At CARA, we know that access to opportunity is about more than information; it’s about strong relational advising. We are proud that CARA was recently recognized as a “Bright Spot” in the Student Success Network’s 2026 Practice series, which highlights organizations that demonstrate practices worth spreading because they are grounded in data, experience, and meaningful impact. This recognition celebrates CARA’s intentional approach to building high-quality relationships that support students’ personal, academic, and professional growth.

As part of the Student Success Network’s Improvement Lab: Building Student Networks, CARA joined a collaborative learning cohort focused on designing, testing, and strengthening practices that help young people build and mobilize personal and professional networks. SSN’s Improvement lab was guided by research from the Christensen Institute, which identified a four-dimensional framework for measuring students’ social capital: the quantity, quality, and structure of relationships in students’ networks, as well as their ability to mobilize these relationships. CARA was highlighted for having a thoughtful, intentional peer leader-to-staff pipeline that keeps young people connected, growing, and supported long after the program ends. This pipeline is supported through skill development, comprehensive training, and intentional relationship-building between peers, leaders, and staff.

Through ongoing mentorship and leadership opportunities, even after they finish working with us, CARA supports young people as they grow from peer leaders into future professionals. Thanks to SSN for this opportunity!