Next Generation Scholars offers College and
Graduate School admissions counseling, psychological services, leadership training, and supportive social services. All elements of our program are approached from the lens of ethnic studies and social justice. All lectures, events, projects, and personal interactions are rooted in a deep respect and desire to provide our students with a clear, proud, multi-cultural education. It is of utmost importance that all our students see themselves as an active force for change in the community.
The following are services provided to all Next Generation Scholars.
Assessment of student academic profile: Every student's academic profile is evaluated thoroughly multiple times throughout the program. While grades and scores are very important to the college admissions process, we know an entire admissions file is closely assessed when a decision of acceptance or denial is made. We deliver honest assessments of each student so they can make clear informed decisions as they go through the admissions process.
Curricular and Extra-curricular Planning: Planning is a very big part of the admissions process. Next Generation Scholars works with students and their families to ensure sound academic choices are made. We also use our extensive community resources to enable each student to achieve individualized success in their extra-curricular development.
College Research: There are thousands of colleges in the United States as well as international options. Each school has a unique personality. Next Generation Scholars guides each student through a comprehensive research process that enables students to find ten schools that best match their personal profile. This list is broken down into three "Reach" schools, four "Match" schools and three "Likely" schools. We then help arrange for college tours and visits that enable students to go beyond the tour and actually connect with students, faculty and programs specific to their interests.
Application Strategies: Next Generation Scholars helps students and their families put together the best possible application strategy for each college on their list. Every student has a specific profile unique to them. Next Generation Scholars works with each student to find the best way for them to express their profile in a way that is true to their accomplishments and potential.
Personal Essay/ Short Essay Development: The essays are often times the biggest stopping block in the admissions process. Many students struggle to find a way to best express their personal experience. Next Generation Scholars looks to help each and every student express their authentic selves. This process is one of self discovery and personal development. In writing these essays, many students find their true adult voice for the first time.
Standardized Test Strategies: Each and every student approaches standardized testing differently. These tests are the necessary evils of the admissions process. They, in no way reflect a student's intelligence or potential in higher education. What they do test is a student's ability to take tests and follow a strategy. Our program does a complete evaluation to determine a student's test taking skills. We then create a series of recommendations to help each student achieve their highest test taking potential.
Summer SAT/ACT Prep:
SAT/ACT
test prep is a core part of the Next Generation Scholars summer
curriculum. This program is much like the Kaplan, Princeton Review and
Compass programs. Certain adaptations are made for English language
learners so they may receive the extra support they need to be
successful. An assessment is done on all students to determine which test
the SAT or the ACT is most comfortable for them. The Math, Writing and
Critical Reading sections are taught extensively with special attention also
being paid to teaching standardized test strategy. Along with classes,
all students take 4 full tests in an environment that mimics an actual testing
environment. These tests serve as a barometer of improvement and allow
each student to clearly define the areas where they must concentrate.
Interview Preparation: Throughout our entire program, students are challenged to think and engage their world. Every class includes a college level lecture and discussion that encourages every voice in the room. As we prepare for interviews, we use our classroom time to provoke the kind of discussions that students will have in their interviews. Beyond the classroom, Next Generation Scholars works with each student individually so they will be comfortable expressing their story, as well as their individual interests, accomplishments and goals.
Academic Support: Many underserved students can not gain access to high level academic support. Next Generation Scholars provides academic support in multiple areas including the completion of the minimum college eligibility course sequence as well as AP and honors courses.
College Level Reading/Writing Prep:
In
order to prepare each student for the reading demands of college, college level
books are individually selected to meet the needs of each student. The
number of assigned readings starts at an upper division high school English
rate, and progress to the reading load of a highly selective college.
Comprehension skills are taught and developed as each student rises to the
challenge. Tied into the reading program is a series of progressive
writing assignments that allow each student to develop their college level
writing skills at a pace that is conducive to their individual reading and
writing abilities.
College Tour Planning: College visits are a very important part of the process. Each student must discover for themselves the reasons why an individual college would be a great match for them. Next Generation Scholars works to create enriched college visiting experiences. We help each student put together college tours that enable each student to gather the information they need to make sound decisions. We also are able to connect current students with Next Generation Scholars who have moved on to college. Through these relationships, our students are able to visit classes, arrange overnights, and see a school from the perspective of a student very much like themselves.
Financial Aid Preparation: Financial Aid is a very complex process. Next Generation Scholars helps students best position themselves to receive aid. We walk through each step of the process and help file all the appropriate forms. When necessary facilitate in the negotiation process so the best financial aid package can be attained. We strategize independent private scholarships and teach each student how to find and land fellowships within the colleges they attend.
College Selection: Making clear, informed decisions is the key to the entire process. College selection is the last decision in the college selection process. We make sure each student has all the information they need before making this crucial decision.
Planning the Freshman Year: Transition to college is an eventful time. Next Generation Scholars continues to advise our students as they enter college. We help choose classes, find community, and when necessary aid in the securing of academic support. We keep in contact with each of our students as they navigate their new environment. We also lend support to families as they adjust to having their child away from home. Next Generation Scholars helps each student set sound academic goals and make the most of their college experience.
Summer Program Planning: Summer curricular planning is very important. Next Generation Scholars helps each of our students find meaningful summer experiences. Some of the experiences are international or on an opposite coast, while others are right here in the Bay Area. The point to these experiences is to advance the interests of the student and enable them to spend their summer months engaged.
Social Capital Building: Next Generation Scholars facilitates exposure to enrichment activities such as performances, museums, outdoor education, conferences etc. Next Generation Scholars also provides opportunities for civic engagement by encouraging students to actively engage public affairs and institutions of democracy such as school boards, boards of supervisors, human rights commissions etc.
Cross-cultural Relationship Building and Advocacy with Teachers, Administrators and Public Servants:
Not all families have equal access to the schools their children
attend. By creating productive cross-cultural relationships, Next Generation Scholars works to build community bonds and advocate on behalf of all underserved families.
Referrals: Next Generation Scholars is very tightly connected to the community. We have created networks through out the county that enable us to give all of our students the resources they need. Counselors will help provide resources for test prep, educational therapy, psychological therapy, tutoring, and comprehensive social welfare services.
