When it comes to college, not all high school students have the same options about their future education. Especially with the hard economic times, more and more students find college a difficult goal.

Alex Tostado, a volunteer for The Sharing Achievement for Student Success (SASSE) in partnership with the Boulder County Healthy Youth Alliance, is part of a team formed to help students not on a college-bound path go to college. Activities organized by SASSE include college fairs and meetings aimed at scholarships and other avenues for students to reach higher education.

A junior at Frederick Senior High School, Tostado learned about SASSE from his neighbor. After six months, Tostado continues to take part in meetings where he works with students often his same age to look for scholarship opportunities. Tostado also works with youth to spread the word about SASSE so that the program can expand.

"It's fun and a great experience for everyone," said Tostado. "Helping others and developing people skills is very satisfying."

For information about vlunteering with Boulder County Community Action Program and Healthy Youth Alliance or other agencies, call the Volunteer Connection at 303-444-4904.