Description
UnidosNow launched the Future Leaders Academy (FLA) in the summer of 2013 to identify and support high-performing Latino students with the potential to gain admission to, and graduate from, selective colleges (schools that go beyond grades and test scores as part of a holistic admissions process).
Since its launch, high school students from Sarasota and Manatee have participated in the summer program, hosted at USF Sarasota Manatee, annually. The FLA has since expanded into a full-year program that provides a wide range of college prep services, including career exploration, college selection, college applications, college essays, résumés, financial aid, college tours, ACT prep, and individual mentoring.
Also, several parent workshops are conducted in English and Spanish on topics such as college selection, financial aid, and financial literacy. The parent workshops included panels with recent Latino graduates and parents who share their college journey experience.
Budget
$45,000
Category
Education, General/Other Educational Programs
Program Linked to Organizational Strategy
Yes
Population Served
Adolescents Only (13-19 years) Hispanic, Latino Heritage Immigrant, Newcomers, Refugees
Short Term Success
- 90% of seniors in the FLA will be accepted into
at least one college
- 90% of seniors in FLA will complete their FAFSA
(federal financial aid)
- 70% of students will apply for at least one local, state, or national
scholarship
- 90% of members will participate in at least one
college tour
- 90% of graduating seniors will take either the
ACT or SAT
- 80% of members will become engaged in community
service and volunteering activities, with a particular focus on college
prep. Several of these students will
take on leadership positions with the UnidosNow high school clubs or other
school clubs.
- 90% of students will complete an action plan
detailing the next steps students will take upon high school graduation
Long Term Success
- 80% of members will gain a post-secondary degree/certificate
- Through collaboration with community partners (school districts, local colleges, other youth-serving organizations), we are working towards more sustainable solutions to closing achievement gaps
- By involving parents, and being able to communicate in Spanish, we are working to change the college-going culture among Latinos
- Participants are being exposed to local career opportunities, which will help train the region’s workforce of the future
- It is an expectation that participants that benefitted from the Future Leaders Academy will become role models for younger students in their high school and community.
Program Success Monitoring
Over the past five years, the Future Leaders Academy program has improved significantly as a result of feedback received from all stakeholders. Participating students will complete surveys through SurveyMonkey after key workshops/activities and feedback will be used to improve programming. These surveys will also capture key data such as # of college applications, # of college acceptances, # and amount of scholarships, ACT/SAT scores, and grades. In addition, we will conduct a focus panel with students, parents, and mentors at the end of the program to gain further insight.
Program Success Examples
- Over the past few years FLA scholars have been
accepted into colleges such as Johns Hopkins, Amherst College, Haverford
College, Vassar College, Boston University, Colgate University, Bucknell
University, George Washington University, University of Virginia, Georgia Tech,
Syracuse University, New York University, University of Miami, University of
Florida, and Florida State University, among others.
- FLA scholars received in excess of $1 million in
financial aid in 2017.
Testimonial
“I am ecstatic to inform you that I was matched to Amherst
College on a full ride through QuestBridge! Thank you so much for all of your
help in my college applications process, I could not have done any of it without
you! It's hard to believe that the first time we met, it was hard for me to
picture myself leaving Florida, and now I have the opportunity to go to one of
the highest ranked liberal arts colleges in the nation for less money!Thank you again, for showing me my
potential.” D.S.
Description
UnidosNow GANAS (Grit) Program was recently launched as a pilot initiative, to help vulnerable Latino youth graduate from high school and make informed plans for their career by helping them access various entry points to economic mobility: 4-year colleges, 2-year colleges, technical colleges, military service, and frontline positions at growing and dynamic local employers.
Budget
$45,000
Category
Education, General/Other Adult Education
Program Linked to Organizational Strategy
Yes
Population Served
At-Risk Populations Hispanic, Latino Heritage Immigrant, Newcomers, Refugees
Short Term Success
There are currently 3 high schools in Manatee County
participating in GANAS pilot programs, with a total target of 80 students in 12th
grade. These vulnerable, but promising,
students are at risk of not pursuing higher education without community intervention.
- 75% of participants will attend at least three life
skills workshops that will include interviewing, money management, résumé
writing, and time management.
- 90% of students will complete a career plan upon
completion of the program
- 90% of graduating seniors will complete their
FAFSA (federal financial aid)
- 50% of members will participate in at least one
college tour (most never take a tour)
50% of graduating seniors will take either the
ACT or SAT
Long Term Success
- At least 80% of participants will graduate from high
school
- 70% of participants will pursue higher education
upon graduation: 2-year, 4-year, technical
- Through collaboration with community partners
(school districts, local colleges, other youth-serving organizations), we are
working towards more sustainable solutions to closing achievement gaps
- By involving parents, and being able to communicate
in Spanish, we are working to change the post-secondary-going culture among Latinos
- Participants are being exposed to local career
opportunities, which will help train the region’s work force of the future
Program Success Monitoring
Participating students will complete surveys through SurveyMonkey
after key workshops/activities and feedback will be used to improve
programming. These surveys will also
capture key data such as # of college applications, # of college acceptances, #
and amount of scholarships and financial aid, ACT/SAT scores, and grades.
Program Success Examples
This is the first year of the GANAS pilot programs, but
there are already signs of project success/potential:
- Extensive research is being conducted among
stakeholders (students, parents, faculty and staff) and preliminary results
indicate a need for supportive services such as those provided by the GANAS
Program.
- One of our community partners, SCOPE, has indicated
that they will be seeking grants to conduct research on this population in
Sarasota County.
- Senior administration at Manatee School for the
Arts has expressed strong interest in participating in the GANAS Program.
- One of the principals at Manatee High has
attended some of our workshops and strongly endorses the program
- Participants of the program have already visited three colleges in the region.
Description
UnidosNow high school clubs support guidance counselors by delivering essential college selection, college application, and financial aid information to students who are more likely to pursue post-secondary options such as technical colleges, two-year colleges, and four-year colleges. This represents the vast majority of students in the public school system. A key component of the series are FAFSA workshops delivered in conjunction with other community organizations in the Sarasota and Manatee region.
The high school clubs will ultimately serve as the trusted forum, and a safe space for Latino students and their parents to feel accepted, included, engaged, and be able to ask any type of questions even in Spanish.
Budget
$30,000
Category
Human Services, General/Other Financial Counseling
Program Linked to Organizational Strategy
Yes
Population Served
At-Risk Populations Hispanic, Latino Heritage Immigrant, Newcomers, Refugees
Short Term Success
There are currently eight UnidosNow clubs in high schools
throughout the region, with membership of approximately 150 students in
total. Club members will participate in
a wide range of activities and workshops that will improve their chances of
going to college, including:
- 75% of members will attend at least three
workshops that will assist them in selecting and gaining admission into
best-fit colleges
- 90% of graduating seniors will complete their
FAFSA (federal financial aid)
- 75% of members will participate in at least one
college tour
- 90% of graduating seniors will take either the
ACT or SAT
- 75% of members will participate in community
service relating to college prep
Through the efforts of club members, it is expected that
hundreds more students will gain awareness and understanding of college and
career choices.
Long Term Success
- 90% of club members will graduate from high
school
- 80% of club members will pursue higher education
upon graduation: 2-year, 4-year, technical
- 70% of members will gain a post-secondary
degree/certificate
- Through collaboration with community partners
(school districts, local colleges, other youth-serving organizations), we are
working towards more sustainable solutions to closing achievement gaps
- By involving parents, and being able to
communicate in Spanish, we are working to change the college-going culture
among Latinos
- Club members are being exposed to local career
opportunities, which will help train the region’s work force of the future
Program Success Monitoring
Participating students will complete surveys through SurveyMonkey
after key workshops/activities and feedback will be used to improve
programming. These surveys will also
capture key data such as # of college applications, # of college acceptances, #
and amount of scholarships, ACT/SAT scores, and grades.
Program Success Examples
- Upon completion of pilot programs at Sarasota
High and Palmetto High two years ago, the program has now expanded to six other
high schools.
- From a total of approximately 20 members in
pilot programs, participation now exceeds 150, due in large from the
endorsement and support of school staffs and faculty.
- Through the active support of UnidosNow clubs,
the FAFSA completion rates in Manatee and Sarasota counties have increased
dramatically over the past two years, with Sarasota County winning the 2017 award for
top school district in the State.
Recent feedback from the organizer of a college fair at
Riverview High, an event that reached hundreds of students:
“The UnidosNow Ambassadors at Riverview HS were enormously
impressive! I spent time with Vanessa and Lexi - and if I have their names
correct, that's a miracle in itself because I don't easily remember names.
That's how strong of an impression was left. Truly exceptional! They provided a
unique and special welcome to the colleges.”
Description
First-generation Latino students often lack a college, post-secondary -going culture in their families and communities; as a result, they are not given the early exposure and direction required to ensure post-secondary readiness. UnidosNow is currently piloting middle and elementary school programs designed to address barriers that many low-income, first-generation students face in pursuing a post-secondary education. Using a multi-generational model, we have developed a comprehensive, age-appropriate, and culturally/linguistically relevant framework that engages both students and their parents. Initiatives include, for example, our 2Gen Families Together program and FLAG (Future Leaders Academy for Girls), offered at elementary schools in Sarasota and Manatee, as well as our middle-school based Future Leaders Academy, also offered in Sarasota.
Budget
$60,000
Category
Education, General/Other Education, General/Other
Program Linked to Organizational Strategy
Yes
Population Served
Children Only (5 - 14 years) Hispanic, Latino Heritage Families
Short Term Success
Successful outcomes of the 2Gen Families Together program resulted in parents' increased knowledge of the education system, post-secondary opportunities for parents and children, life skills, and improved English language skills. 30 families received services and 100% reported gains after completing the program.
The middle school program has focused on helping students identify their own areas of interest and explore potential career options. Parents are equal participants in the workshops, career exploration, and college tours offered to the students throughout the program. 20 families are participating in the program and 100% reported gains in knowledge of post-secondary education. In addition, the students and their parents are learning to map out a plan of minimum requirements to have a successful transition into high school.
Long Term Success
100% of parents increased their school engagement and use of school and community resources to support their children's education. Children increased their self-confidence and their enthusiasm to attend school and improved their academic performance after participating in the Families Together Program.
80% of the middle school students participating in the program will successfully transition into high school having a peer mentor in the high school of their choice.
Program Success Monitoring
Participants in all programs in the elementary, middle, and high school programs receive a survey after each component that demonstrates their knowledge gained and an opportunity to provide feedback on the program.
We are developing a system in collaboration with the hosting schools to track student's academic performance and attendance.
Program Success Examples
Testimonials:
Mari Tere is a single parent of four children. She works two jobs to provide for her children. For the very first time, she began participating in the Families Together program and realized the value of investing in her own learning. She is right now supporting her high school child to pursue a post-secondary education and exploring options to obtain a certification program for her. Mari Tere has never missed a session even when she works night shifts.
Participants of the Future Leaders Academy for Elementary School Girls accepted a proclamation at the School Board designating FLAG as a college-bound program. Two students in 4th grade shared their personal statement and their aspirations for post-secondary education in front of the school board. This experience has increased their self-confidence and their desire to improve their reading and writing skills.
Nicholas, a participant in the middle school program, took advantage of the ACT prep being offered and now as a 9th grader he has already taken the test with an impressive 32 ACT score. He credits his success to the middle school program that UnidosNow offered.
Description
UnidosNow actively partners with other youth-serving organizations to deliver programming for our students. Of particular note is the leadership and engagement we have demonstrated with the Manatee College Access Network, known as REACH Manatee, and Talent4Tomorrow in Sarasota, networks with the mission of increasing community collaboration to achieve sustainable impact. Among the early successes of these consortia is the FAFSA initiative, for which our region has gained recognition as a leader within the state. Further collaboration is anticipated with career exploration and ACT/Sat prep.
Budget
$50,000
Category
Education, General/Other Adult Education
Program Linked to Organizational Strategy
Yes
Population Served
Adolescents Only (13-19 years) At-Risk Populations Families
Short Term Success
UnidosNow worked in 2016 Talent 4 Tomorrow in Sarasota and REACH Manatee, the local college access network in Manatee, with the goal of increasing FAFSA completion rates. UnidosNow was instrumental in recruiting students to complete their FAFSA application and also recruited bilingual volunteers that were trained to assist students and their parents with their FAFSA applications. As a result, Riverview High school in Sarasota was awarded the most improved designation and the school district was named the most improved in the state of Florida that resulted in earnings over $550,000 in Pell grants. Manatee County increased significantly its FAFSA performance beyond its original goal of 5% to 11% earning over $650,000 in Pell grant money.
Long Term Success
By increasing the number of completed FAFSA applications students are more likely to consider pursuing an application to a post-secondary institution since their low-income status will make them eligible for free money reducing the gap that a college tuition demands. Students with an instant pell grant are also more likely to apply for other scholarships and grants to increase their financial package and narrow down their college costs and improve accessibility to more selective colleges.
Program Success Monitoring
UnidosNow uses the data provided by the Department of Education and the Florida College Access Network to track the number of FAFSA applications that were completed in each county, later translated into a dollar amount.
UnidosNow also follows up with participants in the high school clubs and other programs to ensure their successful college application.
Program Success Examples
Testimonial:
Joana is a low-income Latina who is the first one in her family to pursue higher education. Initially, she was not considering applying to college due to financial constraints. Once she completed the FAFSA application and realized that she had $5,500 free money that she could use to pay for her tuition, she became motivated and pursued her college application and scholarships. She just completed her first semester at USF- Saint Pete campus and is very motivated to work hard to go into the nursing field.