The Program
Our program is aimed primarily at children in grades 4 through 6 who are enrolled in Title I public schools. Title I schools are those in which over 40% of the student body is economically disadvantaged. Today there are over 13 million children in these schools who generally believe college or post-secondary vocational school is beyond their reach. As a result, these children are far more vulnerable to self-destructive paths including dropping out of school, using drugs, and committing crimes.
We present them with an alternative. During one semester the elementary school class (known as the “Advisory Council” for the college student) meets regularly with their college student in their classroom and learns about the opportunities that higher education provides. The college volunteer (known as the “Volunteer Participant”) describes the different types of academic institutions, admissions processes, course curriculum, daily student life, and financial options available to pay for post-secondary education. Our program encourages the Advisory Council to engage with their college student, get involved in understanding the college student’s own program and dreams, and ultimately go on a campus tour with their Volunteer. When children learn about college firsthand and receive encouragement to pursue higher education, their goals are elevated. As a result, staying at grade level and graduating from high school finds new importance.
By serving on the Advisory Council, the children also develop self-esteem. This part of the program uses a reverse mentoring format to enhance the children’s personal experience. It also motivates them to take the meetings seriously and become more involved in discussions. During Advisory Council exercises, the VP seeks advice from the council on issues he or she is facing as a college student. This puts the children in a situation where they must think and organize like young adults. During each visit the VP reports his or her grades to the Advisory Council and recounts how the previous issue was resolved with the council’s advice.
During the semester long program, no one institution or course of study is emphasized. Instead, we concentrate on remaining in school, maintaining grade level work, and stressing that the choice of higher education is available to everyone. For many of these children College Bound is their first exposure to the concept of higher education as well their first chance to interact with a college or vocational school student. Our elementary school teachers and principals report that the impact of the College Bound program, along with a visit to the college campus, has a profound effect on their young students.
