Description of Outreach Programs
Town Hall Meetings (THM)
Town Hall Meetings, delivered in English and Spanish (depending on the needs of the audience), are two-hour evening events designed to show both parents and students that higher education is valuable and affordable, and to assist students in applying to a two-year or four-year college or university. The THM serves as the conduit to engage students and families within the school community. Components of the presentation include Admissions (20-30 mins.), Financial Aid (20-30 mins.), and Scholarships (20-30 mins.). More specifically, the presentation introduces parents and students to college admission requirements; the high school college-prep curriculum; the financial aid processes, including the FAFSA and types of financial aid available to students; where to research scholarships; and how to prepare an effective scholarship application. The presentation includes a period for questions and answers related to admissions and financial aid. Every attendee receives an information packet, which includes relevant and bilingual materials presented during the Town Hall Meeting, as well as other college-going materials and scholarship applications appropriate to each city and region.
Steps for Success Saturdays (S4S)
Steps for Success Saturday is a full-day program on college readiness for high school students and their parents. Student workshops are grade specific, and guide participants through the entire college preparation, admission, and financial aid process. Parent workshops are bilingual, and provide an overview of how to get to and pay for college from a parent perspective, including the importance of connecting with school personnel. Student workshops can include
- Preparing and Paying for College
- Preparing for Standardized Tests
- How to Choose the Right College
- Writing a Personal Statement
- Researching Financial Aid
- From Community College to Four-Year College
- Transitioning from Middle School to High School
Available parent workshops are
- Paying for College
- Preparing Your Students for College Admission
Local HSF and HSFI Current Scholar and Alumni Programs
Current recipients of HSF and HSFI scholarships and more established alumni in the DC metro area volunteer in community outreach programs organized by HSFI. Area high school Latino students benefit from THM and S4S workshops by college students, who are close to their age group and can knowledgeably answer questions regarding the post-secondary experience and thus serve as role models. Likewise, community college students or working high school graduates take advantage of the experience of HSF and HSFI alumni, who meet with them regularly for advice on academic programs, employment options, professional development, time management, financial literacy, among other topics. For more information on these opportunities or to volunteer, please email info@hsfi.org or call 202-296-0009.
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