Learning Bridge of the Sierra

We serve students in the Tahoe Truckee region who have a demonstrated need by

providing access to education as a pathway to a better life and greater economic

success.

Community Report Card Goal

%100 of TTUSD Students are ready for college

• 43% of TTUSD students complete the CSU/UC requirements

• 49% of TTUSD students score over 1,500 on SATs

• 56% TTUSD of students participate on the SAT

How it is Supposed to Go

Research

Apply

FAFSA*

Admt/Decl

View Aid

Decide

Even if You’ve Been to College

• Special vocabulary is required• Process timeline knowledge is assumed• Research skills & Internet required

“The admissions world has its own language, full of poetic terms, such as “demonstrated interest,” “need-based aid,” and “holistic review.” Don’t forget the beauty of “binding early decision” and “single-choice early action.””

The “Admissions Lexicon” is Vast and Confounding, The Chronicle of Higher Education, Eric Hoover

Research Challenges

Low Socioeconomic

• Did not research because they don’t believe they can afford college

• Figures someone will tell them if/when to apply

• Works to support family

First Generation

• Seeks advice from everyone

• Figures someone will tell them if/when to apply

• Comes to conclusions based on peer information

• Figures out where they want to apply, based on peer advice

Apply

Low Socioeconomic

• Cell phone dependent

• No computer at home

• No internet at home

• No time outside of school

• Did not take SAT/ACT

First Generation

• Cell phone dependent

• Often make choices based on perceived costs– Tuition numbers

– Community College

You’re not done after you finish

“I can’t use the computer at the school because I work right after school and it is usually closed during [break] and part of lunch—that wouldn’t be enough time anyway. So a couple of times, I went to an Internet café place and then another time I went to my friend’s house. The part that makes it tough though is that I don’t always have a place to check my email”

The Internet and College Access: Challenges for Low-Income Students, American Federation of Teachers, Kristan M. Venegas, 2007

Admit/Decline

• Portals

• Passwords

• Deadlines

All provide multiple opportunities for failure

What We Need

• Multiyear financial commitments from local businesses

• Certified Fundraising Professional CA &/or NV

• Private Donations

• Funds for campus visit tours

• Create a pro college environment