High Potential Program
The High Potential (HP) Program sets the standard for excellence and leadership at Saint Mary’s College of California
The High Potential (HP) Program/TRIO Student Support Services provides access to education for dedicated students from traditionally underserved groups in higher education and is designed to foster student success by drawing on the strengths and resiliency of first generation and/or low-income scholars as they transition from high school and beyond.
The High Potential Program/TRIO Student Support Services office is open Monday-Friday from 9 AM–5 PM. Our services are delivered both in-person and virtually to support the needs and modalities of our students. We have moved offices and we are now located in Filippi Academic Hall (FAH).
HPSS, a TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) program is partially-funded by a federal grant ($253,032 per year from 2025-2030) from the U.S. Department of Education.
Programa de High Potential
El programa de High Potential (HP) establece el modelo para la excelencia y el liderazgo en la Universidad de Saint Mary’s.
El programa de High Potential (HP)/TRIO Servicios de Apoyo Estudiantil proveen acceso a la educación para los estudiantes dedicados que vienen de grupos tradicionalmente con poca ayuda en la educación superior y es diseñado para promover el éxito estudiantil enfatizando las fuerzas y la resiliencia de los estudiantes de primera generación y/o los académicos de bajos recursos en su transición de la preparatoria y más allá.
El programa de High Potential (HP)/TRIO Servicios de Apoyo Estudiantil está abierto de los lunes-viernes de 9AM-5P. Nuestros servicios cumplidos en persona y virtualmente para apoyar las necesidades y modalidades de nuestros estudiantes. Hemos movido oficias y ahora estamos localizados en la sala de Filippi Academic Hall (FAH).
HPSS, un programa TRIO Servicios de Apoyo Estudiantil es parcialmente financiado por una beca federal ($253,032 por año de 2025-2030) del Departamente de la Educación EE.UU.
High Potential Program Details
Success Coaching – All HP students are assigned a dedicated Success Coach in the High Potential program for monthly mandatory individualized coaching sessions to help ensure steady progress toward academic, social, and personal success. Our Coaches hold master's degrees in a counseling-related field.
Workshops/Trainings – HP students are invited to participate in on- and off-campus workshops and trainings that support their academic, professional, and personal growth. These opportunities change each semester based on the current needs of HP students. We offer graduate school info sessions, mental health workshops, career planning, and professional development training.
Priority Registration – All HP students who continue to make academic progress and are in good standing with the program will receive priority/early registration.
Summer Academic Institute for Leaders and Scholars (SAILS) – All incoming first-year HP students are invited to participate in an intensive two-week summer residential program, gaining an opportunity to meet professors, coaches, and peer mentors. The activities and classes focus on academic, psychosocial and cultural development as well as forming a close bond with peers. SAILS is an extremely comprehensive and rewarding experience for first-year students to experience college life before the semester begins, but it is not mandatory. Students who participate in SAILS are better prepared for the upcoming school year.
Peer Mentor Program – First-year and transfer HP students are assigned an HP Peer Mentor. HP Peer Mentors offer academic, personal, and professional support in the form of regular check-ins throughout the students’ first year at Saint Mary’s (transfer students also receive support through a dedicated transfer advising cohort). Students entering their second, third, and fourth year are invited to apply to this paid leadership position. Peer mentors also host “town hall” events to give HP students the opportunity to be involved, learn about offerings, host socials, and provide feedback to the program, as well as facilitate biweekly study group tutoring sessions. Meet the Peer Mentors.
HP First Year Advising Cohort – Incoming first-year HP students enroll in HP FYAC, a one credit course for both fall and spring semesters of their first year. This course, taught by the student’s faculty advisor and HP staff, provides academic support and guidance to set a solid foundation for high academic and personal achievement. Faculty and staff assist students with essential academic skills such as time management, study habits, using campus resources effectively, and tracking self-progress.
FAFSA Guidance & Financial Literacy – All HP students receive support filling out the FAFSA, advocacy from the Office of Financial Aid, and annual financial literacy education workshops.
Tuition Scholarships – HP Students who demonstrate financial need are eligible for grant aid of up to $2,500 per year. Students must be Federal Pell Grant eligible and this award amount is subject to change depending on the students' financial circumstances. This scholarship money is renewable as long as students remain in good academic standing and are actively participating in the HP events.
Moonlight Scholarships - Each year eight HP students- four first-year students and four rising seniors are selected to receive Moonlight Scholarships courtesy of private donors, HP alumni, and two-time Oscar-winning actor Mahershala Ali ‘96. Moonlight Scholars receive $2,500 (first-years) and $5,000 (rising seniors) in tuition support. Learn more about our current Moonlight Scholars here.
Material Resources - In addition, HP students are eligible to receive textbook scholarships, technology loans, school supplies, food, professional clothes, lending library, and emergency funding.
High Potential Program Staff
Chameeta Denton, M.A., Counseling
Director of High Potential and TRIO SSS
Filippi Academic Hall 187
cad1@stmarys-ca.edu
Chameeta Denton, originally from Oakland, CA, is a dedicated higher education professional with a passion for student success. She is a first-generation college student and earned her Associate of Arts degree from Sierra College, transferred to Sacramento State University to complete her Bachelor’s in Sociology, and obtained her Master’s in Counseling from Saint Mary’s College in 2010. Since then, she has worked in higher education focusing on supporting first-generation college students by providing the tools, resources, and guidance they need to thrive.
As Director of High Potential and TRIO SSS, Chameeta is committed to empowering students and staff by fostering confidence, success, and personal growth. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, working out, dancing, and spending time with her daughter.
Chameeta Denton, M.A., Counseling
Directora del Programa de High Potential y TRIO SSS
Chameeta Denton, originalmente de Oakland, CA, es una profesional dedicada a la educación superior con una pasión para el éxito estudiantil. Es una estudiante universitaria de primera generación y obtuvo su diplomado de las Artes de Sierra College, se transfirió a la Universidad de Sacramento State para completar su licenciatura en Sociología, y obtuvo su maestría de Consejo de la Universidad de Saint Mary’s en 2010. Desde entonces, ha trabajado en la educación superior enfocándose en apoyar a los estudiantes universitarios de primera generación a través de aportar las herramientas, recursos y guía que necesitan para progresar.
Como Directora del programa de High Potential y TRIO SSS, Chameeta está comprometida a empoderar estudiantes y facultad a través de promover la confidencia, el éxito y el crecimiento personal. Fuera del trabajo, ella disfruta de leer, hacer ejercicio, bailar y pasar tiempo con su hija.
Karsyn Carter, M.A.C.M.
High Potential Success Coach
Filippi Academic Hall 185
krc17@stmarys-ca.edu
Karsyn R. Carter (she/her) was born in Oakland, CA and has a passion for helping people. Karsyn is first-gen and earned her Associate of Arts degree and Bachelor’s Degree in 2017, her Master’s Degree in 2023, and is currently a second-year graduate student in the Marriage and Family Therapy/Professional Clinical Counseling (MFT/PCC) here at Saint Mary’s College. With a coaching style that is strength-based and collaborate, she partners with each student to identify their goals and personally tailor guidance to their unique needs. Her goal is that every student who walks into her office leaves knowing that they do belong, they can succeed, and that they are more than enough. She is excited to serve in the High Potential Program as a Success Coach and the supervisor of our amazing Peer Mentors.
Entrenadora de Éxito del programa High Potential
Karsyn R. Carter (ella) nació en Oakland, CA y tiene una pasión para ayudar a la gente. Karsyn es primera generación y obtuvo su diplomado de las Artes y su licenciatura en 2017, su maestría en 2023 y actualmente es una estudiante de segundo año de postgrado en el programa de Consejo de Matrimonio y Familia/Consejo Clínico Profesional (MFT/PCC) en la Universidad de Saint Mary’s. Con un estilo de entrenamiento que se basa en la fortaleza y en la colaboración, ella se asocia con cada estudiante para identificar sus metas y provee una guía personalizada para sus necesidades singulares. Su meta es que cada estudiante que entre a su ofician se vaya sabiendo que ellos pertenecen, que pueden tener éxito y que son más que suficiente. Ella está emocionada de servir en el programa de High Potential como una Entrenadora de Éxito y como la supervisora de los Mentores Colegas.
Angelina Landeros, BA ’25
High Potential Graduate Assistant
Filippi Academic Hall 191
arl18@stmarys-ca.edu
Angelina Landeros (She/Her), from Sacramento CA, is an alumni of Saint Mary’s College of California graduating with a B.A. in Communication with a concentration in media making and a Minor in Community Media. She is passionate about social justice, uplifting marginalized communities' voices and supporting first generation students in reaching their academic and personal goals. She strives to create an inclusive and welcoming environment that allows students to grow and find a home in the High Potential program.
As an Alumni of the HP program, serving as a peer mentor for three years, Angelina understands the importance of creating space for first-generation, low income and students with disabilities. It was through this experience that she developed key skills such as leadership, time management and a strong work ethic. She is currently pursuing her Master's degree in Communication, with the goal of working in the nonprofit sector. In her free time she enjoys writing, listening to music, and keeping up with the latest movies that are in theaters.
Asistente de Postgrado para el programa High Potential
Angelina Landeros (ella), es de Sacramento CA, es exalumna de la Universidad de Saint Mary’s graduándose con una licenciatura en Comunicación con una concentración en la creación de los medios de comunicación y una asignatura secundaria en la Media de la Comunidad. A ella le apasiona la justicia social, animando a las voces de las comunidades marginadas y apoyando a los estudiantes de primera generación en alcanzar sus metas académicas y personales. Ella se esfuerza por crear un ambiente inclusivo y agradable que permite a los estudiantes a crecer y encontrar un hogar en el programa de High Potential.
Como una exalumna del programa High Potential, sirviendo como una Mentora Colega por tres años, Angelina entiende la importancia de crear espacio para los estudiantes de primera generación, bajos recursos y estudiantes con discapacidades. Fue a través de esta experiencia que ella desarrolló habilidades claves como el liderazgo, manejo del tiempo y una ética fuerte de trabajar. Ella actualmente está dedicándose a conseguir su maestría en Comunicación, con la meta de trabajar en el sector de organizaciones no lucrativas. En su tiempo libre ella disfruta escribir, escuchar música y mantenerse actualizada con las películas corrientes en cines.
Contact Us
High Potential Program
1928 St. Mary's Road
Filippi Academic Hall 190
Moraga, CA 94575-3260
925.631.4835
hp@stmarys-ca.edu