The Middle School to College Connection Colleges2Kids – Kids2College® at Olean Intermediate Middle School Spring 2013

Getting to College Starts Now Families want the best for their children. That usually We are going to college! includes dreams of a college education. A college education expands an individual’s knowledge, perspectives and skills and it also brings greater job More than 150 6th grade middle school counseling staff drew from for the classroom opportunities and the chance to earn more over a students from Olean Intermediate Middle lessons and activities. lifetime than someone with only a high school diploma. School participated in the Spring 2013 Students also had the opportunity to Employers increasingly need individuals with a Colleges2Kids – Kids2College ® program. become college students for a day when they college degree. Making the right choices now – in The students learned of the importance of visited Alfred University. During the visit, middle school – and through high school will open up thinking about and starting to prepare for the 6th graders, their teachers, counselors possibilities that are not available without a college college in middle school; about the academic and family members who were able to attend education. preparation needed for certain careers, and; toured the campus, participated in sample This Colleges2Kids – Kids2College ® program was about the wide variety of college choices college classes, talked with Alfred University funded through a federal College Access Challenge available to achieve their future goals. The students and enjoyed lunch in a campus Grant (CACG) awarded to the Commission on Sallie Mae Fund’s Kids2College ® college dining hall. Independent Colleges and Universities (cIcu) by the and career awareness curriculum provided In these pages, learn how the 6th grade New York State Higher Education Services Corporation the springboard for the activities that the classes from Olean came to say, “We are going (HESC), the state agency designated to administer middle schools’ administration, teachers and to college!” the state’s CACG program since 2008. Colleges2Kids – Kids2College ® seeks to raise students’ awareness about the benefits and opportunities a college education can bring and also increase understanding of the relationship between future careers and middle and high school academic preparation.

Table of Contents Getting to College Starts Now 1 Colleges2Kids – Kids2College® Collaboration 2 The Importance of Planning Ahead: The Colleges2Kids – Kids2College® Challenge 3 Olean Intermediate Middle School’s 6th Grade Goes to College 4-5 Additional Resources 6 Summer 2013 Pre-High School Programs at Alfred University 6 Looking Ahead: 100+ Private Colleges and Universities to Choose From! 6 Colleges2Kids – Kids2Colleg e® Collaboration

Alfred University’s Education Division, the 6th grade classes from Wellsville Middle School The Commission on Independent and Scio Central School visited Alfred after ® Colleges and Universities (cIcu) , an completing the Kids2College curriculum. New York State Higher Education educational corporation formed under the New Services Corporation (HESC) , a state York State Regents, represents 100+ independent Alfred University Campus Visit agency, helps students and their families pay colleges and universities across New York State. Coordinators for college. HESC administers the Tuition cIcu’s outreach to schools and communities ᔢ Christopher Romanchock, Alfred University, Assistance Program (TAP) and other state includes college awareness programs, workshops , Children and Youth Learning Initiative grants and scholarships. Some of HESC’s services and professional development, as well as Director include providing information to students publications and resources for students, parents, ᔢ Jesye Streisel, Alfred University Graduate and families on postsecondary education and schools about private, not-for-profit higher Student, C2K – K2C Project at Alfred benefits, college and career preparation, and education, college awareness, admissions, and University, Executive Assistant Director understanding the connection between careers financial aid. Available free of charge, college ᔢ Ann Monroe-Baillargeon, Alfred University, and the necessary coursework to get there. awareness publications and other resources can Education Division Chair HESC administers the state’s federal College be accessed online at www.nycolleges.org. This ᔢ Jing Zhu, Alfred University, Confucius Access Challenge Grant (CACG). Colleges2Kids – Kids2College ® (C2K – K2C) Institute Project Manager project was supported by a federal CACG grant awarded by HESC to the Commission on ᔢ Nancy Kohler, Alfred University, Equestrian Independent Colleges and Universities, the Center Director grant lead. ᔢ Marlene Wightman, Alfred University, Department of Continuing Education Director OLEAN INTERMEDIATE MIDDLE ᔢ Alfred University Student Volunteers SCHOOL We are extremely grateful to have had the Alfred University , founded in 1836, became opportunity over the last three years to be a the first coeducational institution in New York part of such an incredible program. Our State and the second in the nation. About 2,000 The Sallie Mae Fund , a charitable faculty and our sixth grade students enjoy full-time undergraduate and 400 graduate organization sponsored by Sallie Mae, achieves the Kids2College ® early college awareness students work and live in 52 buildings on a its mission – to increase college access for curriculum. However, our biggest enjoyment scenic 232-acre hillside campus adjoining the America's students – by supporting programs for our kids comes from the exciting visit to village of Alfred. The University encourages and initiatives that help open doors to Alfred University. Our students look forward to students to undertake community service higher education. Since 2001, The Fund has this annual opportunity and continue to talk projects as an important part of their education. contributed more than $124 million to address about the experience at Alfred for months AU’s art school is ranked number one in the key barriers to college access through free after their visit. The hands-on activities and nation for ceramic art. U.S. News and World educational resources, curricula, and materials. campus tour Alfred provides engages our Report consistently ranks AU among the top 25 regional universities in the North, and number two for “Great School at a Great Price.” Alfred University is also home to the Children and Youth Learning Initiative (CYLI) program, which brings middle school students on campus for hands-on, educational programming. In Fall 2012, coordinating with the CYLI and

2 The Importance of Planning Ahead: The Colleges2Kids – Kids2College ® Challenge learners and sparks within them a curiosity of the college experience. Our students now realize that going to Being prepared for college and a career – a companion teacher’s guide are used in the college is for everyone. The Kids2College ® academically and financially – requires classroom with the program, which concludes lessons inspire our kids to dream big, set planning. Taking the core courses – math, with a group visit to a local college campus. goals and realize they can obtain a higher sciences, English, social studies, languages – At the start of the Kids2College ® program, education degree. They now have the each year is very important. The courses students complete a pre-survey that asks knowledge that college can be affordable students take in middle and high school build questions about their knowledge of college, the for everyone. I truly believe this early on one another, each leading to the next, college process, and their plans for their future. exposure ignites in our students the desire higher-level, course. Research has shown that At the end of the program, students complete a and mind-set that they will greatly benefit students who take algebra and geometry in post-survey with similar questions. Students’ from and need to be on a college track. middle school or early high school are more responses in both surveys are compared to Kids2College ® makes the real world connection likely to go to college. The reason is that assess what they have learned and any changes for kids between the importance of being algebra prepares students for higher-level math in their attitudes toward college and careers. college ready and obtaining their future courses and for science courses such as biology, dream career. The conversation in the chemistry, and physics. Completing those classroom around educational level and courses in high school prepares students for future earnings is one in which our students college work and gets them on track to begin Sample Kids2College ® Lessons truly get excited. They hear and see the data courses in their selected major. For example, a ᔢ Lesson One – Education Options and understand the concept of the higher student studying to become an engineer often College Vocabulary, Degree Information, your education level the bigger your paycheck . needs to complete calculus or other advanced Vocational School, Salary Here in Olean it is our hope and desire to math before entering college. Students who ᔢ Lesson Two – Career Exploration continue being a part of this outstanding have not yet completed the preparatory work College Vocabulary, Career Options, program for many years to come. The will need to catch up, spending extra time and Postsecondary Education collaboration with the Commission on money to take the required courses. Independent Colleges and Universities (cIcu) ᔢ Lesson Three – I’m Going to College and Alfred University through this College The Kids2College ® Curriculum College Vocabulary, SAT/ACT, Learning Styles, Access Challenge Grant-funded Colleges2Kids – Extracurricular Activities Middle school is the best time to help Kids2College ® program has assured all of our ᔢ Lesson Four – Paying for College students begin to make connections between kids they can start preparing for a brighter College Vocabulary, Financial Aid and the careers, future earnings and dreams for future, attend college and dare to dream. FAFSA, Types of Financial Aid: Grants, Loans, higher education. In existence since 1992, Scholarships, and Work Study – Mr. Gerald A. Trietley, Principal at Olean the Kids2College ® (K2C) college and career Intermediate Middle School awareness curriculum was developed by The ᔢ Lesson Five – Connecting Colleges and Careers Sallie Mae Fund in consultation with the Preparation for Career Day National Council for Community and ᔢ Lesson Six – Career Day Education Partnerships. cIcu selected the Career Day Presentations, College Visit K2C curriculum for the Colleges2Kids – Preparation Kids2College ® program. ᔢ College Campus Visit The six-session Kids2College ® curriculum incorporates best practices and research, combined with hands-on activities with information on careers, college life and academic preparation and the importance of being college-ready. Student handbooks and

3 Olean Intermediate Middle School’s 6th Grade Goes to College

In Spring 2013, Olean Intermediate Middle My favorite part of the School in Olean, New York, participated in the C2K-K2C program was… C2K-K2C Olean Intermediate Colleges2Kids - Kids2College ® (C2K-K2C) Middle School’s Visit to Alfred program. Over 150 6th grade students When we went and visited Alfred University on March 8, 2013 completed the college and career awareness University. The trip to the college made 9:00 am Arrive at Alfred University lessons and in two groups on March 8, and on me want to go to college even more 9:15 Welcome and opening remarks 9:30 Workshop classes led by Alfred May 2, 2013, the students and their teachers than I already did. University students. Workshops traveled to Alfred University for the day. The – Brielle George options: activities during the visit included a science • Equestrian Center Tour exploration class, a tour of the Equestrian My favorite parts were the hands-on • Building and Racing LEGO robots Center, learning engineering principles using activities, both in class and at Alfred 10:45 Students switch and attend a second workshop. Workshops options: LEGOs, a campus tour, lunch in the dining University. • Building and Racing LEGO robots – Bri Dyal hall, and an interactive small group Paying • Learning about Science Workshop for College activity. Here is what the Olean Going to Alfred University. 11:40 Campus tour and scavenger hunt Intermediate Middle School students and – Josh Bihler 12:05 pm Lunch in the campus dining hall teachers thought about the experience. 12:35 “Paying for College” presentation Getting to meet the horses and barn cats and small group activity at Alfred University. Especially the giant 1:05 Depart draft horses! C2K-K2C Olean Intermediate C2K-K2C has become an important – Anna Button Middle School’s Visit to Alfred part of our 6th grade curriculum. It might Going to the equestrian center and University on May 2, 2013 not be “Common Core;” however, it gets “ 9:00 am Arrive at Alfred University learning all about the horses. students going in the right direction at an 9:15 Welcome and opening remarks – Olivia Lang early age . 9:30 Workshop classes led by Alfred – Charles Bauer, Olean Intermediate Middle Going to Alfred and seeing the college. University students. Workshops options: School Teacher ” – Jessica Olson • Athletic Center When we ate the food was amazing! • Building and Racing LEGO robots 10:45 Students switch and attend a second Now I can’t wait to go to college even workshop. Workshops options: more! • Library Tour – Kayla O’Connor • Theatre Tour and Activities 11:40 Campus tour and scavenger hunt Seeing the science class where we 12:05 pm Lunch in the campus dining hall experimented with thermite and the 12:35 “Paying for College” Presentation and rocket car flying off the wire onto a roof. small group activity 1:05 Depart – Korry Keis When we spent time in the dance room. – Avianna Howell

I found that this program helped bring college awareness to many students, “especially the ones who were not considering college because of financial situations. – Andrea Bean, Olean Intermediate Middle School Teacher ”

4 Olean Intermediate Middle School’s 6th Grade Goes to College

What did you learn about What courses will you take in preparing for college? high school to be ready for Students really enjoyed the college college? visit. The activities were engaging and the You need to do your best in school, and “presenters were exciting . doing clubs and sports helps you get I will take extra math and science in – Andrea Bean, Olean Intermediate Middle into college. high school. School Teacher – Reagan Stitt – Bri Dyal ” I learned that if your family does not The courses I will take are math, have a lot of money that there are science, biology, and a business class. It will help you in what your career will many different ways to pay. – Sara Pfeiffer be and the classes to take. – Rhiannon Peck – Kyla Heary I will need to take English, math, IThat you can get scholarships and other science, health, and chemistry in high You will need to prepare for college – Rose Mary Williams things to help pay for college. school to be ready for college – Meghan Blanchard – Filip Morawski You need to know about your future I learned that you have to have more when you’re young. – Brianna Painter than good grades when preparing for It is important to think college. I also learned that there are about college in middle You can take the time to prepare for a better future. scholarships for almost anything. school because… – Mikailyn Gronemeier – Tenaya Ramadha You might want to reach a goal in the I learned that you don’t have to have the future. money to go to college. – Justine Brooks – Avianna Howell The choices and grades you get now will affect you later – Reagan Stitt The students liked to participate in the You can see what college is like and hands-on activities. The student leaders were prepare for it. “fun and could relate to the students. They – Anyca Charleston presented ideas/ways for all kids to go to Then you would know what to do when college (grants, scholarships, etc.). It gave all you get to high school and college. kids hope . – Brianna M. Carter-Turner – Mary Magro, Olean Intermediate Middle School Te”acher Middle school helps me get to college and the grades in middle school will help you into college. – Jazlynn Sullivan You have to achieve good grades to get your mind focused on the job you’d like to take. You have to set goals to get there, and you have to be determined. – Kayla O’Connor

5 Resources for More Information

www.nycolleges.org www.GoCollegeNY.org www.knowhow2go.org www.nysaves.org New York’s 100+ private colleges Are you thinking about college A resource for college planning New York’s 529 College Savings and universities’ admissions and and have a million questions? starting in middle school. Program provides information for financial aid information Web site. Start at GoCollegeNY! families to save for college with significant tax benefits.

Alfred University’s Summer Programs for Teens and Pre-Teens

Each summer Alfred University offers Summer 2013 Pre-High School Programs • Computer Engineering pre-high school and high school students at Alfred University: • Renewable Energy Engineering an opportunity to come to campus to • Art Portfolio Prep - How to Get Into a Top • Robotics Engineering explore new interests and enhance special Art School • Theatre academic or sports talents and skills. Visit • Astronomy • Equestrian www.alfred.edu/summer/ or call • Ceramic & Glass Engineering • Swimming 607.871.2612 for more information. • Chinese Language and Culture (Day Camp) • Other Sports • Creative Writing • Programs for Pre-High School Students • Consumer Chemistry

Looking Ahead: 100+ Private Colleges and Universities to Choose From!

Adelphi University The Cooper Union Keuka College Albany College of Pharmacy and Cornell University The King’s College Health Sciences Crouse Hospital College of Nursing Le Moyne College I think the program is very beneficial, and I love all the Albany Law School The Culinary Institute of America Long Island University Albany Medical College Daemen College Manhattan College effort that the teachers and colleges are putting forth to change Alfred University Dominican College Manhattan School of Music society and ensure that children today know that college is American Academy McAllister “ Dorothea Hopfer School of Nursing Manhattanville College completely doable regardless of family income. Institute Dowling College Maria College American Museum of Natural D’Youville College Marist College – Julie Jones, Olean Intermediate Middle School Teachers Aide History, Richard Gilder Graduate School Ellis School of Nursing Marymount Manhattan College Bank Street College of Education Elmira College Medaille College ” Bard College Excelsior College Memorial Hospital School of Nursing St. Bonaventure University Union Graduate College Barnard College Fei Tian College Mercy College St. Elizabeth College of Nursing University of Rochester Boricua College Finger Lakes Health College of Metropolitan College of New York St. Francis College Utica College Nursing Bramson ORT College Molloy College St. John Fisher College Vassar College Fordham University Canisius College Mount Saint Mary College St. John’s University Vaughn College of Aeronautics Hamilton College and Technology Cazenovia College Nazareth College St. Joseph’s College Hartwick College Villa Maria College of Buffalo Clarkson University The New School St. Joseph’s College of Nursing at Helene Fuld College of Nursing St. Joseph’s Hospital Health Center Wagner College Cochran School of Nursing New York Chiropractic College Hilbert College St. Lawrence University Watson School of Biological Sciences Colgate University New York College of Podiatric Hobart and William Smith Colleges Medicine St. Thomas Aquinas College at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory College of Mount Saint Vincent Hofstra University New York Institute of Technology Syracuse University Webb Institute The College of New Rochelle Houghton College New York School of Interior Design Touro College Wells College The College of Saint Rose Institute of Design and Construction New York University Trocaire College Yeshiva University Columbia University Iona College Niagara University Union College Concordia College Ithaca College Nyack College Pace University Paul Smith’s College Phillips Beth Israel School of Nursing Polytechnic Institute of NYU Overall, this was a great experience for our Pratt Institute students. One of my students who probably never Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute thought of going to college, came to me the day after Roberts Wesleyan College “ Rochester Institute of Technology the Alfred University campus visit and said his The Rockefeller University mother was proud of him because he now wants to The Sage Colleges Samaritan Hospital School of go to college after graduation. Nursing – Lyn Dempsey, Olean Intermediate Middle School Sarah Lawrence College Teacher Siena College Alfred University Powell Campus Center. ” Skidmore College 6