The A+ COLLEGE PREP CARAVAN is an creation for OneSpark 2014. It's a mobile entourage of displays and "college knowledge" enthusiasts designed to teach families more about college and college preparation.

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Marti L. Forchion is the creator of the A+
COLLEGE PREP CARAVAN and the author of the
“A+COLLEGE PREP PLANNER – the Ultimate College
Preparation Guide for High-School Students and their
Parents”.

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The A+ COLLEGE PREP CARAVAN is a "travel-themed"
entourage of mobile displays and college knowledge
enthusiasts who provide participants with college prep
information based on the “A+COLLEGE PREP PLANNER"
workbook.
The caravan includes 4 Major Ports of Call – (1)The Guide
Post, (2)Career Exploration, (3)Financial Discovery, and
(4)Campus Search
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Caravan participants will feel empowered and much more
knowledgeable about the college preparation process.
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Early preparation is the key to college success!

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CARAVAN PORTS of CALL
Port #1: The Guide Post
Participants "check in" for their tour of the Caravan and receive a Caravan map, passport, and tour itinerary.
This is an opportunity to see what the caravan has to offer and to plan a course.
Port #2: Career Exploration Station
Participants consider their career interests and visit displays for STEM careers, entrepreneurial opportunities,
vocational occupations, and other non-STEM careers. These displays will discuss necessary skills and
educational requirements as well as future growth opportunities and pay expectations.
Port #3: Financial Discovery Island
Participants receive information about the FAFSA, scholarships, and other financial aid resources. They also
have the option to watch and/or play the "Game of College Life" - an interactive game designed to teach them
about managing finances and other college survival skills.
Port #4: Campus Search
Participants are given information about choosing the “best” college for their individual needs. They can also
view displays on HBCUs, Ivy League Colleges, State schools, Tech schools, and junior colleges.
Passport stamps are provided at each Port of Call and a souvenir photo can be provided at the conclusion of the
tour to remind students and their families that a college career is a viable option if they are prepared. Caravan
participants will feel empowered and much more knowledgeable about the college preparation process.

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What’s Needed for the CARAVAN?
Funding is needed for this project. Additional staff and/or volunteers are needed to setup the displays and to provide information to
participants. “Guest” professionals in the career fields, performers, and college students may be invited to provide entertainment and/or
real-life advice.
The following expenses are required in order to create and successfully execute the A+ College Prep Caravan:
General Operating Expenses
Transportation/vehicle leasing
Educational materials
Audio-visual equipment
Technology & software
Staff equipment & props
Furniture (tables/seating)
Business supplies (paper, pens, etc.)
Printed materials (brochures, banners, etc.)
Marketing Expenses
Website/ web hosting
Postage
Post Office Box
Printing
Advertising
For OneSpark 2014, a smaller version of the A+ College Prep Caravan will be displayed. A representation of each Port of Call will be
displayed with sample passports, maps, flyers, educational, and promotional materials, a smaller simulation of the "Game of College Life"
will also be displayed. A Power Point presentation may also be displayed throughout the event.

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Why Me?
I have been an active community servant in the Jacksonville community for many
years, serving as a mentor and volunteer for Take Stock in Children, Junior
Achievement, PALS, and many other programs. I also served as the Program
Director for the “How to Lead Your Ship” student leadership program - sponsored
by the Jacksonville Chapter of Jack and Jill of America for 3 years.
As a college grad myself, and the mother of 3 collegians, each at different stages
in their college education, I wrote the A+COLLEGE PREP PLANNER to help other
families to learn more about college and the importance of early preparation.
I believe that the A+ COLLEGE PREP CARAVAN will bring the principles in the
A+COLLEGE PREP PLANNER to life and spark the interest of many students and
families.
College success is a choice which requires hard work and perseverance. Let’s
encourage ALL students to make a GREAT choice!
~Marti L. Forchion
2014 OneSpark Creator