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| Greetings! | |
We hope this message finds you well during this busy time of the year when taxes are prepared and FAFSAs are completed.
This month's newsletter is chock-full of resources for your work with students and families in the region. We encourage you to grab a cup of tea and cozy up to the computer for a quick read.
Finally, we are pleased to announce that SoCal CAN has bee awarded a three-year grant of $150,000 from the National College Access Network and the Kresge Foundation to support our growth and long-term sustainability. We are incredibly appreciative of their investment in the network and look forward to the work that lies ahead.
Sincerely,
SoCal CAN
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NEW RESOURCE FOR SOCAL CAN MEMBERS |
SoCal CAN Member Center
We've launched the SoCal CAN Member Center! This online hub provides easy access to our updated membership directory, discussion forum, calendar of events, committee documents, photo albums, online product ordering system and more. An email was circulated to SoCal CAN members earlier this week with instructions on how to access the center. If you have any questions or would like a personal walk-through of the Member Center, contact Sanjay at sanjay@socalcollegeaccess.org. |
PROGRAMS OF INTEREST |
"Step Up Your Game": A Male Initiative event with Gates Millennium Scholars
February 17, 2011, 6:00 - 8:00 PM, Pasadena City College
Calling all young men of color who want to go to college! This event is expected to be a very inspirational evening for young men, and their families, to learn about the open doors awaiting them through a college education. Hosted in conjunction with the NBA All-Star Weekend, guest celebrities are expected to attend! If your 8-11th graders are interested, please have them click here to RSVP! Parents and guardians are highly encouraged to attend as well. Spanish translation will be available for the parent portion of the program. For questions, contact Jannitta Graham at 1877-690-4677.
Webinar: Using Data to Align Resources to Create a Comprehensive Learning System
March 1, 2011, 10:00 - 11:00 AM
This webinar will focus on how outcome management systems support city and district efforts to build a system of comprehensive services to ensure all students are on track to graduate. Presentations will include findings from two communities that have built an information management system to support the development and sustainability of a comprehensive learning system for all students. These systems successfully align the resources of both the school district and community providers to support high quality educational opportunities both during school hours and beyond. Click here to register.
College Access Brain Trust (CABT) Call
March 8, 2011, 12:30 - 1:00 PM, Dial-In: (712) 432-1620 Access Code: 924486#
The College Access Brain Trust, a group of non-profit executive directors convened by SoCal CAN member Meredith Curry at South Central Scholars, is having their next phone call: "Board of Directors Review, Issues, and Best Practices". To learn more about CABT and find out how to get involved, contact Meredith at meredith@southcentralscholars.org.
Webinar: ConnectEDU Demonstration
March 8, 2011, 12:00 - 1:00 PM
NCAN members are invited attend a demonstration by ConnectEDU, the web-based leader in empowering students to manage their education and launch their career. By using real data, ConnectEDU enables students to make informed decisions about the best choices for them. In addition to guiding students, the technology supports all of the adults who work with them, including their parents, counselors, school administrators, and mentors. Click here to learn more!
United Way of Greater Los Angeles 2011 Education Summit
March 22, 2011, 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM U.S. Secretary of Education, Arne Duncan, will be will be the keynote speaker at United Way's Education Summit on March 22. The event will bring together civic and business leaders, advocates, parents, educators and researchers to work toward a quality education for all students. For more information, please contact Kimberly Dillon at kdillon@unitedwayla.org. To register and learn more, click here.
Community Health, Resource, & Book Fair
March 26, 2011, 10:00 - 2:00 PM, All Peoples Community Center
This health fair welcomes the community to learn the ABC"s of living a healthy lifestyle! Beyond FREE admission, the event will include free health screenings, over 50 represented agencies, and a book sale for the community. If your organization would like to host a booth at the fair, please contact Leticia Ortiz at lortiz@allpeoplescc.org or 213.747.6357 x21 by March 11, 2011. All Peoples Community Center is located at 822 E. 20th Street Los Angeles, CA 90011.
NCAN 2011 Regional Meeting
April 6, 2011, Albuquerque, NM
Don't miss this opportunity to network with state and regional colleagues. Topics will include policy, advocacy, and networks. Registration is free for NCAN members. Click here to learn more and to register!
3rd Annual NPEA Conference
April 28-29, 2011, Atlanta, GA
The overall theme for the National Partnership for Educational Access's (NPEA) 2011 conference will focus on leadership and how to create paths for success in the field of educational access. Our role as strong leaders in the field of education is critical for promoting college access and success, and for helping students complete college and ultimately become leaders and contributors in their own right. This conference will address what professionals and students need to serve as effective leaders in the 21st century and explore what it takes to help students achieve success. Click here to learn more.
2011 Federal Student Aid Fall Conference
Nov. 29 - Dec. 2, 2011 - 2011, MGM Grand Conference Center in Las Vegas, NV
The Federal Student Aid's Communications and Outreach Group is pleased to announce that the 2011 Federal Student Aid (FSA) Fall Conference will be held at the MGM Grand Conference Center in Las Vegas. Click here for further information.
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RESOURCES
| College Access System Map
Taken from The OMG Center for Collaborative Learning's report "Using Data to Drive Change: A Guide for College Access and Success Stakeholders", this map charts a complete college access system that includes the players that directly impact students at home, school and community, and stakeholders within the policy arena. It's a useful tool for understanding the role that your organization plays in the broader field of College Access.
Secrets to Winning a Scholarship: The Book
Secrets to Winning a Scholarship provides practical, clear and concise advice about how to find and win scholarships and fellowships. The scholarship secrets book also includes several top ten lists, such as the top ten most unusual scholarships, the top ten most prestigious scholarships, the top ten most generous scholarships and the top ten scholarships that don't require an 'A'. The book is available for $5.95 from Fastweb.
List of Colleges With "Fly-In" Programs
SoCal CAN member, Dan Clement, shared with us a list of colleges that have "fly-in" programs for minority and low income students. There are usually eligibility requirements, and most colleges will ask you to complete an application. But who can turn down a free flight to the college of your dreams?
Interest FREE Loans for Students & Families
The Jewish Free Loan Association of Los Angeles offers interest-free loans on a non-sectarian basis to individuals and families whose needs are urgent and who may not qualify through normal financial resources. Interest-free loans instead of charity fill an important gap in our social system by promoting self-sufficiency with dignity. This is a great opportunity for students & families to apply for an average loan of $3000. For more info, contact Saul Korin at saul@jfla.org.
Undocumented "Coming Out" Guide
The leaders of DreamActivist.org, a student group working nationally on justice for undocumented students, has compiled a "Coming Out" guide for those students who are unafriad to tell their story of being undocumented.
INeedAPencil.com - FREE SAT Prep
INeedAPencil.com is an innovative site that raises students SAT scores through a strategic preparation program that uses SAT questions, lessons and student tools. INeedAPencil.com has 60 lessons, 800+ practice questions, and countless useful features. Click here to learn more!
FREE Family Tax-Preparation Services
Community Build Family Source is offering FREE tax preparation services for families on February 26, 2011 from 9:00 - 5:00 PM. To set-up an appointment, clients should call (323) 789-9950. Clients must have all their documents at their time of appointment. Community Build family Source is located at 4305 Degnan Ave., Suite 102, Los Angeles, CA 90008. Magnolia Place Family Center is offering FREE tax preparation services for families in the Pico-Union-Adams neighborhoods. Click here to learn more about the complete list of services provided and the locations where they will be offered beginning this month! LA Family Housing is offering FREE tax preparation services for taxpayers with annual incomes of $49,000 or less in North Hollywood on February 19, 2011 from 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM. Appointments are required. To make an appointment, call (818) 982-4091 x 159. |
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POLICY UPDATES
| List of CA Higher Education Bills Up for Review in 2011
The CSU Office of Advocacy and State Relations recently published a list of the current Higher Education bills that are up for review this year. The bills of greatest interest to the CSU thus far deal with AB 540 students and the Dream Act, with two strengthening and one weakening this law.
Brown Proposes Big Cuts to Higher Education
California's colleges and universities face a combined $1.4 billion in cuts in the next budget year under a proposal laid out Monday by Gov. Jerry Brown. The University of California and California State University systems would receive $500 million less apiece from the state in 2011-12, obliterating gains made in this year's budget. And the state would cut $400 million from California's 112 community colleges, although a proposed fee hike would make up for $110 million of that.
Obama's Budget Calls for $2 billion Increase for Dept. of Education
NCAN recently shared with us portions of President Obama's 2012 budget. As he promised, there is clear focus on Higher Education investments, with considerable funding for new innovative programs that focus ona "venture capital" approach to encourage innovative approaches to improving college completion, especially among low-income students.
CA Bill Would Give Foster Youth Priority Enrollment at Colleges
To boost their chances of making it through college, legislation introduced in Sacramento would give current or former foster youth priority when registering for classes at the state's public colleges and universities. The law would require California's 112 community colleges and 23 California State University campuses to give current or former foster youth preferential treatment when registering for classes, and would encourage the University of California to do so as well.
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RESEARCH & TRENDS
| Easy Come, EZ-GO: A Federal Role in Removing Jurisdictional Impediments to College Education
This report examines how a regional-based approach -- as opposed to a state-based approach -- may help us meet our national college completion agenda. Metropolitan areas particularly warrant attention, because they are central to our national economy and foreshadow the future face of higher education. In these communities individuals carry out key aspects of their lives-work and personal-across state boundaries. Yet the movement of students within these multi-state spaces is severely restricted, in large part because of state-based education policies. Creating policies that focus on improving education in these metropolitan regions could substantially increase the number of people with college degrees.
As the Web Goes Mobile, Colleges Fail to Keep Up
Hand-held devices like smartphones and tablets are fast becoming the primary way many people use the Internet. Half of all college students used mobile gear to get on the Internet every day last year, compared with 10 percent of students in 2008, according to Educause, the educational-technology consortium. But many colleges still treat their mobile Web sites as low-stakes experiments.
Reality Check: Hispanic-Serving Institutions on the Texas Border Strategizing Financial Aid
As Latino representation in U.S. higher education grows, a reality check of institutional practices that support Latino students' access, persistence, and graduation is needed. This brief examines financial aid strategies aimed at increasing enrollment, academic success and degree completion at eight Texas Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) located along the U.S.-Mexico border serving low-income communities. Understanding what influences Latino students' financial aid choices and which institutional practices are effective in enrolling, retaining, and graduating Latino students is directly relevant to other institutions that are only beginning to experience growth in the number of their non-traditional students.
More stories of interest ...
Dormitories Seen as Retention Tools at Urban, Commuter Schools
VIDEO: Preparing Young Americans for the 21st Century
Community College Student Survey: The Results
What Degrees Should Mean: Lumina Standards
College Saving Gets Trickier
8 Subtle Ways to Prepare Middle Schoolers for College
New Facebook App Predicts College Acceptance Chances
VIDEO: Demystifying the Application Process (Funny!)
MAP: Adults With College Degrees in the United States, by County
MAP: Return on Educational Investment, by District
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SCHOLARSHIPS
| Third Annual "Que Llueva Cafe" Scholarship
The "Que Llueva Café" Scholarship sponsored by Chicano Organizing & Research in Education aims to support the dreams, hopes and aspirations of college bound undocumented students so that they can earn their college education and allow for all of their hard work and sacrifice to persevere. The deadline is February 25, 2011.
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program
The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program provides scholarships for study abroad to U.S. undergraduates with financial need, including students from diverse backgrounds and students headed to non-traditional study abroad destinations. Established under the International Academic Opportunity Act of 2000, Gilman Scholarships provide up to $5,000 per student. The deadline is February 28, 2011.
Hispanic College Fund Scholarships Now Open!
The Hispanic College Fund has announced the opening of scholarship applications, which are available online. Scholarships range from $500 to $10,000 and will be awarded for the 2011-2012 academic year. The deadline is March 1, 2011.
HOPE Coalition of Orange County - AB 540 Scholarship
The HOPE Coalition scholarship is open to AB 540 applicants who are Orange County residents. In addition, applicants must volunteer at least 10 hours of community service. There also includes an essay component. The deadline in March 15, 2011.
GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship Program
Honoring the legacy and character of our nation's 40th President, this program rewards college-bound students who demonstrate exemplary leadership, drive, integrity, and citizenship with financial assistance to pursue higher education. Through the generous support of GE, this national program rewards up to 20 students a year with a renewable scholarship of $10,000 annually (potentially up to $40,000 per recipient). The deadline is March 18, 2011.
National Federation of the Blind 2011 Scholarship Program
To recognize achievement by blind scholars, the National Federation of the Blind annually offers blind college students in the United States the opportunity to win one of thirty national scholarships worth from $3,000 to $12,000. The deadline is March 31, 2011.
Buick Achievers Scholarship Program
The Buick Achievers Scholarship Program wants to reward those who have succeeded both inside and outside of the classroom, who may not be able to attend college without financial assistance. It's a reward for what you've made of yourself, and the difference you are making for others. They're offering up to $25,000/year for 100 first-time freshman, renewable up to four years. The majority of the scholarships will be awarded to students majoring in STEM fields, with a heavy emphasis on Engineering majors. The deadline is March 31, 2011.
Asian Pacific Community Fund
The Asian Pacific Community Fund partners with Verizon to financially assist students in pursuit of higher education as they face the challenge of significantly rising costs of obtaining a college degree. These awards will support those who excel academically, are leaders amongst their peers and are making a positive impact in the Asian and Pacific Islander communities. The scholarship awards will only be used to cover the cost of attending an accredited 4 year college/university. This may include tuition, fees, books, supplies, living expenses and meals. The deadline is March 31, 2011.
AARP Women's Scholarship Program
The AARP Women's Scholarship Program is about creating chances, fostering opportunities and, ultimately, changing lives. Recipients of these scholarships are diverse and inspirational: A widow finding hope and opportunity through education; a recovering addict achieving her dream of graduating from college; a grandmother raising grandchildren with the hope of achieving a more secure future for her family. The deadline is March 31, 2011.
Zinch.com
Zinch has been hard at work the past few months, and recently launched a major upgrade to their website. It's still the same Zinch, only better and easier to use! Some of the enhancements include: a Scholarship Search Tool, a College Search Tool, and easier interaction with fellow Zinchers and college admissions officers.
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STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES | |
Call for Nominations: Beat the Odds Program
A program of the Children's Defense Fund, Beat the Odds honors outstanding high school students who have overcome tremendous adversity, demonstrated academic excellence and given back to their communities. CDF holds five high-profile awards events to send a clear signal that someone does care and understand what it takes to stay in school and do well while coping with adversity in their personal lives. CDF encourages you to attend one of these events and learn more about how you can help support outstanding high school students. If you would like to nominate one of your students for this award, please contact Michelle Biltz at 989-430-0130 or biltzmic@gmail.com.
Latino Leadership Initiative at Harvard Kennedy School
This summer leadership program is a weeklong intensive program for Latino leaders who are rising college seniors and includes classes on decision making, negotiation, and public narrative, as well as sessions designed to help students develop greater self-awareness and knowledge of their own strengths and weaknesses as leaders. Click here to download an application. The deadline is February 21, 2011.
2011 African-American Youth Leadership Conference - Applications Open!
July 24 - 31, 2011, CSU Sacramento
The African-American Youth Leadership Program (AAYLP), a division of the Research and Policy Institute of California, is seeking applicants for its 2010 African-American Youth Leadership Conference. California high school students eligible to graduate in 2011 or 2012 are invited to apply. Housing, meals, program materials and transportation to, from and during the conference site provided at NO COST to the participants! The deadline is April 1, 2011.
Smithsonian Latino Center 2011 Young Ambassadors Program
The Young Ambassadors Program is a national, interdisciplinary leadership development program for high school seniors. The mission of the program is to foster the next generation of Latino leaders in the arts, sciences, and humanities via the Smithsonian Institution and its resources. Selected students will travel to Washington, D.C., for a week-long, leadership development seminar encourages youth to explore and understand Latino identity and embrace their own cultural heritage. On completion of the five-week program, participants will receive a $2,000 program stipend toward their higher education. The deadline is April 8, 2011.
USC's SummerTIME Program - Applications Open!
The Center for Higher Education Policy Analysis at USC has opened their applications to high school seniors interested in attending their 4 week SummerTIME program which provides students with college writing skills and college life workshops. Student daily lunch and one-month bus pass are also provided. Click here for an application and to learn more! The deadline is April 22, 2011.
The National Immigrant Youth Alliance (NIYA)
NIYA is an undocumented youth-LED network of grassroots organizations, campus-based student groups and individuals committed to achieving equality for all immigrant youth, regardless of their legal status.Through grassroots organizing, advocacy and direct collective action we aim to develop a sustainable movement for justice and equality led by those most affected and supported by committed, conscientious allies. Your student can learn more about getting involved with NIYA at www.theniya.org.
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ORGANIZATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
| Nominate Your Favorite College or University!
The Center for Student Opportunity (CSO) partners with four-year colleges and universities to build awareness of postsecondary opportunities for underserved, first- generation college students and improve campus outreach, recruitment, and retention efforts. CSO would love to know where your students have had success and which institutions you think are supporting today's traditionally underserved students best. Click here to download a nomination form and submit to nwatson@csopportunity.org. The deadline is February 25, 2011.
2011 Examples of Excelencia - Nominations Open!
Excelencia in Education is now accepting nominations for the 2011 Examples of Excelencia. This national initiative identifies and promotes programs and departments with significant evidence of improving educational achievement for Latino students in higher education. They invite nominations of programs and departments making a positive difference for Latino students at the associate, baccalaureate, and graduate levels. Click here to learn more and to begin your nomination. The deadline is April 15, 2011.
Call for Proposals: Be a Workshop Presenter at the 2011 NCAN Conference!
The National College Access Network (NCAN) invites you to submit proposals for its 2011 Annual Conference. The goal of this conference is provide professional development and networking opportunities that help participants serve more students, improve existing services, and raise college-going and college graduation rates in their communities and regions. Click here to learn more on submitting a proposal. The deadline is March 18.
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JOBS | Community Engagement and Outreach Manager
Partnership for Los Angeles Schools
The Partnership for Los Angeles School's is looking for a Community Engagement and Outreach Manager who will be responsible for developing, implementing and overseeing all outreach campaigns, communication and community events/activities with families and community members within the Partnership network. This person will also be in charge of to publicize the Partnership to potential new families. She or he will be part of the Family and Community Engagement team, and will work closely with the Director of Family and Community Engagement, other team members, school administration and family members of Partnership Schools.
Education Coordinator
ALL Management Corporation
ALL Management Corporation is a 30-year-old Los Angeles-based nonprofit organization dedicated to providing resources and programs for student and families so they can succeed in education beyond high school. Under the direction of the Managing Director, the Education Coordinator's primary responsibilities include maintaining and expanding program curricula, guiding program evaluation and organizational learning, and strategic planning within their College & Career Clubs (CCC) Program. CCC is designed to help middle school students plan for and assume responsibility for their future success.
Public Policy Administrative Assistant
LA Chamber of Commerce
The Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce represents more than 1,600 member businesses throughout the region. The Chamber is Southern California's leading business advocacy organization dedicated to strengthening our economy and quality of life through job creation, education and workforce development, infrastructure investment and business development. The public policy administrative assistant position is in the Public Policy Department of the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce and reports to the V.P. of Public Policy.
Director
Hispanic Youth Institute, Los Angeles
The Director of the Hispanic Youth Institute, Los Angeles serves as the project manager to ensure the efficient and effective delivery of the program, in a manner consistent with the Hispanic College Fund's national program standards. Primary responsibilities include event logistics, volunteer, student, and planning committee recruitment and management, and implementation of the Los Angeles Hispanic Youth Institute. The Director of the Hispanic Youth Institute works closely with other members of the HCF team, partners and volunteers to guarantee the program's integrity.
Urban Peace Project Manager
Advancement Project
The Urban Peace program is now seeking a highly qualified Urban Peace Policy Manager to support their successful policy projects which include comprehensive violence reduction strategy, violence prevention, gang intervention and prisoner re-entry. This position will work directly with the Director of Urban Peace in implementing multiple aspects of the project including research, policy development, technical assistance to place based strategies as well as building and maintaining strategic partnerships.
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MEMBERS IN THE NEWS | Article on Mar Vista Family Center's "Super Saturday"
The Santa Monica Patch, a local e-news source run by local professional editors, writers, photographers and videographers, recently featured SoCal CAN member Mar Vista Family Center in their article about January 29th's "Super Saturday" event that hosted free FAFSA workshops across the region. It looks like it was a great success Jesus!
Posse Foundation Selected as Finalist for USA Funds $1 million Award
Congratulations to SoCal CAN member organization, The Posse Foundation, for being selected as a finalist for a $1 million college access & success award from USA Funds. The awards are intended to expand programs that enhance student success in higher education. Click here to view the complete list of finalists. The two winning programs will be announced in March.
Michele Siqueiros of CCO featured in California Watch article on Gov. Brown Budget
Michele Siqueiros, executive director of SoCal CAN member organization, the Campaign for College Opportunity, gives her insights on the proposed CA budget by newly appointed Governor Jerry Brown. Michele gives light to the fact that Brown's proposal doesn't "spell out the formula", but rather suggests that "everyone has to come to the table to figure out a formula to assure [college] completion".
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We would like to thank The Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Foundation for their steadfast support which has made our monthly e-newsletter possible!
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