnostic test. Scholars selected for the program will be notified via email and by mail.
Be sure to check out our events calendar for application workshops and interview prep sessions. The SEO team will also be at all GCS high schools during the fall of 2025 so be on the lookout for one of the representatives to learn more. Sign up for the shift_ed newsletter to learn about these opportunities as soon as they are scheduled.
The SEO Experience
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From ninth grade through college graduation, we provide rigorous academic instruction, quality mentorship and individualized advising to ensure that SEO Scholars are admitted to competitive colleges and universities and experience a rich and rewarding college education.
FAQ
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How much do I have to pay to become a SEO Scholar?
Nothing! Our program is free of charge. We provide our scholars with a Chromebook, hotspot if needed, and all the necessary tools to become a successful scholar. To become an SEO Scholar you must complete an application and follow the steps listed here.
What grade do I have to be in to become a SEO Scholar?
There is only one entry point into our program – ninth (9th) grade. This is an 8-year commitment so your first semester of SEO Scholars will begin the spring semester of 9th grade year.
Can SEO do a presentation at my school or community organization?
We’d love to connect with your school or community organization! To have SEO do an information presentation, have a staff member from your school or community organization please email Rafael at rafael@shift-ed.org or call us at (336) 814-2233.
How do I learn more about your program?
To learn more about our program, you can complete our Interest Form, email us at seoscholars@shift-ed.org or contact Rafael directly at rafael@shift-ed.org, or call us at (336) 814-2233. You can also visit our events calendar to learn more about our upcoming information sessions and events.
What does bichronous, asynchronous, and synchronous mean?
Bichronous– A fully online academic learning program that contains asynchronous and synchronous components.
Asynchronous– Learning that allows students to view instructional materials each week at any time they choose and does not include a live video lecture component.
Synchronous– Learning where students are required to log in and participate in an online class at a specific time each week with SEO instructors.
How many hours will SEO Scholars be expected to be online a week during high school?
Students can expect to complete an average of 10 hours of online supplemental learning per week.
Can I participate in team sports, clubs, or any other extracurricular activities while being a part of the SEO program?
The SEO Scholars Guilford County hybrid program is a major time commitment and an eight-year investment for our students. We recommend potential SEO Scholars consult with their families, high school staff and the SEO Scholars team to see how they might be able to balance being a full-time high school student, an SEO Scholar and joining extracurricular activities throughout the high school career.
The application will ask students to list out expected time commitments for at least the ninth grade and our SEO Scholars Advisors work with Scholars throughout each year in high school to assist with time management.
SEO Scholars have the opportunity to participate in Summer Enrichment Programs during the summer after 11th grade and before senior year of high school begins. Click here to review the High School Program Overview.
Where can I learn more about the SEO program?
You can learn all about SEO by visiting the national site at www.seo-usa.org/scholars/
How many SEO Scholars get accepted into college?
100% of SEO Scholars are accepted into four-year colleges. Click here to learn more about our programming.
What does a Saturday community in-person day look like?
We bring all of our scholars together at different college spaces and build community and leadership through a wide variety of activities. These scholars come from many backgrounds but share like minded interests. Some wide variety of activities. Some of the colleges we host SEO Scholars Community Days
include High Point University, Guilford College, Greensboro College, UNC- Greensboro, North Carolina A&T.
What if I need help with my application?
We offer free support for students who are interested in completing their SEO Scholars application. Please reach out to Rafael at Rafael@shift-ed.org if you need help.