Eisenhower to partner with College Forward in 2011

Eisenhower Senior High School will partner with College Forward beginning in 2011 to help facilitate the transition from high school to college for campus juniors.

College Forward provides college access and college persistence services to motivated economically disadvantaged students.

College Forward was founded in 2002 by Doreen Wise and Lisa Fielder. The duo recognized the desperate need to expand college access for economically-disadvantaged high school students in Central Texas. The original name was Admission Control and was launched on Sept. 1, 2003. It established a pilot program at two high schools in Hays Consolidated Independent School District. Since then, the organization has developed an effective curriculum and supplementary programs that have enabled students to enroll in colleges and universities throughout Texas and across the nation. Now a thriving partnership known as College Forward, the program continues to reach students and families in the greater Austin area and is expanding to the greater Houston area.

The first two school districts in the Houston area to use the program will be Aldine ISD and Goose Creek ISD. Beginning in January 2011, College Forward will work with eligible juniors at Eisenhower Senior High. After school classes are scheduled to start on Feb. 2.

During the 2010-11 school year, College Forward will serve an estimated 1,960 students; 60 high school students in Harris County; 1,150 in Central Texas; and 750 college-age students on the path to earn their bachelor’s degree.

College Forward provides three core programs:

1. High School Program: “College Coaches,” who are recent college graduates and AmeriCorps volunteers lead twice-weekly college preparatory classes for high school juniors and seniors. Off-campus activities include visits to local universities and a weeklong tour of campuses across Texas.
2. College Persistence Program: This program provides virtual advising, financial and renewal guidance, peer mentoring, and career development to students who graduate from the College Forward High School Program and continue their education at universities.
3. Parent Education and Support: College Forward also offers education and support for parents through regular consultation and daylong workshops offered in both English and Spanish, covering multiple aspects of college including college selection, financial aid, and “letting go.”

During the students’ junior year, College Forward offers a full-day College/Universidad 101 bilingual parent education workshop.

Principal Ben Ibarra of Eisenhower Senior High School said he welcomes College Forward to his campus.

“We look forward to working with College Forward to help make our students college ready,” Ibarra said. “Any program that encourages students to begin preparing for college is welcomed here.”