Missouri College Access Challenge Grant College Access and Student Success Impacts November 11, 2013

Today’s Program Background and Impact of the College Access Challenge Grant (CACG) Hear from sub-grantees – Drury Scholars Program – St. Louis Internship

What is the College Access Challenge Grant? Federal grant established in 2007 Missouri first received the grant in 2008 Used to assist first generation and low-income students in gaining access to and succeeding in postsecondary education In Missouri, the CACG is used to provide: – Financial literacy outreach – Competitive sub-grant

Missouri CACG State Objectives Provide effective information to students and families on postsecondary education benefits, opportunities, planning and career preparation. Provide actionable information on financing options, including activities that promote financial literacy, debt avoidance and management among students and families. Conduct outreach activities for students who may be at risk of not enrolling in or completing college. Assist prospective and continuing students in the completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Tracking student FAFSA completion.

CACG Impact in , 865 students participated in CACG sub-grant activities or services 14, 247 were high school seniors 6,270 high school seniors completed the FAFSA With support from the CACG over 116,000 pieces of printed materials were distributed Since 2008 over 212,000 students in Missouri have participated or received services thanks to outreach provided by sub-grantees

Cycle 5 CACG Grantee Map

Maintenance of Effort Requirement States must provide financial support for higher education at least at a level equal to the average amount provided over the five preceding State Fiscal Years for: (A) public institutions of higher education, excluding capital expenses and research and development costs, and (B) financial aid for students attending private institutions of higher education. Missouri applied for a waiver of the MOE requirements but that request was denied by DE.

DRURY SCHOLARS PROGRAM Francine Pratt Drury Scholars Coordinator

WHY Drury Scholars? Springfield History The Gathering African American Achievement Gap What is Measured? No. of students who take the ACT Exam ACT College Readiness Benchmark Scores Drop Out Rate Graduation Rate

STUDENTS Middle School High School What is the Drury Scholars Program? College Bound Students Summer Program Year Round Program How the Program Works: Weekly Mentoring and Tutoring Sessions Regular Outings and Trips University & College Tours Community Service Educational, Cultural and Social Events WHO Are the Drury Scholars?

How Did We Do Last Year? 149 students - college tours 20 students - Infinite Scholars 28 college applications – seven seniors accepted at colleges of their choice 17 of our students took ACT exam - almost half increased score by three points. Four seniors in yearlong program received academic scholarships.

WHAT Did the College Access College Grant Do? 1.Supported the need 2.Connected us to outreach – Infinite Scholars 3.Provided workshops with current MO statistics 4.Best practices 5.Mechanism to connect to the community for additional support

1.Identify Need (Achievement Gap) 2.Focus on factors that impact academic success: Active Mentors Strong Peer-Peer Relationships with High Achieving Students College Experience While in High School College Prep Courses While in High School Summary

Questions Francine Pratt

Missouri College Access Challenge Grant College Access & Student Impact November 11, 2013

St. Louis Internship Program (SLIP) The St. Louis Internship Program (SLIP) provides hope and opportunity for high school students in financial need through paid summer internships, intensive employability training, and year-round college and career planning, in partnership with businesses and community organizations.

SLIP Overview Founded by Thomas C. Hullverson in 1992 after the Rodney King incident Created to give hope and direction to the inner city youth living in St. Louis Students receive work readiness training and internship placement SLIP has served over 3,400 high school students Over 98% of SLIP students have graduated high school and pursued postsecondary endeavors College access is an integral part of SLIP’s year-round model

College & Careers Careers Eight-week internships preceded by a guided application process and rigorous work readiness training and followed by year-round college access activities Paid internships are widely recognized as critical to preparing students for work Hands-on training is carefully designed to meet current job requirements Students build professional networks College College preparation is stressed throughout all SLIP activities Establishing a college-going culture is a major goal College access activities assist students with the application and financial aid process and familiarize students with college culture to maximize the potential for success Field experiences on college campuses in St. Louis, Kansas City, and Springfield expand the students’ horizons and help them become more comfortable with the college environment

CAGC Activities Recruitment/outreach activities to 6,000 high school students in all 25 public, charter, parochial, and private high schools in the City of St. Louis College planning, financial aid, and financial literacy workshops for SLIP sophomores and juniors as part of work readiness training prior to internships ACT Prep sessions with The Princeton Review for the October and February ACT exams, including fee assistance for supplementary ACT tests Lunch & Learn workshop for seniors/parents on the FAFSA, financial literacy for college financing, and college admissions Field experiences on at least four Missouri campuses to expand the horizons of students who do not travel beyond their neighborhoods The Creating Executive Opportunities (CEO) summer precollegiate program designed by SLIP at MO State University to introduce the college environment SLIP scholarships and awards Access to SLIP’s College Resource Room Monthly follow-up through the first year of college to encourage persistence

Impact Number Served – Over 850 students received services through CAGC since 2009 Collaboration is Key – Colleges/Universities – Other college access programs – Credit unions/banks

Questions Shanise Johnson, Program Director St. Louis Internship Program 4232 Forest Park Avenue, Room 1027 St. Louis, MO Phone: SLIP (7547) Fax: URL:

Questions Derrick Haulenbeek Research Associate – Missouri Department of Higher Education Phone: