Storytelling, Personal Essays + College Readiness

NPEA (April 11, 2013)

The Collaboration

Date: Thursday April 11, 2013Time: 3-4:15

Patrick O’Neill, University of Rochester “Rochester’s Investment in Talented Urban Youth”

Jon Roure, The CollegeBound Initiative“How CBI Fosters College Readiness”

Carol Barash, Story To College“ “Storytelling, Self-Advocacy, College + Career Success”

Rochester’s Commitment

• “It is part of our mission to be a resource for economically disadvantaged schools and families.”

– Jonathan Burdick, Dean of Admissions + Financial Aid

• Foster depth of knowledge about college process and college options

• Build long-term supportive relationships • Summer after 10th grade in New York• Summer after 11th grade on Rochester campus• Communicate with parents as well as students to build college knowledge

Holistic Process - How are admissions officers reading?

Rochester’s Role in the Program

• Select students who could thrive at Rochester

• Participate and be present in the program

• Answer questions before, during and after

• Follow up by email and letter with students and parents

The CollegeBound Initiative Vision

Lecora and University of Rochester

Story To College: Using Personal Essays to Foster Life Skills

5 Essays in 5 Days

• Defining Moments

• Issues • Influence • Community • Why I Want to Attend This College

Positive Outcomes

Confidence Levels in Key Areas

Student Voices

“I’ve learned to use details like the eye of a camera would.” – Estela

“A lot can be said in a few words.” – Menelik

“I learned to tell exactly what happened without any extra emotion and opinion, because the emotion and detail will reveal itself.” – Alisa

“We have many defining moments, from way back to our everyday life.” –

John

What’s next?

Summer 2013 Brooklyn and Bronx Programs

Scholarships for 2012 students to attend pre-college program on Rochester campus this summer.

Student Workshops and Professional Development led by Story To College to expand capacity in CBI schools.

CBI Community Online Access to writing and admissions resources in real time.