What is the focus of Destination College Get Ready and Go! college access program?

In fall 2004, information was gathered from the Akron Public Schools, The University of Akron, and community-based organizations to learn what programs or services were in place to cause young people to aspire to and then pursue education beyond high school. While there were and continue to be many laudable programs and efforts, there are far too few of our young people making the transition from high school to college. From the work of the P-16 Alliance of Summit County in 2006-07, only 49 percent of Summit County high school graduates go on to college in Ohio. Clearly, there is a gap between where we are now and the 80 to 85 percent target that Ohio governors, past and present, have stressed.

Destination College is an access program that is focusing on young people that have the capability but lack support to make the transition. Each year it is becoming more compelling that for economic development to take place, our focus needs to be on increasing the aspirations and education of those already in the “pipeline.” Destination College is committed to work intentionally and intensively with high school juniors who have the potential to be successful in postsecondary education but lack the support needed to transition successfully from high school to college.

What are the goals for the Destination College Get Ready and Go! college access program?

• Increase the number of students who take the ACT and perform well.
• Boost the scores on the ACT between February of junior year and October of senior year.
• Boost math and reading scores to a level that students are not required to take remedial coursework as freshmen.
• Increase the number of students who complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and other applications for scholarship opportunities.
• Increase the number of students who complete college applications.
• Increase the number of students who enroll in postsecondary education.

What does the work look like?

The focus continues to be on juniors at Akron Garfield High School and has expanded to include juniors from Tallmadge High School. A 17-month experience, Destination College begins its work with high school juniors and ushers them through the transition between high school and entrance into a two- or four-year college/university. Students are selected because they have demonstrated the ability to be successful in postsecondary education, but may need some assistance in making the transition. Destination College provides support from the spring of students’ junior year through high school graduation and up to the day in which they enroll in a postsecondary institution in fall 2008.

The support takes three forms. First, class members develop relationships with adult mentors that raise their educational aspirations, help them stay focused, and provide them opportunities and guidance in developing a strong network. Second, after taking the ACT in winter of their junior year, members receive customized skill development in math and reading and ACT instruction in preparation for the fall ACT. They are also instructed in the usage of the numerous resources available that assist students in becoming college-ready, and gaining admission to an institution of higher education. Both summer and fall sessions are designed to prepare class members to earn a minimum score of 20 on the ACT in the fall. Third, members and their families are supported through the financial aid process. After an overview of the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and its importance, additional forms of financial aid are explained. A second session ensures that member families file the FAFSA on-the-Web with assistance of a financial aid professional and the high school guidance counselor.

In July 2007 an intensive 10-day experience will take place at The University of Akron. The experience will include skill development (reading and math) traditional ACT preparation, and community action research projects that members will work on in small groups. In addition, we will pilot an entrepreneurial experience, based on the private sector, much like the community action research (social entrepreneurship) projects. Members will also visit two- and four-year colleges/universities in northeast Ohio to get a "feel" for life on campus. Throughout the academic year, they will engage with mentors in monthly activities that include key milestones in becoming college-ready (e.g., completing college applications, filing the FAFSA).

Who is operating this effort?

Summit Education Initiative, a nonprofit organization, serves as the sponsoring organization and fiscal agent for the program. A small Steering Committee makes policy decisions and provides direction. The following are the members of the 2007-08 Steering Committee.

Local School District: Akron Public Schools—Superintendent and/or Assistant Superintendent

Local School District: Tallmadge City Schools—Superintendent

Local 4-Year University: The University of Akron—University President or Provost

Local Foundation: President or Assistant Director

Local Education Reform Organization: Summit Education Initiative—Executive Director

A Design Team meets meet regularly to focus on implementation of Destination College and includes high school counselors, university representatives, high school principals, and representatives from community organizations. Additionally, there are ad hoc groups that meet and focus on particular topics like mentoring or program activities.

For more information on Destination College Get Ready and Go! call or write:

Ms. Diettra Engram
Program Manager
Summit Education Initiative
520 South Main Street, Suite 2433-C
Akron, OH 44311-1010
Phone: 330-535-8833
Fax: 330-535-0242
E-Mail: diettra@seisummit.org
Web site: www.seisummit.org

College Access Program Map