How We Can help Disadvantaged Kids get to College

Parents Forum
1

<p>SBMom posted the below as part of the "dream" thread. To give more exposure to SBMom's great idea, and to attract many follow-up posts, I'm starting a new thread.</p>

<p>Thank-you SBMom for a great idea! I look forward to suggestions from the many thoughtful parents and students who post on CC.</p>

<h2>"Think Globally, Act Locally </h2>

<p>I want to toast the kids, too, no matter what the outcomes may be. ::clink:: They have worked so hard.</p>

<p>The problem of a kid with economic problems, family problems, family disinterest/ignorance, etc. has come up on other threads many times. In the spirit of "think globally, act locally" I PROPOSE THE FOLLOWING:</p>

<p>Let's all of us commit to doing at least <strong>one</strong> generous pro-college-exposure-to-underexposed act in our own local community. Here are some suggestions.</p>

<p>-take another kid <em>who would not otherwise get to go</em> with you when you do a visit of a nearby college. This can be one of your kid's friends/ aquaintances or it could be someone the GC might suggest-- someone with a decent shot at college & no encouragement at home.</p>

<p>-bring your 15 boxes of college literature to places that kids in need of this exposure would congregate: after school programs, Boys & Girls Clubs, Homework Labs, tutoring centers, etc. Let it get into someone's hands, rather than wind up in landfill. Same with the books like "Fiske" & "Insider's Guide." </p>

<p>-If yours is a clueless public school GC, provide him/her with some reference books like the "Colleges that Change Lives" and other such information. Let him/her know about your CC "discoveries" like large state schools with honors programs, privates with good merit aid, relatively more affordable public LACs, schools set up for ADD or LD kids, especially affordable options, wonderful regional schools that should be on the GC's radar.</p>

<p>-Buy your public school a US News online edition access.</p>

<p>MORE IDEAS?-- add them!"</p>

2

<ol>
<li><p>Encourage your schools to provide free SAT prep and college prep workshops/classes, and to advertise these widely (not just in honors classes!) so all kids who are interested know about them. The school may be able to get grant money for these classes or it could get $ from the PTA.</p></li>
<li><p>Encourage the school to have school-wide or class-wide assemblies that provide students with info about how to apply to college, including the fact that one doesn't need to be rich or a straight A student to go to college.</p></li>
<li><p>Invite in college-related speakers to parents group such as sports team booster club groups or church groups. These speakers could be Guidance Counselors, representatives from places like Kaplan (of course, they're hoping parents will sign kids up for their expensive courses, but they don't do a hard sell and the info at their free presentations is very valuable), students who alum of the h.s./church and are currently in college, or even you. If you are a CC parent you probably have lots of info that other parents could benefit from!</p></li>
</ol>

<p>Such meetings also are a good place to give away your old copies of college guides.</p>

<ol>
<li><p>Have brief (20 minute or so) workshops at PTSA meetings, etc. and have those workshops focus on things such as what parents can do to help students apply to college; how to help kids fill out college applications; when college application deadlines are; what is the type of curriculum students need to take to be college bound; how to get financial aid; what programs are available locally to help low income and first generation college students.</p></li>
<li><p>Ask your school to put on their marquee and web site info about when students should sign up for the SAT and PSAT, and ask the school to make sure that students know that fee waivers are available if cost is a problem.</p></li>
<li><p>Ask your school/church/Boys and Girls Club, etc. to link to CC from their web site.</p></li>
<li><p>Help organize a mini college fair for your school, youth organization or church.</p></li>
</ol>

3

<p>Try to approach and convince your local newspapers to devote some space to "college awareness". Ask them to write about the importance to consult the centers of information (GC, libraries, etc). We know that newspapers PREFER to write about the scandals, frauds, and poor performance of the districts -if not attacking NCLB or mandatory testing. We also know that they pepper their sports pages with reports of athletic scholarships, which, in our part of the country, seems to exarcebate the problems because the "offers" extended to athletes tend to be from less than stellar schools with very low admission requirements. </p>

<p>The newspaper could also serve as a repository for local scholarships.</p>

4

<p>frankly i am more worried about them graduating high school
We have implemented the "readright" program for which I am a tutor.
THe PTA also aids quite a bit in the counseling center to help every student with post high school opportunities and we have a high percentage of students taking SAT</p>

<p><a href="http://www.readright.com/%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.readright.com/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

5

<p>These are all great ideas, and sum up (and add nicely to) some ideas I've been mulling over about how best to disperse our own enormous "college info" library (we just have one kid, and she's now safely into the school she wanted. Yay!). I will employ many/most of the suggestions above, and I will add one more:
Advise kids and parents about the relative importance of the PSAT! Here in our small-town public hs, the PSAT is still universally regarded (if it is regarded at all!) as merely an inconsequential "practice test" for the SAT. By the time parents and students realize the potential impact of National Merit consideration, and the deals that can be proffered to the finalists, especially from the type of flagship state schools that many disadvantaged students are likely to want to consider, it is too late....</p>

6

<p>Thanks Northstarmom!</p>

<p>I'll add recycle those SAT & AP prep books! </p>

<p>Even though the SAT prep is different now w/ writing it would still be useful re test taking strategy, the scoring system, and all the sections that are not changing.</p>

7

<p>A very basic one: volunteer in the college counceling office at a school in need. At a local high school where I volunteer, the counselors only know about UCs, CSUs and CCCs. With a large minority population, they have no idea many of the kids are highly desireable to private colleges that give great aid, many costing these kids less (in loans) than the State options.</p>

8

<p>These are nice suggestions, but can be useless unless there is also some parent education. We must change the mindset of families with at-risk children who don't seem to see value in preparing their children for a college education.</p>

<p>Our village must teach parents how to be effective parents in the village. There already are existing tutoring programs as well as programs that expose at-risk kids to the college experience, but our kids often don't show up for tutoring and other opportunities, even when these resources are in their own neighborhood and own churches. Our families are more often than not too busy with athletics, cheerleading, step teams, debutant balls, etc. Our at-risk youth are too busy hanging out at the mall, watching Jerry Springer or creating baby's mommas and baby's daddies.</p>

<p>I know, these are very negative stereotypes, but systemic change in at-risk communities takes more than just taking at-risk kids on a field trip to a college or giving college material to schools. We have to find a way to motivate parents to CARE about the academic achievement of their children!</p>

9

<p>actually, I have thought of providing volunteer guidance services when I retire in the next few years.</p>

10

<p>"These are nice suggestions, but can be useless unless there is also some parent education. We must change the mindset of families with at-risk children who don't seem to see value in preparing their children for a college education."</p>

<p>This is why I suggested providing education to parents about college, and providing such education at sports booster clubs and churches. That's where one often will find parents who don't come to PTSA and to academically-oriented school events. </p>

<p>Beauty shops, nail salons and barbershops are another good place to leave college info because lots of parents go to such places.</p>

11

<p>A couple of other ideas--</p>

<p>Donate your college search books to the high school to augment their library. Many public schools do not have sufficient resources to keep an up to date collection of books. </p>

<p>Also, I found this web site and while there isn't a local chapter in my community, I thought I might check into it a bit more to see if one could be started here. I don't know much about it, but the goals seem to be similar.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.scholarshipamerica.org/dfs/index.php%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.scholarshipamerica.org/dfs/index.php&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

12

<p>What a great thread. I was thinking about this all last week as I was traveling the PNW and seeing a terribel lack of diversity. The problem is enormous, but I started wondering just how it begin helping both the school and persons of color connect. I just can help but feel that it has to be a person-to-person contact that begins the process. One courgeas colleg rep. meeting with one brave student of color willing to begin the trend of thinking about going somewhere that might be a bit outside of the comfort zone, while the colleges begin to think about issues beyond offering an education -- like making sure that personal needs, like familair food and services are available with the school community.</p>

13

<p>concerned dad- part may be that numbers wise- in the northwest we have smaller numbers of minorities- even at my daughters inner city high school AA students are outnumbered by white students.
Also- many families are "mixed" so students don't "look" strongly one way or the other.
But Portland especially I notice seems very "white" was kinda strange riding around on the city bus.
I think leaving info in nail salons etc is a great idea though- I will mention it to the PTA.</p>

14

<p>gsp,</p>

<p>The point you raise is true, but I think the efforts being proposed will swiftly reach a more easily helped SUBpopulation: the population of borderline college kids who just need some information and encouragement to tip them towards college.</p>

<p>As an example: a Mexican-born mom who has worked for us as a cleaning lady. She is a very devoted mother who speaks English well and wants her kids to FLY academically. She sometimes lacks the insider knowledge of how to facilitate this. A few years ago she was telling to me that her kid had been put in a bilingual/english learner class room against her wishes. She thought english immersion would be better for the child to learn english swiftly. </p>

<p>I explained that she needed to show up <strong>in person</strong> at the principal's office and be a "squeaky wheel" insisting her daughter be transfered into an english-speaking class. I told her to go back every day until the switch was done. It took four days. She was amazed that leaning on the school produced a result. (PS-- 5 years later, D is an academic standout and was invited to a program at nearby UC this summer.) </p>

<p>This mom just needed to know how to advocate on her D's behalf in an effective way.</p>

<p>Similarly I think some parents/kids just need to see that the path exists and just need a little push in the right direction. Others are much harder to help but lets not let that stop us-- start with the ones who can be helped.</p>

15

<p>Encourage college students to join Teach for America after graduation! College students of any major get a fully paid teaching job in a poor community somewhere in the US, either rural or urban. Having a smart, qualified, eager and fun teacher early in life significantly increases a students drive to learn and students are less likely to drop out of school, use drugs or be violent. I think positive motivation for students is the biggest issue.</p>

16

<p>Remember that not all disadvantaged kids are people of color or URMs. Some are white or Asian and/or are low income, first generation college or come from dysfunctional families (and those families may be highly educated and high income!) or families who don't speak English well enough or understand the American educational system well enough to navigate it well.</p>

<p>And, of course, there are URMS, low income people and people of color who are very sophisticated about the college process.</p>

17

<p>oh\
I have to address Teach for America
I hve been told by a dad of a student whose son joined Teach for America in washingon DC.
It sounds to be a hellish experience
First Bush has cut funding- so that it is not guarenteed to get your education voucher to apply to loans after your year of service.
Also living stipends have been cut- so you may find it very difficult to have even basic living expenses covered.
THis is the story of this young man who graduated with a degree fromNYU I believe.
HE started working in Wa Dc- very poor school 100% minority. DC has vouchers- a good chunk of students intially opt for the voucher at beginning of year- so that they are not included in budget for public school. However about November- those same students have left the private school for whatever reason- their voucher stays with the private school- but the public school takes them into -without any money.
So very challenging- where in many schools teachers have to spend $$ to buy supplies etc - but Teach for america teachers have ZERO money to do that.
He was also told not to expect a voucher to pay off loans- he still is interested in teaching... but not in DC. :(</p>

18

<p>I have been asked by SCU staff to share the following opportunity, which I usually send through MS Outlook. It may not format well on CC.</p>

<p>Please forward to female and URM students currently in 10th grade who might be interested in engineering and in visiting Santa Clara University for a week!</p>

<p>This is an "introduction to engineering" type of experience, but is not a "let's take the at-risk youth on a field trip" activity for children who don't know how to act! I'm really sensitive about having my name associated with children or adults who don't know how to "respect" an opportunity.</p>

<p>I get requests all the time to identify URM youth for college experiences
because of my involvement with a K-12 math, science and technology
initiative here in Silicon Valley.</p>

<hr>

<p>SCU SES website:
<a href="http://www.scu.edu/engineering/undergraduate/ses.cfm%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.scu.edu/engineering/undergraduate/ses.cfm&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>SES program brochure:
<a href="http://www.scu.edu/engineering/undergraduate/upload/SES%20Brochure.pdf%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.scu.edu/engineering/undergraduate/upload/SES%20Brochure.pdf&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>SES application:
<a href="http://www.scu.edu/engineering/undergraduate/upload/2005%20App%20Adobe.pdf%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.scu.edu/engineering/undergraduate/upload/2005%20App%20Adobe.pdf&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>**Santa Clara University
Summer Engineering Seminar (SES)
A special summer program for current 10th grade students</p>

<p>Session 1: August 7-11, 2005
Session 2: August 14-18, 2005</p>

<p>FREE Tuition, Room & Board
Transportation costs are the reponsibility of parents**</p>

<p>The School of Engineering at Santa Clara is pleased to announce its
16th Annual Summer Engineering Seminar (SES). This special summer experience is for high school students who have an interest in science, mathematics, and engineering. The program is designed to acquaint participants with the engineering profession, the academic expectations college, and the nature of life at a university.</p>

<p>Two sessions will be held during the summer of 2005.
Qualified students are urged to apply for the session of their choice.</p>

<p>The Program:</p>

<p>The SES is designed to motivate young people to enter science and engineering majors in college so they can ultimately participate in the scientific and technical work force. It provides participants with a chance to explore possibilities of engineering as a career while living in University residence halls staffed by program counselors. </p>

<p>Participants eat their meals in University dining facilities, they attend special classes, visit laboratories to see engineering activity in progress, and do a bit of engineering themselves.</p>

<p>During their stay on campus, students are taught by engineering faculty. Course work in this unique program draws from the areas of computing, engineering design, the engineering profession, and university life. Class sessions for the SES will be held in the Bannan Engineering Building, the focal point for engineering education at Santa Clara University. Computer Sessions will be taught in the SCU Design Center, a state-of-the-art facility.</p>

<p>Who is Eligible?</p>

<p>Students are eligible to participate in the SES if they have completed their
sophomore year of high school by June 30, 2005 and are interested in exploring career opportunities in the field of engineering. Although applicants from every race and national origin are eligible, the first priority for participation will be given to female candidates and applicants from population groups that are traditionally underrepresented in the engineering profession. </p>

<p>In order to be considered for this program, applicants must submit (by surface mail) an application packet consisting of:</p>

<p>Application (available on SCU SES website):</p>

<ul>
<li>One letter of recommendation from a high school science, math,
computer, or drafting teacher.
(This cannot be submitted under seperate cover.)</li>
<li>Two-hundred (200) word essay detailing why they wish to attend
this program.</li>
</ul>

<p>Registration:</p>

<p>All on-site fees for the SES are paid by grants from sponsoring
organizations. These fees cover room costs, all meals, tuition, and supplies.
Participants are responsible for their own transportation to and from campus.</p>

<p>To be considered for entrance into this unique program,
application packets must be received by May 16, 2005. Because program enrollment is limited, and competition for available spots is keen, application does not ensure automatic acceptance. Prospective participants are urged to apply early to avoid disappointment.</p>

<p>Those accepted will receive a phone call, e-mail and/or letter of acknowledgment in mid-June.</p>

<p>Program check-in will be held on campus from
4:00 p.m to 5:00 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 7 or Aug. 14, 2005.</p>

<p>Session 1, August 7-11, 2005
Session 2, August 14-18, 2005</p>

<p>The Engineering Profession:</p>

<ul>
<li>Do you have a desire for a career through which you can really
help people? </li>
<li>Do you hope to participate in a creative, dynamic way in the
problem-solving process to meet the needs of humankind? </li>
<li>Do you wish to help provide technological answers to the problems
surrounding the increased need for food, clothing, buildings,
energy, transportation, and recreation facilities?<br></li>
</ul>

<p>If your answers are yes, then participating in Santa Clara's Summer Engineering Seminar is an excellent way to gain a preview of the engineering profession and its potential for you. There never has been a better time to choose the engineering profession. </p>

<p>Consider the reasons: </p>

<ul>
<li><p>Social impact: Engineers design devices and processes to address
the world's needs for food, clothing, shelter, energy,
transportation, exploration, and recreation.</p></li>
<li><p>Jobs: Statistics show that long-term career possibilities for
engineering graduates are strong. Average starting salaries for
newly graduating engineers in the Bay Area are above
$56,000 per year.</p></li>
<li><p>Education: Because the engineer is trained to apply knowledge of
the sciences and mathematics to solve the problems of the
human condition, engineering is one of the best all-around
undergraduate degrees you can obtain for entry into
graduate professions such as law, business, and medicine.</p></li>
</ul>

<p>If you would like to explore the possibilities of engineering, then
SCU's Summer Engineering Seminar is for you.</p>

<p>For information about program content write or call:</p>

<p>Jeff Ota
Director, Outreach Programs
School of Engineering
Santa Clara University
500 El Camino Real
Santa Clara, CA 95053-0590
408-554-5275 </p>

<p>For information about applying, write or call:</p>

<p>Dee Piepho
School of Engineering
Santa Clara University
500 El Camino Real
Santa Clara, CA 95053-0590
408-554-4728
<a href="mailto:dpiepho@scu.edu">dpiepho@scu.edu</a> </p>

<p>Founded in 1912, the SCU School of Engineering is recognized for its
implementation of selected, high-quality undergraduate and graduate programs. The school?s location in the heart of Silicon Valley, engaged and accessible faculty, and state-of-the-art equipment combine to create a powerful learning environment for engineering students.</p>

<p>Disciplines in the School of Engineering include applied mathematics, civil, computer, electrical, and mechanical engineering, and engineering management and leadership.</p>

<p>More information can be found here.</p>

<p>If you have a disability and require a reasonable accommodation, please call
Dee Piepho at 408-554-4728 or California Relay at 800-735-2929 (TTY)
two weeks prior to the event.</p>

<p>[ end of announcement ]</p>

19

<p>Here is a great story about a Teach for America teacher</p>

<p>
[quote]
Lavinia Rogers, fresh from college graduation, opened the door to her French classroom at Weequahic High School four years ago and revived a language not taught there in more than a decade.

[/quote]
</p>

<p><a href="http://www.nj.com/search/index.ssf?/base/news-9/1111385441243350.xml?starledger?nnj%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.nj.com/search/index.ssf?/base/news-9/1111385441243350.xml?starledger?nnj&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

20

<p>Host an evening with the adcoms - a Q&A session. Get some space from a local community center and invite adcoms from local schools to come in and talk to the parents of HS students about the process. Often, these parents just need to hear the "we want your kids" from the mouths of the adcoms. A separate event can be held with the kids themselves in attendance.</p>