Priming Kids For School Success
When it comes to preparing kids for college, education experts say it’s never too soon. Aware of the importance of starting early, the 17 members of the Minnesota Private College Council (MPCC) engage in a variety of ways with K-12 schools. Often these are “college readiness” programs that help students aspire to and prepare for college. They range in focus from improving academic skills to providing mentoring and career exploration to immersion experiences. Readiness programs serve all students, but frequently they target students of color, first generation students and new Americans.
MPCC members partner with K-12 programs in their communities through federally funded TRiO Programs, Minnesota Minority Education Partnership, Admission Possible and other programs. Additionally, many MPCC campuses also have their own college readiness offerings and summer enrichment programs.
Consider the First Step Summer Institute at the College of St. Catherine, which offers residential programs that help prepare young women of color to make a successful transition from high school to college. Students participate in self-development and career assessment activities, experience campus life, find out about other cultures, and learn about financial aid, scholarships/grants and preparing college applications.
“First Step made my transition from high school into college much easier,” said one participant. “I got to meet many very interesting people and learned a lot about myself; I am grateful for the experience and knowledge I gained.”
Fast Forward Youth participants and staff at the Minnesota Zoo
The Fast Forward Youth program sponsored by the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University (CSB/SJU) is another good example. The focus here is Latino junior- and senior-high youth from Monticello, Willmar, Cold Spring and St. Cloud. The Latino population is the fastest growing immigrant group in the area but the high school graduation rate of Latino youth lags behind white students. Through its tutoring and mentoring programs, Fast Forward Youth reinforces the importance of working hard in school, graduating from high school and going on to college. CSB/SJU student volunteers and Fast Forward participants meet every week to work on academics and engage in college exploration or cultural activities. Additionally, all youth participants have the opportunity to visit the CSB/SJU campuses at least twice a year, and high schoolers are invited to attend a college preparatory summer camp at St. John’s University in June.
“This program has been a huge support to these students,” director Erin Truhler said. “Any time a student feels like they’re part of something, they’re more likely to stay in school. They’ve improved their academic skills and seen what it’s like to attend college — an experience they may not have had otherwise.”
MPCC schools also have developed relationships with “critical resource centers” and work in partnership with their staff. One of the newest examples is the Achieve!Minneapolis Career and College Initiative launched this past year in Minneapolis public high schools. It coordinates with and builds on existing school, government and community programs to create a more comprehensive system that ensures that all students have knowledge and skills for moving from high school to further education, training or work. Centers assist students in developing now-required life plans, career exploration, college exploration and college and financial aid applications. School counselors, center staff, mentors and volunteers provide advising, coaching and mentoring.
“I like to think of myself as a guy who runs a gift shop,” said Lamarr Scott, Achieve!Minneapolis coordinator at South High School. “The fun part is helping each customer find the right gift for themself. Some know exactly what they want. Others need a little help. Still others don’t have a clue. So it’s both a charge and a challenge to work with them.”
South students have shared these comments: “If it hadn’t been for the Career Center, I wouldn’t have known how to fill out a college application.” “Thanks to the Career Center I had the best summer ever working in a theater program that I really loved.” “I’m going to be studying abroad next year.”
The South High Career and College Center is a vibrant and busy place where kids of all backgrounds come to build their future. “We’re here to help them find their gifts,” said Scott.
Visit the MPCC Web site for more information about preparing students for college success, including how other campuses are helping.