“It’s not as scary as I thought.”

That’s what one student shared after returning from a Spring Break college tour for Atlanta area students who live in MHSE family communities.

At Mercy Housing Southeast, Academic Enrichment – one of the four pillars of resident services offered at MHSE Family properties — is about creating exposure and opportunity beyond what our students may have experienced before. This spring, our team took a group of students on a two-day college tour, visiting Florida State University, Florida A&M University, and Valdosta State University.

Students toured campuses, explored majors they’re interested in, and experienced college life firsthand, all while building connections and confidence along the way. Parents also played an important role, serving as chaperones and sharing in the experience, reinforcing the power of family support in shaping students’ futures.

The impact was clear: most students shared they are now very likely to apply to college after seeing it for themselves.

Moments like these matter. When students can see what’s possible, it becomes real. What once felt intimidating becomes achievable. Each year, MHSE raises significant funding to support resident services in the areas of health and wellness, financial and housing stability, community involvement and academic enrichment for student residents. The support of our generous donors help make these experiences possible.

This is the power of resident services to open doors, introduce possibilities, and help young people see a future they can step into with confidence.