Published On: May 8th, 2016By Leticia Fehling

Success Is About Accountability: Eisenhower Students, Parents Make Commitment to iASPIRE Program

The college-readiness initiative begins freshman year and continues at the senior campus.

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An eighth grade student and his parents make the commitment to the iASPIRE program. He will start the first college-readiness courses as a freshman in fall 2016 at Eisenhower Ninth Grade School.

[dropcap color=”#888″ type=”square”]A[/dropcap]s students enter the final weeks of the school year, the temptation of summer can distract many. Most aren’t thinking about next fall. Yet, that is exactly what was on the mind of some entering freshman.

More than 45 students and their parents pledged to take part in iASPIRE. They attended Eisenhower Ninth Grade School’s Commitment Night held April 26.

The college-readiness program is the result of collaboration between Aldine ISD and YES Prep Public Schools. YES Prep offers the “iASPIRE” class at Eisenhower Ninth Grade School. The program transitions with students as they advance to Eisenhower High School. The initiative fosters a college-going culture at the campuses. The main goal is to prepare students to succeed in college.

Students and their families can take part in the free four-year “iASPIRE” elective course. This course is ONLY offered to entering freshman students at Eisenhower Ninth Grade School.

Most of the students in “iASPIRE” will be the first in their families to attend college. Aquilla Aubrey encourages students and families to take part in the initiative. Aubrey serves as the administrator for college initiatives at Eisenhower High School.

“Students need to realize that higher education is possible,” Aubrey said. “We want to see more students pursuing either a four-year or a two-year college degree or a trade school. Planning for college begins in students’ freshman.“

In the “iASPIRE” class, there is a strong focus on academics. There are also specific targets students need to reach for college to be a possibility. Teachers encourage students to adopt habits that will be essential in college.

Highlights of This Four-Year Course

[ul class=”list list-search”] [li]Help with the college application process[/li] [li]Training for students and parents on how to pay for college[/li][/ul][ul class=”list list-search”] [li]Skills necessary to succeed in college[/li] [li]Participation in SAT prep [/li][/ul]

“Students in the iASPIRE class will gain the skills necessary to be successful” added Aubrey. “The class will form part of each participating freshman’s schedule. As students transition to Eisenhower High School, so will the iASPIRE program. They will continue to stay focused and gain valuable college-readiness skills.“

A big key to the program’s success is commitment from both students and their families. At the annual iASPIRE Commitment Night, parents and students learn about the program’s mission. This year, they got to hear from a few iASPIRE participants who are current freshman at the campus. The freshman formed part of the campus’ first iASPIRE class.

A culminating moment of iASPIRE Commitment Night is when entering freshman and parents sign the Commitment Form, which outlines the program’s policies and values. The program requires full commitment to ensure students succeed. AISD and YES Prep also hold financial literacy seminars for parents and students. These inform them about the many options to pay for college.

In the fall, the incoming iASPIRE freshman will connect with a support team of educators. The team will work with students about their college plans. The educators will also guide students to complete necessary classes to meet their goals. The main drive behind the program is to increase students’ college and scholarship opportunities.

The iASPIRE Commitment

[ul class=”list list-search”] [li]Students will take the course as an elective throughout their four years of high school.[/li]

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Eisenhower Ninth Grade iASPIRE students attend Big Ike’s Grads Give Back event. Students heard from Ike graduates. They learned about the college application process and paying for college.

[li]Students will enroll in at least one Honors, Advanced Placement (AP) or Dual Credit (DC) course.[/li][/ul][ul class=”list list-search”] [li]Students will apply to at least one four-year university before they graduate.[/li] [li]Students will sign a commitment form to officially enroll in the course.[/li][/ul]

LaTonia Amerson hopes to see many more students take part in this opportunity. She serves as principal at the ninth grade campus.

“This is a great opportunity for students,” said Amerson. “The students that take part in iASPIRE are making a choice about what they want for their future. I ask parents to encourage their children to use this opportunity. It will give them a competitive edge for college and career readiness. This unique program teaches students how to reach their dreams. In committing to accept the challenge, they are investing in their future.“

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iASPIRE students at Eisenhower HS’ Grads Give Back, a college-readiness event.

Amerson sees the program as a way to build systems that support good habits in students. She also sees this as a way create positive change in families and communities.

“Everyone involved wants students develop the mindset to go to college,” added Amerson. “Changing students’ mindsets can have a strong impact on their lives and our communities. When they succeed, we all succeed. They will serve as influencers in their families and communities. They will be able to help and make a difference in others’ lives. This is what we are striving for. We feel that a college-going culture is what changes communities.

“We are going to support students in every way possible. Nothing worthwhile is easy. This will require hard work and dedication. We are asking students to challenge themselves. And we are going to hold them accountable and be right there with them every step of the way.“

Students can register for “iASPIRE” now. Go online to commit by visiting the [icons icon_name=”icon-external-link” icon_size=”14px”]Eisenhower Ninth Grade School website.

For more information contact Aquilla Aubrey at (281) 878-0900. Folks can also contact Elizabeth Hernández at (956) 802-8084. She serves as program manager for Aldine/YES Prep College Initiatives Compact.