Showcase Session: College Access & Retention (Part 2)

Workshop Track: Student Services Workshop Title: Beyond Access: Effective Strategies to Foster the Success of Low-income and First Generation College Youth Presenter : Sam Rowser, Program Director April 8-9, 2010 www.onpointforcollege.org Yanetsy (Merino) Garay OCC Class of 2008 now attending Syracuse University

Workshop Overview
Brief Introduction to On Point for College
Pre-and-post student enrollment services—strategies and activities that affect college success
Example of College Access Program- College Partnership
Case studies that reflect student challenges and how they were resolved
Questions and Answers

On Point for College Overview
Mission statement
To open the door to higher education for the inner city youth; to break down the barriers that hinder potential students from entering college; and to provide support that empowers them to succeed.

Program serves more than 2,900 young adults
Helped 2,042 Syracuse youth enroll in college since 1999
Celebrated college graduation of 278
Currently more than 1,100 youth in college
350 students of our students attend the local community college, Onondaga Community College

13 On Point for College staff members
9 full-time/4 part-time
Depth of staff
Full Time: Executive Director, Program Director, Community Investment Director, (3) College Access Advisors, (2) College Success Counselor, Office Manager
Part Time: College Visit Coordinator, On Point for Jobs Coordinator, Bookkeeper, Office Assistant

Pre-and-Post College Enrollment Strategies/Activities that Affect Student Success:
Mobile one-to-one college admission & financial aid advisement at 15 community centers
College visits – three times per week for prospective enrollees
Transportation to placement tests at colleges
Pre-orientation check – counselors verify admission, financial aid & housing status of all prospective OPFC new college enrollees
Orientation program – cover academic success, time management, roommates, etc.

Provision of Basic Needs and College Supplies – backpacks, stationery supplies and $150 clothing stipend, bedding and towels for resident students
Basic and Emergency Needs – Eyeglasses, winter coats, food and medicine including pro-bono dental services
Transportation to and from college for semester breaks/major holidays, utilizing a dedicated corps of volunteer mentors
Establishment of “campus angels” –i.e. compassionate liaisons (staff or faculty) on campuses attended by OPFC students
Pre-and-Post College Enrollment Strategies

Follow-up guidance throughout college as follows:
*Mobile staff who visit OPFC students on campuses within New York State at the beginning of each semester; staff help resolve financial aid issues, provide financial assistance for textbooks, if needed, ensure students have full class schedules and show students were learning centers are located;
*Monthly visits to campuses to meet with students attending two-year and Agricultural & Technical colleges/universities in New York State; and
*Weekly visits to local community college to meet with students;
* College success staff help with study skills, financial aid, academic and personal issues; and link students to campus angels and/or learning centers

Last Dollar Grants – enrollment and housing deposits
Limited financial assistance for textbooks
Math & Science Grants at OCC – tuition assistance to take summer math and science course to help advancement in STEM, Business/Finance and health-related disciplines.
Transfer Services – from two-year to four-year colleges (application, financial aid & college visits)

Re-enrollment assistance for college stopouts
Alternative housing for college breaks for chronically homeless students
Counselor Accessibility – 7 days a week and 15 hours a day
Early Awareness Program – successful college students give presentations entitled “College is Possible” to youth aged 8-15 at neighborhood centers, libraries, schools, and GED classes.
Access to On Point for Jobs – transition to workforce including Job Fairs, networking, and summer and permanent job placement

Example of college partnership that advances student success:
What Onondaga Community College does:
Active assistance from Directors of Admissions and Student Services
Track On Point for College on OCC Admissions application
Provide facility rental for On Point for College events
Dedicated review of admission & financial aid status of On Point for College students before start of semester
Special relationship with EOP & CSTEP
Accessibility to Math Diagnostics Lab prior to enrollment

OCC & On Point for College
What On Point for College does:
2 Retention Counselors at OCC 1 day a week
6 On Point for College advisors to help 350 students complete financial aid, admissions & housing requirements
On Point counselors encourage students to use OCC’s academic services
Provide Math Science Grants to help students enroll in OCC courses over the summer
Transfer services to four-year college including college visits

On Point for College Case Studies
Examples include: student who was chronically homeless, student with started with GED
Candace
Calmesha
Marcus

Candace

Marcus

Calmesha

On Point for College Job Fair

Conclusion and Q&A
Contact Information:
Samuel Rowser, Program Director
On Point for College, Inc.
1654 W. Onondaga Street
Syracuse, NY 13204
(315) 374-4104
[email_address]

Showcase Session: College Access & Retention (Part 2)

by Marissa Lowman on Apr 12, 2010

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Showcase Session: College Access & Retention (Part 2) — Presentation Transcript