2014 annual report - crmshs)2 2014 annual report.pdf · jose meza, cec middle college karen...

2014 Annual Report

A P R O G R A M O F C O L O R A D O R O C K Y M O U N T A I N S C H O O L

H I G H S C H O O L H I G H S C H O L A R2

Children who live in poverty, regardless of their academic ability and

potential, face barriers to accessing higher education that only few

overcome – only 9% of students from low-income families earn a

bachelor’s degree by their mid-20’s, compared to 54% of students from

high income families.1 As a nation, we have been concerned with the achievement of

low-income and minority students, but have not focused on providing opportunities

for these students to realize their full potential. The High School High

Scholar (HS)2 program at Colorado Rocky Mountain School is committed

to addressing this achievement gap, for the benefit of these promising

students and their families, and also for the advancement of our nation.

1 Bailey, Martha J. and Dynarski, Susan M. (2011). Gains and Gaps: Changing Inequality in U.S. College Entry and Completion, 2011. Cambridge, MA: National Bureau of Economic Research. Working Paper 17633. http://www.nber.org/papers/w17633.

Why (HS)2?

2014 Annual Report 3

The High School High Scholar

Program Overview

(HS)2 at Colorado Rocky Mountain

School is a rigorous STEM-based summer

enrichment program that

transforms the lives of promising

high school students from

underserved communities by

inspiring them to reach their full potential,

preparing them for college and

empowering them for success

in the world.

Established in 2007, (HS)2 is a three-year program that prepares participants for

college-level course work in mathematics, science and writing. (HS)2 scholars

also receive extensive instruction in the college application process, including

college visits, standardized test preparation, and financial aid guidance.

Students apply to (HS)2 during the fall of ninth grade, and each spring,

15 students are selected to enter our comprehensive three-year program,

joining 30 continuing scholars. Selection is highly competitive, and is

based on the candidate’s academic achievement, demonstration of a strong

interest in science and mathematics, personal desire and motivation, and family

financial circumstances.

(HS)2 scholars receive a total of 450 hours of academic instruction

before graduating from the program the summer prior to their senior year. For

five weeks each summer, students live and learn on the 350-acre campus of

Colorado Rocky Mountain School (CRMS) in Carbondale, Colorado. Located in

the shadow of 13,000-foot Mount Sopris, the natural environment surrounding

CRMS inspires exploration. In the afternoons, scholars participate in the Active

program, which includes rock climbing, kayaking, and trail running, as well as in

art classes such as silversmithing, blacksmithing, ceramics, and music.

This unique combination of challenging academic coursework and engaging outdoor and artistic pursuits provides authentic learning

experiences that contribute to the intellectual, social and emotional growth of

each (HS)2 scholar, while the boarding experience teaches the independence

and responsibility that prefigure success in college and beyond.

There is no cost for students to participate in (HS)2. All scholars receive

full room and board, as well as textbooks and course materials, free of charge.

The only possible costs to scholars are those of transportation, medical insurance

and incidental expenditures during the summer sessions. No student should refrain from applying to (HS)2 because of inability to pay additional costs.


(HS)2 Scholar

2014 Demographic Information

(HS)2 2014 ran from June 21 through July 26, serving 46 scholars from six states, eight cities, and 21 high schools. Of these students, 38 qualified for free or reduced-fee meals, 30 were Latino, 16 were African American, 25

were female and 21 were male.

Gender Race/Ethnicity

Geography

35%African

American 65%Latino

Texas 25 Scholars

Colorado 6 Scholars

Florida 2 Scholars

Louisiana 7 Scholars

New York 5 Scholars

Illinois 1 Scholar

55%Texas

15%Louisiana

13%Colorado

11%New York

2% Illinois4% Florida

Free or Reduced-fee meals(83% of the 2014 (HS)2 Scholars qualified)

46%Males

54%Females

61%Free

Meals

22%Reduced

Fee Meals


ColoradoDenverCecelia Adame, STRIVE SMART Prep High School

Lauren Graves,

DSST Green Valley Ranch High School

Rebeca Hernandez-Auelar,

STRIVE SMART Prep High School

Ivana Mora, DSST Stapleton High School

Jose Meza, CEC Middle College

Karen Quinteros, STRIVE SMART Prep High School

Florida Ft. MyersGretter Tejada, Dunbar High School

Rodney Wallace, Dunbar High School

IllinoisChicagoMario Franco,

Perspectives Math & Science Academy

Geographic Distribution of

2014 (HS)2 Scholars

TexasDallasSaul DeLabra, School of Science & Engineering

Miguel Del Rio, School of Science & Engineering

John Okhiulu, School of Science & Engineering

Raul Robles, School of Science & Engineering

Fort WorthAlejandra Aguilar, North Side High School

Marcia Banegas, Carter-Riverside High School

Sol Cruz, R. L. Paschal High School

Victor Garcia, R. L. Paschal High School

Alejandra Gomez,

Texas Academy of Biomedical Sciences

Maria Gomez, North Side High School

Del Rose Hooker, Carter-Riverside High School

Artasia Jackson, R. L. Paschal High School

Monica Johnson, Polytechnic High School

Keylen Lyons, Dunbar High School

Rafael Madrigal, R. L. Paschal High School

Patrick Neal, Southwest High School

Celeste Rivera-Samano,

Texas Academy of Biomedical Sciences

Juan Rodriguez, O.D. Wyatt High School

Santiago Salas, North Side High School

Marisol Sanchez, North Side High School

Jennifer Sanchez, North Side High School

Angela Soria, Polytechnic High School

Amanda Toledo, R.L. Paschal High School

Marco Torres, Texas Academy of Biomedical Sciences

San AntonioChristopher Mireles,

Brackenridge High School/City Kids Adventures

LouisianaNew OrleansJeremy Baudy, Lusher Charter High School

Errol Blackstone,

Lusher Charter High School

Tyronique Ingram, Lusher Charter High School

Donald Lamotte, Lusher Charter High School

Iwan Leggins, Landry-Walker High School

Jakobe Walker, Landry-Walker High School

Autumn Williams, Landry-Walker High School

New YorkBronxJosue Cuevas, Cristo Rey High School

Diana Huerta, Cristo Rey High School

Jennifer Quintero, Cristo Rey High School

Shalom Kouaka, KIPP NYC High School

Laila Sanders, KIPP NYC High School


High School High Scholar

2007-2014 Program Results

2007-2014 Scholar Geography

Texas 53 Scholars

Colorado 7 Scholars

Florida 3 Scholars

Louisiana 22 Scholars

New York 15 Scholars

Other 10 Scholars

Since the program’s inception in 2007,

110 scholars have graduated or are currently enrolled in (HS)2. Of the 64 Scholars who have graduated from (HS)2, — 100% have graduated from high school

— 100% have entered college

— 95% are on track to graduate within 4-6 years

— 50% have declared majors in STEM related studies

Students who have graduated from the (HS)2 Program have matriculated to institutions of higher learning such as: Abilene Christian University Colorado CollegeGeorge Washington UniversityHobart & William Smith Colleges

Ithaca CollegeRensselaer Polytechnic Institute Rhodes CollegeRice UniversitySouthern Methodist University

Texas A&M University Trinity UniversityTulane UniversityUCLAUniversity of FloridaUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

University of PennsylvaniaUniversity of RochesterUniversity of Texas at AustinWorcester Polytechnic Institute Xavier University

50%Texas

20%Louisiana

6% Colorado

14%New York

7%OtherCA, DC,

GA, IL, OK, MS, SD, TN

3% Florida


78%Individual Donors

The (HS)2 Program

2014 Financial Report

E X P E N D I T U R E A M O U N T P E R C E N T

Administrative $52,701 18%

Development $11,200 4%

Program $229,290 78%

Total Expense $293,191

2014 Expenses

S O U R C E S A M O U N T P E R C E N T

Individuals $211,633 78%

Foundations $58,267 * 22%

Total Contributions $269,900 *

* Foundation Contributions and Total Contributions do not include a portion of a grant from the Walton Family Foundation that is being held in the (HS)2 Fund at the Community Foundation of North Texas for program evaluation and outcome measurement to be completed by March 30, 2015.

2014 Contributions

2014 DonorsWe are deeply grateful for our donors’ generous support

$5,000 - $9,999Richard and Susan Braddock FoundationMrs. Louise Carvey Mrs. Frank DardenMary Potishman Lard TrustNicholas and Louella Martin Charitable Fund of the Community Foundation of North TexasRosalyn G. Rosenthal Mr. and Mrs. Peter Sterling

22%Foundations

78%Program

18%Admin.

4% Development

Gifts up to $4,999William C. Perry and Paul A. Nelson Charitable Fund of the Community Foundation of North TexasSamuel and Linda Winn

$100,000+Mollie and Garland Lasater Charitable Fund of the Community Foundation of North Texas

$50,000 - $99,999Walton Family Foundation

$20,000 - $49,999Rainwater Charitable Foundation

$10,000 - $19,999Greenwald Foundation/ Aspen Brain Forum


2014 (HS)2 Graduates

Alejandra AguilarFort Worth, TX

Marcia BanegasFort Worth, TX

Victor GarciaFort Worth, TX

Tyronique IngramNew Orleans, LA

Keylen LyonsFort Worth, TX

Jose MezaDenver, CO

“My participation in (HS)2 helped

me receive a full ride scholarship

to the University of North Carolina

at Chapel Hill, where I am working

toward a bachelor of science in

biology and a high school teaching

license. (HS)2 introduced me to some

of my best friends, exposed me to

laboratory research, and put me

ahead so that I could excel in my

academics during high school. This

summer I will be teaching science

in a middle school enrichment

program, hoping to be as good as

some of my (HS)2 teachers were.”

— MALAIKA HANKINS

(HS)2 CLASS OF 2010,

UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA

AT CHAPEL HILL ‘15


Miguel Del RioDallas, TX

Donald LamotteNew Orleans, LA

Iwan LegginsNew Orleans, LA

Jennifer SanchezFort Worth, TX

Rodney WallaceFt. Myers, FL

Mario FrancoChicago, IL

“The (HS)² experience was and still is one

of the highlights of my life. I met people

who I can still call on today… best friends

and the best professional network that

anyone could ever ask for. (HS)² gave me

hope for going to college.”

— MAYRA RICO

(HS)² CLASS OF 2010

UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN ’15

“The (HS)2 Program differs from High

School: I feel that the scholars in the

program get more one-on-one help from

the teachers as well as developing a

great relationship with them. All teachers

in the program teach what a high school

class teaches in a year, in just five weeks.

I definitely look forward to returning for

my third and final year to gain even more

social, academic, leadership, and study

skills necessary for college and for my

future.”— MARIA GOMEZ

(HS)2 CLASS OF 2015


“Before coming to (HS)2, I wasn’t really

sure if I had the capacity to go to college.

At (HS)2, I found a lot of discipline,

and built connections

that motivated me.

The more the teachers told me

that I was going to go to

university, the more

I believed it.”

— JOSE DELABRA

(HS)2 CLASS OF 2012

SOUTHERN METHODIST

UNIVERSITY ‘17

(HS)2 Alumni, from left to right:

Rachel Hendricks – (HS)2 ‘13, George Washington University ’18

Jose DeLabra – (HS)2 ’12, Southern Methodist University ’17

Arys-Jade Darton – (HS)2 ’12, Colorado College ’17

Alex Moreno – (HS)2 ’12, University of Texas at Dallas ’17

Mayra Rico –(HS)2 ’09, University of Texas at Austin ’14


9

ON CAMPUS

(HS)2 can transform the trajectory of their

lives.”Another game-changer is the

personalized college counseling. Despite

having solid academic skills, many (HS)2

scholars possess scant knowledge of the

college application process. Most students

are the first in their family to attend college,

and many do not have dedicated college

counselors in their home high schools. So

CRMS College Counselor Betsy Bingham-

Johns meets regularly with the second- and

third-year students and admires their real-

world mindset.“These kids tend to have a greater financial

need, so scholarships and financial aid are

a big part of the picture,” Bingham-Johns

said. “They want a college they can afford

and they want to graduate in four years.

They have to get jobs immediately.”

Each year, Bingham-Johns leads a

tour of a different college or university in

Colorado — in fact, two (HS)2 graduates

have matriculated to Colorado College

— and tries to ensure each student leaves

(HS)2 with a solid list of potential schools, a

personal essay and a complete resume.

“(HS)2 has changed my whole perception

of what I want in a school,” said third-year

student Marcia Banegas. “I’m looking for a

small school. I want the kind of experience

I’ve had here.”After working with Bingham-Johns,

Miguel Del Rio of Dallas realizes there’s

more to college admissions than test

scores, and that he can distinguish himself

in various ways.“I don’t have to be number one,” he

smiled. “I just have to be me.”The statistics bear him out. Thus far, 100

percent of (HS)2 graduates matriculate

to college, and 90 percent are on track to

graduate. In 2012, 13 of the 14 program

graduates received full scholarships.

Even before they actually begin applying

to colleges, students are empowered by

(HS)2. They sense that it’s sharpening their

skills and changing the arc of their future.

Finishing his third and final year at

(HS)2, Del Rio sums up his experience, “At

(HS)2, we are a part of something greater

than ourselves. We are a family, a home

away from home, a place where we can be

ourselves and push each other to do great

things.”

summer with (HS)2. “They are here by

choice and that makes a huge difference.”

(HS)2 stands for “High School, High

Scholar,” and the goal of the donor-funded

program is to prepare these talented

but otherwise disadvantaged children

for college-level STEM courses (science,

technology, engineering and math). (HS)2

also promotes social and emotional growth

through the boarding experience, outdoor

adventures and CRMS’s hands-on artistic

offerings. “Another aspect that I enjoy is the culture

shock,” Maiolo added with a laugh. “We

have these kids coming from places like

the Bronx and inner-city Fort Worth, and

they come to Carbondale … The things we

do for fun — mountain biking, climbing

— these are not normal life activities for

them.” Founded in 2007 by Garland and Mollie

Lasater, who continue to be its major donors,

(HS)2 is free to participants but costs

$7,000 per student per summer. Student-

scholars attend for three consecutive years

following their freshman, sophomore

and junior years, receiving a total of 450

instructional hours. Fifteen new students

enter each year and 15 graduate. Virtually every aspect of CRMS, from

the low student-teacher ratios to the

blacksmithing and kayaking, is a departure

from the norm for these students. Often

it’s an adjustment to call teachers by their

first names. For students who live in

neighborhoods where violent crime and

drugs are rampant, just being able to safely

walk outside is a new experience.Once they’re settled in, however, these

youths can hardly believe the hands-on

learning and the one-on-one attention

With dreams of being the first in their

family to graduate from college, 46 high

school students traveled from their home

cities of New York, New Orleans, Fort

Worth, Dallas, and Chicago to Colorado

Rocky Mountain School this summer

to participate in the High School High

Scholar program.(HS)2, pronounced “HS squared,” is a

five-week immersion in math, science,

writing and CRMS-style outdoor

adventure for a select group of 45 Latino,

African-American and Native American

students from low-income families

across the United States. Most have never

ventured far from their big-city homes, let

alone attended college-preparatory classes

in a place like Carbondale. “This is a different experience for me,”

said Rodney Wallace, a third-year (HS)2

scholar from southwestern Florida. “I’ve

never been to this side of the U.S. before. I

never get to see a great view of a mountain

where I live.”By virtue of its location, rigor and

culture, CRMS is unique to begin with.

But for these particular students, who

have successfully navigated a competitive

application and interview process, (HS)2 is

school on steroids.“These kids want to learn, they want

to challenge themselves and each other,”

said Brent Maiolo, a science teacher from

Aspen High School who’s now in his third

from the inner city to

carbondale and Beyond with (hs)2

— by bOb WARd —

(HS)2 Graduates with George Weber after commencement ceremony.

from teachers. Outside the classroom, roughly half of the (HS)2 group even ascends 12,953-foot Mount Sopris each summer — no small feat for someone from sea level.

“They come to this place that’s very unlike their home city and home school, and it really broadens their perspective,” said (HS)2

Program Director Cindy Blachly. “The experience they have during their summers at

( H S ) 2 I S A P R O G R A M O F CO LO R A D O R O C KY M O U N TA I N S C H O O L

For more information, please contact:

Cindy Blachly | Director of (HS)2

970-963-2562 | [email protected]

500 Holden Way | Carbondale, CO 81623

www.crms.org/about/hs2-summer-program/

2014 annual report - crmshs)2 2014 annual report.pdf · jose meza, cec middle college karen...

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