1. GEAR UP Alliance 2011 Institute for a College-Going Culture: Drive the dream If I’d Known Then What I Know Now Mike & Kathy Hughes Green River Regional Educational Cooperative GEAR UP Bowling Green, KY

2. GEAR UP Alliance 2011 Institute for a College-Going Culture: Drive the dream ABOUT US AND OUR CHILDREN  Educational Background and Attainment  Children’s Educational Journey Jonathan Jameson Karyn

3. GEAR UP Alliance 2011 Institute for a College-Going Culture: Drive the dream Career Awareness o Parents should become familiar with their child’s Individual Learning Plan (ILP). o Parents should become acquainted with their child’s interests, hopes and future plans. o Kentucky’s 25 Fastest Growing Occupations: www.kentuckyliving.com/pdf/KL0211_reinventyourself.pdf www.kentuckyliving.com/pdf/KL0211_reinventyourself.pdf o Top 50 Kentucky Occupations ( rank by total annual opening due to growth and replacements) www.workforcekentucky.ky.gov/article.asp?articleid=646

4. GEAR UP Alliance 2011 Institute for a College-Going Culture: Drive the dream ACADEMIC READINESS More emphasis on rigorous and college preparatory curriculum (Advanced Placement & Dual Credit Courses). Mathematics course all four years in high school. Exposure to latest technology available (i.e. graphing calculator, iPad, Kindle, Laptop, etc.). Develop better skills in reading and literacy. Utilize community resources (public library, Community Education Classes, 4-H, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Faith Based Organizations)

5. GEAR UP Alliance 2011 Institute for a College-Going Culture: Drive the dream WORKING WITH HIGH SCHOOL OFFICIALS  Get to know your child’s guidance counselor.  Schedule parent/teacher conferences in addition to regularly scheduled conferences.  Ask for periodic progress reports.  Encourage administration & faculty/staff to promote a college going culture (i.e. AP & dual credit courses, ACT College Readiness Benchmarks, college tours, resource speakers, college & career counseling, financial literacy, mentoring, etc.)

6. GEAR UP Alliance 2011 Institute for a College-Going Culture: Drive the dream EPAS Educational Planning and Assessment Program  Take advantage of ACT preparation resources.  Practice exams.  Build on EXPLORE and PLAN scores to prepare for the ACT.  Take ACT multiple times.  Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) required out-of-state.

7. GEAR UP Alliance 2011 Institute for a College-Going Culture: Drive the dream Volunteerism, Community Involvement & Job Shadowing  Aids in obtaining scholarships.  Occupational exploration.  Establishing contacts for future employment.  Develops leadership, team building and work related skills needed for success in college and a career.

8. GEAR UP Alliance 2011 Institute for a College-Going Culture: Drive the dream POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION CHOICES Research and recognize that some colleges offer specialized programs. 2011 College Guide: http://www.kentuckyliving.com/article.asp?articleid=30 90&issueid=359 http://www.kentuckyliving.com/article.asp?articleid=30 90&issueid=359 Take college visits and tours Attend college and career fairs

9. GEAR UP Alliance 2011 Institute for a College-Going Culture: Drive the dream SCHOLARSHIPS & FINANCIAL AID Tuition Increases Communicate with guidance counselor about scholarship opportunities. Contact colleges of interest for scholarship possibilities. Become familiar with Kentucky High Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA) online resources and attend workshop presentations for grants and student loans. Recognize there are scholarship renewals available. KEES (Kentucky Education Excellence Scholarship)

10. GEAR UP Alliance 2011 Institute for a College-Going Culture: Drive the dream QUESTIONS

11. GEAR UP Alliance 2011 Institute for a College-Going Culture: Drive the dream Thank you for attending IF I’D KNOWN THEN WHAT I KNOW NOW