In early 2009 Circle Urban began a research process to launch a program that would be a support for graduates of our educational wrap-around programs through their high school years.
We were intrigued to learn, through the research, that some of the things that produced significant results were not complicated or difficult. One of the more intriguing items notes that a major contributor to college success is something as basic as the student acquiring the vision for and belief that they can succeed. And, this can be fueled by something as simple as involving the children in college campus visits beginning at around the 5th grade.
College Readiness Program has been serving the students since October 2009. The school year's program efforts:
Assist students through their academic challenges
Provide college, career, and cultural exposure
Provide leadership development and community service opportunities
Provide life skills enrichment classes and academic enhancements
Facilitate college research and application for high school students
Help facilitate high school research and application for middle-schoolers
Facilitate social bonding with a positive peer group
And, be fun!
The program provides research-based services and activities that are linked to pro-social behavior, ensuring high school success, and college/work-readiness. All progamming is based on the following 5 Core Factors which are research-based indicators of success:
Academic rigor
Development of College and Career aspirations
Parental involvement and parent knowledge about college and career readiness
Social and cultural support (peer, family, mentor)
Access to college and career information (for students and parents)
At Circle Urban Ministries beleive that the College Readiness Program has tremendous potential. We believe it will have a significant impact - changing the lives of the youth enrolled, their families, and our community.
With our solid program design that serves the felt and statistically valid needs of our community, we look forward to seeing how the lives of the participants and their families are impacted.
