The Middle School to College Connection Colleges2Kids Kids2College at Olean Intermediate Middle School Spring 2013

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1 The Middle School to College Connection Colleges2Kids Kids2College at Olean Intermediate Middle School Spring 2013 Getting to College Starts Now Families want the best for their children. That usually includes dreams of a college education. A college education expands an individual s knowledge, perspectives and skills and it also brings greater job opportunities and the chance to earn more over a lifetime than someone with only a high school diploma. Employers increasingly need individuals with a college degree. Making the right choices now in middle school and through high school will open up possibilities that are not available without a college education. This Colleges2Kids Kids2College program was funded through a federal College Access Challenge Grant (CACG) awarded to the Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities (cicu) by the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC), the state agency designated to administer the state s CACG program since We are going to college! More than 150 6th grade middle school students from Olean Intermediate Middle School participated in the Spring 2013 Colleges2Kids Kids2College program. The students learned of the importance of thinking about and starting to prepare for college in middle school; about the academic preparation needed for certain careers, and; about the wide variety of college choices available to achieve their future goals. The Sallie Mae Fund s Kids2College college and career awareness curriculum provided the springboard for the activities that the middle schools administration, teachers and counseling staff drew from for the classroom lessons and activities. Students also had the opportunity to become college students for a day when they visited Alfred University. During the visit, the 6th graders, their teachers, counselors and family members who were able to attend toured the campus, participated in sample college classes, talked with Alfred University students and enjoyed lunch in a campus dining hall. In these pages, learn how the 6th grade classes from Olean came to say, We are going to college! Colleges2Kids Kids2College seeks to raise students awareness about the benefits and opportunities a college education can bring and also increase understanding of the relationship between future careers and middle and high school academic preparation. Table of Contents Getting to College Starts Now 1 Colleges2Kids Kids2College Collaboration 2 The Importance of Planning Ahead: The Colleges2Kids Kids2College Challenge 3 Olean Intermediate Middle School s 6th Grade Goes to College 4-5 Additional Resources 6 Summer 2013 Pre-High School Programs at Alfred University 6 Looking Ahead: 100+ Private Colleges and Universities to Choose From! 6

2 Colleges2Kids Kids2College Collaboration The Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities (cicu), an educational corporation formed under the New York State Regents, represents 100+ independent colleges and universities across New York State. cicu s outreach to schools and communities includes college awareness programs, workshops, and professional development, as well as publications and resources for students, parents, and schools about private, not-for-profit higher education, college awareness, admissions, and financial aid. Available free of charge, college awareness publications and other resources can be accessed online at This Colleges2Kids Kids2College (C2K K2C) project was supported by a federal CACG grant awarded by HESC to the Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities, the grant lead. Alfred University, founded in 1836, became the first coeducational institution in New York State and the second in the nation. About 2,000 full-time undergraduate and 400 graduate students work and live in 52 buildings on a scenic 232-acre hillside campus adjoining the village of Alfred. The University encourages students to undertake community service projects as an important part of their education. AU s art school is ranked number one in the nation for ceramic art. U.S. News and World Report consistently ranks AU among the top 25 regional universities in the North, and number two for Great School at a Great Price. Alfred University is also home to the Children and Youth Learning Initiative (CYLI) program, which brings middle school students on campus for hands-on, educational programming. In Fall 2012, coordinating with the CYLI and Alfred University s Education Division, the 6th grade classes from Wellsville Middle School and Scio Central School visited Alfred after completing the Kids2College curriculum. Alfred University Campus Visit Coordinators Christopher Romanchock, Alfred University, Children and Youth Learning Initiative Director Jesye Streisel, Alfred University Graduate Student, C2K K2C Project at Alfred University, Executive Assistant Director Ann Monroe-Baillargeon, Alfred University, Education Division Chair Jing Zhu, Alfred University, Confucius Institute Project Manager Nancy Kohler, Alfred University, Equestrian Center Director Marlene Wightman, Alfred University, Department of Continuing Education Director Alfred University Student Volunteers The Sallie Mae Fund, a charitable organization sponsored by Sallie Mae, achieves its mission to increase college access for America's students by supporting programs and initiatives that help open doors to higher education. Since 2001, The Fund has contributed more than $124 million to address key barriers to college access through free educational resources, curricula, and materials. New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC), a state agency, helps students and their families pay for college. HESC administers the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) and other state grants and scholarships. Some of HESC s services include providing information to students and families on postsecondary education benefits, college and career preparation, and understanding the connection between careers and the necessary coursework to get there. HESC administers the state s federal College Access Challenge Grant (CACG). OLEAN INTERMEDIATE MIDDLE SCHOOL We are extremely grateful to have had the opportunity over the last three years to be a part of such an incredible program. Our faculty and our sixth grade students enjoy the Kids2College early college awareness curriculum. However, our biggest enjoyment for our kids comes from the exciting visit to Alfred University. Our students look forward to this annual opportunity and continue to talk about the experience at Alfred for months after their visit. The hands-on activities and campus tour Alfred provides engages our 2

3 learners and sparks within them a curiosity of the college experience. Our students now realize that going to college is for everyone. The Kids2College lessons inspire our kids to dream big, set goals and realize they can obtain a higher education degree. They now have the knowledge that college can be affordable for everyone. I truly believe this early exposure ignites in our students the desire and mind-set that they will greatly benefit from and need to be on a college track. Kids2College makes the real world connection for kids between the importance of being college ready and obtaining their future dream career. The conversation in the classroom around educational level and future earnings is one in which our students truly get excited. They hear and see the data and understand the concept of the higher your education level the bigger your paycheck. Here in Olean it is our hope and desire to continue being a part of this outstanding program for many years to come. The collaboration with the Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities (cicu) and Alfred University through this College Access Challenge Grant-funded Colleges2Kids Kids2College program has assured all of our kids they can start preparing for a brighter future, attend college and dare to dream. Mr. Gerald A. Trietley, Principal at Olean Intermediate Middle School The Importance of Planning Ahead: The Colleges2Kids Kids2College Challenge Being prepared for college and a career academically and financially requires planning. Taking the core courses math, sciences, English, social studies, languages each year is very important. The courses students take in middle and high school build on one another, each leading to the next, higher-level, course. Research has shown that students who take algebra and geometry in middle school or early high school are more likely to go to college. The reason is that algebra prepares students for higher-level math courses and for science courses such as biology, chemistry, and physics. Completing those courses in high school prepares students for college work and gets them on track to begin courses in their selected major. For example, a student studying to become an engineer often needs to complete calculus or other advanced math before entering college. Students who have not yet completed the preparatory work will need to catch up, spending extra time and money to take the required courses. The Kids2College Curriculum Middle school is the best time to help students begin to make connections between careers, future earnings and dreams for higher education. In existence since 1992, the Kids2College (K2C) college and career awareness curriculum was developed by The Sallie Mae Fund in consultation with the National Council for Community and Education Partnerships. cicu selected the K2C curriculum for the Colleges2Kids Kids2College program. The six-session Kids2College curriculum incorporates best practices and research, combined with hands-on activities with information on careers, college life and academic preparation and the importance of being college-ready. Student handbooks and a companion teacher s guide are used in the classroom with the program, which concludes with a group visit to a local college campus. At the start of the Kids2College program, students complete a pre-survey that asks questions about their knowledge of college, the college process, and their plans for their future. At the end of the program, students complete a post-survey with similar questions. Students responses in both surveys are compared to assess what they have learned and any changes in their attitudes toward college and careers. Sample Kids2College Lessons Lesson One Education Options College Vocabulary, Degree Information, Vocational School, Salary Lesson Two Career Exploration College Vocabulary, Career Options, Postsecondary Education Lesson Three I m Going to College College Vocabulary, SAT/ACT, Learning Styles, Extracurricular Activities Lesson Four Paying for College College Vocabulary, Financial Aid and the FAFSA, Types of Financial Aid: Grants, Loans, Scholarships, and Work Study Lesson Five Connecting Colleges and Careers Preparation for Career Day Lesson Six Career Day Career Day Presentations, College Visit Preparation College Campus Visit 3

4 Olean Intermediate Middle School s 6th Grade Goes to College In Spring 2013, Olean Intermediate Middle School in Olean, New York, participated in the Colleges2Kids -Kids2College (C2K-K2C) program. Over 150 6th grade students completed the college and career awareness lessons and in two groups on March 8, and on May 2, 2013, the students and their teachers traveled to Alfred University for the day. The activities during the visit included a science exploration class, a tour of the Equestrian Center, learning engineering principles using LEGOs, a campus tour, lunch in the dining hall, and an interactive small group Paying for College activity. Here is what the Olean Intermediate Middle School students and teachers thought about the experience. C2K-K2C has become an important part of our 6th grade curriculum. It might not be Common Core; however, it gets students going in the right direction at an early age. Charles Bauer, Olean Intermediate Middle My favorite part of the C2K-K2C program was When we went and visited Alfred University. The trip to the college made me want to go to college even more than I already did. Brielle George My favorite parts were the hands-on activities, both in class and at Alfred University. Bri Dyal Going to Alfred University. Josh Bihler Getting to meet the horses and barn cats at Alfred University. Especially the giant draft horses! Anna Button Going to the equestrian center and learning all about the horses. Olivia Lang Going to Alfred and seeing the college. Jessica Olson When we ate the food was amazing! Now I can t wait to go to college even more! Kayla O Connor Seeing the science class where we experimented with thermite and the rocket car flying off the wire onto a roof. Korry Keis When we spent time in the dance room. Avianna Howell C2K-K2C Olean Intermediate Middle School s Visit to Alfred University on March 8, :00 am Arrive at Alfred University 9:15 Welcome and opening remarks 9:30 Workshop classes led by Alfred University students. Workshops options: Equestrian Center Tour Building and Racing LEGO robots 10:45 Students switch and attend a second workshop. Workshops options: Building and Racing LEGO robots Learning about Science Workshop 11:40 Campus tour and scavenger hunt 12:05 pm Lunch in the campus dining hall 12:35 Paying for College presentation and small group activity 1:05 Depart C2K-K2C Olean Intermediate Middle School s Visit to Alfred University on May 2, :00 am Arrive at Alfred University 9:15 Welcome and opening remarks 9:30 Workshop classes led by Alfred University students. Workshops options: Athletic Center Building and Racing LEGO robots 10:45 Students switch and attend a second workshop. Workshops options: Library Tour Theatre Tour and Activities 11:40 Campus tour and scavenger hunt 12:05 pm Lunch in the campus dining hall 12:35 Paying for College Presentation and small group activity 1:05 Depart I found that this program helped bring college awareness to many students, especially the ones who were not considering college because of financial situations. Andrea Bean, Olean Intermediate Middle 4

5 Olean Intermediate Middle School s 6th Grade Goes to College What did you learn about preparing for college? You need to do your best in school, and doing clubs and sports helps you get into college. Reagan Stitt I learned that if your family does not have a lot of money that there are many different ways to pay. Kyla Heary IThat you can get scholarships and other things to help pay for college. Meghan Blanchard I learned that you have to have more than good grades when preparing for college. I also learned that there are scholarships for almost anything. Mikailyn Gronemeier I learned that you don t have to have the money to go to college. Avianna Howell The students liked to participate in the hands-on activities. The student leaders were fun and could relate to the students. They presented ideas/ways for all kids to go to college (grants, scholarships, etc.). It gave all kids hope. Mary Magro, Olean Intermediate Middle What courses will you take in high school to be ready for college? I will take extra math and science in high school. Bri Dyal The courses I will take are math, science, biology, and a business class. Sara Pfeiffer I will need to take English, math, science, health, and chemistry in high school to be ready for college Filip Morawski It is important to think about college in middle school because You might want to reach a goal in the future. Justine Brooks The choices and grades you get now will affect you later Reagan Stitt You can see what college is like and prepare for it. Anyca Charleston Then you would know what to do when you get to high school and college. Brianna M. Carter-Turner Middle school helps me get to college and the grades in middle school will help you into college. Jazlynn Sullivan You have to achieve good grades to get your mind focused on the job you d like to take. You have to set goals to get there, and you have to be determined. Kayla O Connor Students really enjoyed the college visit. The activities were engaging and the presenters were exciting. Andrea Bean, Olean Intermediate Middle It will help you in what your career will be and the classes to take. Rhiannon Peck You will need to prepare for college Rose Mary Williams You need to know about your future when you re young. Brianna Painter You can take the time to prepare for a better future. Tenaya Ramadha 5

6 Resources for More Information New York s 100+ private colleges and universities admissions and financial aid information Web site. Are you thinking about college and have a million questions? Start at GoCollegeNY! A resource for college planning starting in middle school. New York s 529 College Savings Program provides information for families to save for college with significant tax benefits. Alfred University s Summer Programs for Teens and Pre-Teens Each summer Alfred University offers pre-high school and high school students an opportunity to come to campus to explore new interests and enhance special academic or sports talents and skills. Visit or call for more information. Summer 2013 Pre-High School Programs at Alfred University: Art Portfolio Prep - How to Get Into a Top Art School Astronomy Ceramic & Glass Engineering Chinese Language and Culture (Day Camp) Creative Writing Consumer Chemistry Computer Engineering Renewable Energy Engineering Robotics Engineering Theatre Equestrian Swimming Other Sports Programs for Pre-High School Students Looking Ahead: 100+ Private Colleges and Universities to Choose From! Adelphi University Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences Albany Law School Albany Medical College Alfred University American Academy McAllister Institute American Museum of Natural History, Richard Gilder Graduate School Bank Street College of Education Bard College Barnard College Boricua College Bramson ORT College Canisius College Cazenovia College Clarkson University Cochran School of Nursing Colgate University College of Mount Saint Vincent The College of New Rochelle The College of Saint Rose Columbia University Concordia College The Cooper Union Cornell University Crouse Hospital College of Nursing The Culinary Institute of America Daemen College Dominican College Dorothea Hopfer School of Nursing Dowling College D Youville College Ellis School of Nursing Elmira College Excelsior College Fei Tian College Finger Lakes Health College of Nursing Fordham University Hamilton College Hartwick College Helene Fuld College of Nursing Hilbert College Hobart and William Smith Colleges Hofstra University Houghton College Institute of Design and Construction Iona College Ithaca College Overall, this was a great experience for our students. One of my students who probably never thought of going to college, came to me the day after the Alfred University campus visit and said his mother was proud of him because he now wants to go to college after graduation. Lyn Dempsey, Olean Intermediate Middle School Teacher 6 Keuka College The King s College Le Moyne College Long Island University Manhattan College Manhattan School of Music Manhattanville College Maria College Marist College Marymount Manhattan College Medaille College Memorial Hospital School of Nursing Mercy College Metropolitan College of New York Molloy College Mount Saint Mary College Nazareth College The New School New York Chiropractic College New York College of Podiatric Medicine New York Institute of Technology New York School of Interior Design New York University Niagara University Nyack College Pace University Paul Smith s College Phillips Beth Israel School of Nursing Polytechnic Institute of NYU Pratt Institute Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Roberts Wesleyan College Rochester Institute of Technology The Rockefeller University The Sage Colleges Samaritan Hospital School of Nursing Sarah Lawrence College Siena College Skidmore College I think the program is very beneficial, and I love all the effort that the teachers and colleges are putting forth to change society and ensure that children today know that college is completely doable regardless of family income. Julie Jones, Olean Intermediate Middle s Aide St. Bonaventure University St. Elizabeth College of Nursing St. Francis College St. John Fisher College St. John s University St. Joseph s College St. Joseph s College of Nursing at St. Joseph s Hospital Health Center St. Lawrence University St. Thomas Aquinas College Syracuse University Touro College Trocaire College Union College Alfred University Powell Campus Center. Union Graduate College University of Rochester Utica College Vassar College Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology Villa Maria College of Buffalo Wagner College Watson School of Biological Sciences at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Webb Institute Wells College Yeshiva University