Great New Learning: NACAC 2016 is in the books!

The hustle and bustle at the Columbus Convention Center has winded down.  The organization estimated over 7,400 high school and college professionals who attended the national event this year.  Today's presentations were fabulous.  I started the day in a session titled:  College Readiness, Access and Success for Low Income and First Gen Students.  This session was very informative, two of the main things that help students succeed are mentoring and access to resources.  One of the resources named was College Green Light, which helps first gen, trail blazing students with college choice and mentorships.  Another resource named was Questbridge.  There was also much banter about connecting with students and making sure that there are safety nets to help them succeed.  And, about the importance of providing adequate numbers of professionals who reflect diversity.
     The next session was hosted by National Public Radio Correspondent Claudio Sanchez.  He spoke to a filled room with about 300 folks.  His talk was passionate and focused on college access, affordability and equity.  His story about assimilation to the United States and for him, about having to focus on precision of speech growing up really got me reflecting on the journey that some Hispanics in the US face.  He talked a lot about educational equity and how this starts in the school and begins with school administration at the local level. The school is a microcosm of the community.  He went on to talk about school and college counselors as gatekeepers and keyholders to opportunities that can be transformative for young people. He also mentioned that those working to catapult students into the future often do not get the gratitude that is much deserved.  I was invigorated about the work we do in SAISD after listening to his speech.
   

Me and Mr. Claudio Sanchez, Education Correspondent from National Public Radio

The last session of today was entitled:  College Exploration and Middle School, the Power of Partnership.  Here is a description:  Research shows that providing middle school students with relavent college info can positively impact the college and career choices that students make in high school and beyond.  A panel from Ft. Worth, Texas talked about how they partner with industry to support their career days and college fairs.  

Ft Worth Info on Middle School College & Career Expo

Fort Worth ISD utilizes a College and Career Advising Committee to include:  college, business and community representatives to help plot and plan student academic and career counseling activities. 

IROC stands for I'm Ready for the Opportunity of College

The "IROC"  I'm Ready for the Opportunity of College is a summer enrichment program facilitated by the school counseling team in Fort Worth.  IT helps middle school students research and explore career potential.  Kids 2 College is a curriculum that FWISD uses and is sponsored by Sallie Mae.  Learn More Here. Be sure to check it out! 

And, of course we can not forget the always enlightening College Campus Tours! This gives your students the reality of envisioning themselves on a college campus, in the dining hall, in the book store and all over!  Call your local College Admissions Offices to find out which campus will host your middle school kiddos.  

FWISD takes their middle school students on college campus tours

The NACAC college counseling fair had hundreds of representatives from national and international colleges and it did not disappoint.  We networked at a few tables represented and are coming back to SAISD with a ton of counselor swag and some really great information.  

NACAC College Counseling Fair with over 400 national and international colleges and universities!