Resolutions for College Access Programs in 2009

1) Tailor your services to the academic achievement and motivation of your students. A one-program-fits-all model was so 2008.

2) Focus on where students go to college-not just if they go.

• Focus on matriculating students into four-year programs rather than two-year programs. 2008 was the year we were reminded how few students actually complete community college degrees.
• Focus on matriculating students into schools with low-loan burdens—either public universities or private universities with excellent financial aid. It’s a disservice to students to set them up for a future of debt.

3) Get into high schools and middle schools. That's where the students are at. It's a no-brainer.

4) Assure that parents are aware of what's happening in your program using new technologies (text messages, e-newsletters, and phone masters) and old technologies (meetings, phone calls, parent leadership trees, and letters backpacked and mailed home).

Happy New Year!