Peter Schattauer
Applying to college in the 21st century has become an exhausting, overwhelming process for the average high school senior.
For students with limited resources, that process may feel more like a dead end than a beginning.
That’s why college admissions is a justice issue for Peter Schattauer.
Helping low-income students navigate the treacherous waters of college applications is a natural extension of his conviction that God cares for God’s children at all stages — and places — of life.
“Our educational institutions need to make a more committed effort to admit low-income and non-white students into colleges and universities, and then to provide resources for these students while they are in college,” Peter says.
At Admission Possible he works side-by-side with low-income students in the Greater Twin Cities and Greater Milwaukee areas. He’s part of a federal volunteer program known as AmeriCorps VISTA.
His interest was fueled by his experiences working in the Admissions Office while a student at St. Olaf, an ELCA college, by his passion for liberation theology and by his belief in God.
“I see my service at Admission Possible as an expression of my faith in God,” Peter says.
“The educational institutions in this country work well for middle- and upper-class students. The education that these students are guaranteed means that their opportunities for careers after school are vaster than their low-income peers.
“My faith compels me to work with and for those students because I believe that God works for them as well.”
As for next steps for himself, Peter proudly states, “I don’t know what I specifically want to do in the future, but I know that I am called to work on the underside of society for those who society does not leave a place but for whom God advocates.”
Post a comment