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In August 2014, Partners in Education and the Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara, in collaboration with other local organizations, launched The College Scholars Academy, a week-long pilot program. The goal was to give young men of color the opportunity to learn about college and to provide them with skills and tools to successfully complete high school and pursue a higher degree. Twelve young men from high schools in Southern Santa Barbara County were selected for the program.
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2014 College Scholars Academy
In August 2014, Partners in Education and the Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara, in collaboration with other local organizations, launched The College Scholars Academy, a week-long pilot program.
The goal was to give young men of color the opportunity to learn about college and to provide them with skills and tools to successfully complete high school and pursue a higher degree.
Twelve young men from high schools in Southern Santa Barbara County were selected for the program.
Why Launch The College Scholars Academy?
Stats
Percent working-age adults (ages 25-64) who hold a two- or four-year college degree in CA1
39%
College enrollment by gender in the U.S.2 • 57% female; 43% male
Degree attainment rates by population group in CA3:
• White• Black• Hispanic• Asian• Native American
• 51.17%• 32.93% • 16.83%• 59.41%• 26.49%
Gender distribution of higher education degrees by population group in the U.S.4
• Black• Hispanic• Native American
Men/Women• 34%/66%• 40%/60%• 40%/60%
1&3 Lumina Foundation. A Stronger Nation through Higher Education. 2014.2 The Washington Post. The gender factor in college admissions: Do men or women have an edge? March 26, 2014.4 The College Board. The Educational Experience of Young Men of Color. 2014.
The week started at USCB with team building activities. Participants completed exercises that emphasized good communication and collaboration.
Blindfolded and silent, the Scholars arranged themselves in height order.
Another team building activity: The Scholars were given a helmet, two ropes and use of nearby natural resources to rescue items from the “lava pit.”
Using their leadership and decision-making skills, students worked together to form a plan of action.
Success! A Scholar is all smiles after completing the mission.
All of the activities were designed to teach the importance of leaning on each other to achieve a common goal.
For students of color, feelings of isolation and not belonging are common barriers to entering college and attaining a higher degree. The College Scholars Academy aimed to create a sense of community among the participants.
Focusing on the Future: The Scholars discussed academic goals for the coming school year.
Most of the students will be the first in their families to complete high school and pursue a college education.
Student Panel: the Scholars spoke with UCSB students about the campus experience.
Participants discussed a wide range of topics, such as interacting with professors, the financial stress of college, and choosing a major.
They also spent time with older peers who share similar backgrounds and histories.
All three panel participants are first generation Americans and they are the first in their families to attend college.
The Scholarship Foundation’s Outreach Team taught the Scholars about financial aid and scholarship opportunities.
Many participants were unaware of the resources available to help finance their higher education.
Tours of UCSB and USC helped the Scholars envision themselves on campus and imagine life as a college student.
Class of 2021!
The week ended on a high note. In their post-Academy evaluations, all of the Scholars indicated an improved knowledge of their college options, a greater understanding of the financial aid process, and increased confidence in their ability to pursue a higher degree.
