college access Archives | Project Leadership

Snow and success.

By Project Leadership
February 11, 2016
Blog,college access,Mentoring

Seth Godin’s tag line is “GO Make something happen.” He writes quick, short blog posts that encourage his readers to take action, which you can see in the post copied below.

Godin’s recent post relates to Project Leadership, I think. Read it below.

It’s not a problem if you prepare for it

Buffalo famously gets a lot of snow. Growing up there, though, no one really freaked out about it, because we had machines to get rid of it and the attitude that it was hardly a problem worth hyperventilating over.

Most problems are like that. When we prepare for them and get used to them, they’re not problems anymore. They’re merely the way it is. – Seth Godin

Godin’s post gets me wondering: How do we prevent problems?

Can this idea of preparation preventing problems be true?

Like Godin, my dad has experienced some winters in Buffalo, NY. In middle school, my dad moved there from Indianapolis. Dad always tells the story of first shoveling the sidewalk after moving to Buffalo. The neighbor yelled over to him, “Throw it further. Otherwise, you won’t be able to get through by the end of the winter.” My dad still chuckles at the warning, 50+ years later.

My dad wasn’t used to shoveling in Buffalo. In Indianapolis, a foot of snow is uncommon. Often, the snow melts between snowstorms. But not in Buffalo. The neighbor’s help allowed my dad to be prepared for something he didn’t know to prepare for himself.

In addition to preparation, you also need knowledge. You can’t prepare for something you don’t know or can’t anticipate.

So, what do snow storms in Buffalo have to do with Project Leadership?

When you think about preparing for college, if you come from a family where no one has gone to college then you may not ‘know how far to throw the snow,’ if you know what I mean. Like my dad, without the perspective that experience brings, some students aren’t prepared for the ‘storms’ that college and college preparation will throw at them.

Project Leadership mentors understand many of the snowstorms of college. Because of that, our mentors help their mentees prepare for the ‘snowstorms’ they don’t know are coming. By walking alongside their mentees, PL mentors help students prepare for their futures. Mentors may be able to help predict problems before they arise and identify the right tools and solutions. No mentor can prevent the storms, but they can help find the right tools to weather the storms that come up in the pursuit of their college and career goals.

Do you agree with Mr. Godin? Do you have an example of a problem you’ve prevented by preparing? Share your thoughts on Project Leadership’s Facebook page.

Would you like help preparing the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) forms?

Meet Randy – A Project Leadership Graduate

By Project Leadership
November 20, 2015
21st Century Scholars,Blog,college access,Giving Back,Mentoring,Volunteer

At Project Leadership, we enjoy walking side-by-side with high school students as they form and pursue their post-secondary dreams. For Marion native, Randy Sheron, that meant pursuing a Social Work degree at Ball State University after high school.

As a freshman 21st Century Scholar at Marion High School, Randy already knew that she wanted to go to college, but she also realized that it was going to take a lot of work. During her freshman year, her mom informed her about Project Leadership’s mentoring program, and asked her if it was something she would be interested in.

“After she explained to me that a mentor would be there to meet with me and help me out with school, I decided that I wanted to enter the program,” said Randy.

Randy was paired her freshman year with a mentor named Mishelle Wright. They were matched for all four years of high school, and developed a strong, trust-based relationship.

“Mishelle and I had a connection from the beginning. I was quiet and shy, and I felt like Mishelle understood because she was the same way. She made me feel comfortable. We would do a lot of different, fun things, like meet at Starbucks.”

Mishelle helped Randy keep her focus on future goals, and also helped her overcome obstacles along the way.

“Mishelle was what I would consider to be a perfect mentor. If she didn’t know the answer, she would always point me in the right direction. She was always there to encourage me, even during the hard times.”

Randy went on to graduate from Marion high school in 2012, and is now a student at Ball State University. To this day, she stays in contact with Mishelle. She is finishing up her senior year as a social work major, and decided to volunteer at Project Leadership to fulfill an academic requirement.

“Being in Project Leadership’s mentoring program was a very positive experience for me. I wanted more hands-on experience, and I felt like Project Leadership’s values aligned well with social work. It just made sense to volunteer here.”

We are happy to have you, Randy! Thank you for sharing your story with us!

If you would like to learn more about our mentoring program, click here.

Changes to FAFSA That Students & Guardians Need to Know

By Project Leadership
October 14, 2015
Blog,college access

There are a few changes happening to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly referred to as the FAFSA. These changes will take effect over the course of 2016. Here we will briefly overview the FAFSA changes so that parents and students will know how changes may effect them going forward.

Previous year’s tax data will now be accepted – Starting in October 2016, students will be able to file their FAFSA before the new year, using the tax data from that year, instead of estimating new tax data after January. This means colleges will be able to send out financial aid packages earlier. Furthermore, students and their parents will be less likely to make mistakes while estimating their tax information.
Asset protection cut in half – Previously, the guardian’s savings and investment funds were not counted against a student’s financial aid awards, as long as assets were less than $30,300. Now, that number has been cut in half, setting the bar for protected assets at $18,700. As a result, students may receive less financial aid if assets exceed that amount.
Schools can no longer see the other schools that a student has listed – Schools will now objectively issue financial aid packages, without knowing which other schools a student may be considering. In the past, schools could see how a student listed prospective colleges on the FAFSA, the first school usually being the most preferred, but now schools will not see such information. As a result, the college/university cannot use it as an advantage to decipher the likelihood of a student attending their school. However, state agencies can still see such information, so FAFSA filers may want to list a state college first to increase the chances of the student receiving state aid.

Source: U.S. News

A Guide to Staying on Track as a 21st Century Scholar

By Project Leadership
September 1, 2015
21st Century Scholars,Blog,college access,Scholarships

21st Century Scholars in the classes of 2017 and 2018 must complete the State of Indiana’s 21st Century Scholars Success Program in order to receive their scholarship. To this end, the Commission for Higher Education has created a new tool called Scholar Track to help students complete the program and track their progress.

Creating a Scholar Track Account

21st Century Scholars can create a Scholar Track account at: https://secure.in.gov/apps/Che/scholartrack/

Scholars will need their social security number and an active email address in order to create an account.

Completing the Scholar Success Program

For both their 9th and 10th grade years, Scholars are required to complete three activities. Some of these activities can be completed while the students are at their computer. Others will simply require students to record the approximate completion date for an activity.

For assistance with setting up your Scholar Track account or completing activities in the Scholar Success program, call Project Leadership at (765) 651-0650.

Celebrating the Difference a Mentor can Make

By Project Leadership
August 31, 2015
21st Century Scholars,Blog,college access,Mentoring,Volunteer

Have you ever been a mentor? Ever wondered about the difference you could make? Read below about how mentoring relationships have impacted the students in our program.

ONE HOUR. ONCE A WEEK. ONE YEAR. TWO CHANGED LIVES.

Dear Jacquie, “Thank you, Mrs. Jacquie, for always being there for me and always giving me good advice. I really do appreciate our talks. I always look forward to our meetings.”— Nichole

Dear Mike, “Thank you for becoming my mentor this year. Also thank you for going out of your way to come see me every Tuesday. I hope we can finish the year great!”— Ramon

Dear Ellen, “Words cannot express all that you have done for me. With everything that has happened to me this year, I’ve really started to think of you as family. You’ve always made sure that I’m doing what I’m supposed to, and accomplish everything that I deserve. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!”— Jennifer

Dear Monica, “Thank you for all that you do. You go beyond the call, so words can’t express how thankful I am. My life has changed because someone like you decided to care and love me. You are the best.” —Chasity — Dear Monica,
“Thank you for all that you do. You go beyond the call, so words can’t express how thankful
I am. My life has changed because someone like you decided to care and love me. You are the best.”
—Chasity

Dear Don, “I want to thank you for taking time to meet with me about getting free college. Before this whole Project Leadership came into play, I had no intention of going to college. I already knew I wasn’t going. But now that you’re here helping me and getting everything set up, I know now that I’m going. I know that my future holds more now. Because of you, I’m doing way better in school than I would’ve because I know I have to keep my grades up for college and for a better future. I also want to thank you for taking me to all the games and camps that you’ve taken me to. It was awesome. I don’t get to do that stuff a lot, so thanks. Thank you so much for actually caring and putting in effort. It means a lot.” — Wyatt

Dear Dick, “As I write this, I think about how great my future can and will be. At the beginning, I didn’t think I would change. I also didn’t think I would be able to continue my job as a student. The past couple of years have changed all that, and there are so many things that I want to go to college for. With your help, I can become something I never thought I could. I just want to thank you for that. Thank you.”— Austin

Apply to be a mentor on our website at www.projectleadership.org/apply.

ICE League is Adding a Girls League!

By Project Leadership
August 25, 2015
Blog,college access,Fundraising,ICE League

ICE LEAGUE EXPANDING TO INCLUDE GIRLS NEXT SEASON

An innovative sports league that leverages students’ love of sports while promoting stellar academics, is expanding in its second season to include middle school girls.

The Inner City Educational (ICE) League is operated by Project Leadership with the Ball Brothers Foundation as the League’s founding partner. The League completed its first basketball
season in March 2015 and is designed to motivate participants to be strong student athletes as they move toward high school and post-secondary educations. The League is composed of 7th- and 8th graders who are drafted to one of four core ICE League
member organizations: the Boys & Girls Club of Muncie, Buley Center, Ross Center, and the YMCA.

In the inaugural season, the League had 69 7th– and 8th-grade boys participate, as well as 11 coaches. For the next season, which begins in February 2016 and runs through Tournament Day in early April 2016, a combined 7th– and 8th-grade girls team will be added at each of the four community centers.

“Since day one, we have hoped to expand the ICE League. We are excited to provide the same opportunity to
participate in the ICE basketball league for 7th and 8th grade girls in Muncie Community Schools,” said Kaye Harrell, Project Leadership Community Recruiter.

A school-wide initiative will promote the ICE League standards of a minimum GPA of “2.5 to drive 4.0 to thrive” at Muncie Central, Southside Middle School, and Northside Middle School. The initiative emphasizing GPAs strives to enhance the culture of high expectations by providing resources to every adult in Muncie Community Schools’
secondary school and identifying and celebrating an ICE Student of the Week.

The ICE League sets the grade point average bar at 2.5 and higher for students who wish to fully participate in the League. A partnership with the Muncie school system and permission by students’ parents allowed the League to monitor student GPA eligibility before the February draft and progress during the playing season. In 2016, the League will be expanded from 6 to 9 weeks.

The impact of the ICE League extends beyond the first season. In the first year of the ICE League, 50% of players increased their quarter play eligibility because of improved GPAs. ICE League Commissioner Tom Lyon said a
returning ICE League 8th grade student told him recently, “Coach, last year I could only play two quarters, but want to play all four quarters this year! I am keeping my grades up now!”

Project Leadership is seeking new partners to support the expansion of the ICE League. A Golf Outing is planned on Sunday, September 27, 2015 at the Crestview Golf Course to raise money to expand the ICE League in 2016.

For more information about the ICE League or the upcoming golf outing, contact Kaye Harrell at (765) 896-8616 or
kharrell@projectleadership.org.

The magic of mentoring is all about the Match!

By Project Leadership
August 17, 2015
21st Century Scholars,Blog,college access,Giving Back,Mentoring,Volunteer

A great mentor match is like any great friendship – based upon mutual interests and commitment to the relationship. But good mentoring matches don’t happen by accident!

The past six weeks have been filled with interviews of prospective new Mentors and Mentees. As our Mentoring Program team, Julie McGee and Monica Rickner, conduct interviews, the goal is to make the best mentoring match possible. They are constantly making notes and sharing observations to make strong matches. Strong matches provide a strong foundation for students and mentors to have an enjoyable and productive mentoring experience, like the one featured in the above photo of Jay McGee with his mentee.

We encourage you to apply to apply to be matched for Project Leadership’s mentoring program. The committment is truly small in comparison to the impact you have. The sooner you apply, the better our Mentoring Program team will be to match you! Apply today!

Be a PL Mentee:
As a 21st Century Scholar, you’ve made a pledge: get good grades, stay out of trouble, and commit to a college education. A mentor is someone who can help provide support and guidance as you work toward your college goals. Project Leadership is currently accepting applications to participate in our mentoring program for 21st Century Scholars in high school. Students in the program agree to meet with their mentor once a week for one year. For more information or to submit a mentoring program application, call 765-651-0650 in Grant County or 765-896-8616 in Delaware County.

Be a PL Mentor and change two lives:
Community volunteers like you are needed to mentor local high school students as they prepare for college. Mentors use their experience and problem-solving skills to support and guide students as they work to reach their personal and academic goals. Training and resources are provided by the program. Mentors make a one-year commitment to meet with one student once a week for one hour at their high school.

One Hour
Once a Week
One Year
Two Lives Changed

For more information on Project Leadership’s mentoring program call 651-0650 or 896-8616.

Grant County Sanborn Scholars Program

By Project Leadership
August 12, 2015
Blog,college access

For our Grant County audience, we have exciting news about a new initiative that targets 21st Century Scholars in order to provide them with a certification in a rapidly growing career in the community.

The new project, Sanborn Scholars, targets 21st Century Scholars that have graduated high school in the past 5 years. Participants will earn a certificate in less than a year by enrolling in Ivy Tech’s Supply Chain Management and Logistics program. The program will prepare students to enter the workforce with skills that have been identified by local employers as “in demand.” Students will earn 30 credit hours learning about the movement and storage of raw materials, work-in-process inventory, analysis and finished goods. Students are able to study and get familiar with the high technologies and information systems used to track goods and increase efficiencies. Students earn a certificate that is designed for workforce preparation. And if students choose to continue their educations beyond the 30-hour certificate, courses in the program also apply toward other certificates and degree programs.

Throughout the process, Project Leadership will help support students through the program by partnering with Ivy Tech Community College and the Community Foundation of Grant County.

Classes for the 30-hour certification will begin Oct. 19th. All classes for this cohort of students will meet on Fridays in a 4-to 5-hour time frame. Students will take classes this fall, in Spring 2016, and then complete the program in Summer 2016.
An informational meeting about the Sanborn Scholars program will be held at Ivy Tech’s Marion campus, 261 S. Commerce Dr., at 6 p.m. Monday, August 31st, in rooms 164/165.

For more information, call Project Leadership at 651-0650.

Education vs. Salary: How learning equals earning.

By Project Leadership
August 10, 2015
21st Century Scholars,Blog,college access

The Grant County Economic Growth Council reports that 60% of jobs in Grant County, Indiana require some kind of training after high school. Sixty percent! More than half!

The chart from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows us just how going to college impacts how much money you earn. What we learn from this chart is: If the jobs require more education, then they likely also pay better, too! So the jobs in Grant County that require training – 60% of the jobs open – require training and pay higher than jobs that don’t require training!

Employers are reporting that they need more workers, but those who are applying don’t have the correct skills. That’s why we believe it’s so important for everyone who is eligible for the Twenty-first Century Scholarship to apply for the program. The Twenty-first Century Scholarship provides the training you need for free. And training can help our young people become the workforce our community needs.

By applying for the Twenty-first Century Scholars program, 7^th and 8^th graders are setting themselves up for a future where their hard work will earn more. Remember: Lower wage workers don’t work less. They simply earn less from their hard work. Training makes your work pay off more!

So please, register your child today! The deadline is June 30 for 8^th grade students to register for the Twenty-first Century Scholarship. Don’t delay!

Are you a community member interested in helping our young people achieve their educational and career goals? If so, consider being a mentor! Learn more at projectleadership.org/apply.

$48,984,000 in Indiana Scholarship available. Have you claimed yours?

By Project Leadership
June 17, 2015
Blog,college access,Scholarships

2,041 7th and 8th grade students are eligible in Delaware and Grant Counties.

Each student is eligible for up to $41,552 in 21st Century Scholarships.

Total available scholarship dollars is a whopping $84,807,632. Nearly EIGHTY-FIVE MILLION dollars. Folks, that’s a lot of cash. And some of it is earmarked for your family.

But you have to act now!

No seriously. The deadline is coming fast. This isn’t a joke or an infomercial. All eligible 8th grade students must register by June 30th or the opportunity is gone.

I completely understand if you’re asking, “Is this is a gimmic?” I can confidently answer, “No!” It’s a wonderful program that knows it must offer some pretty amazing incentives to help our most fragile kids prepare for their future success.

Thousands of Indiana students have graduated from college using the Twenty-First Century Scholarship, which began in 1990, to incentivize middle school students to plan for their future. The program asks students to sign a “good citizen pledge” and in exchange, they will receive tuition money to any accredited Indiana college. It sounds too good to be true, doesn’t it? But it isn’t.

Don’t worry if your child doesn’t seem like “college” material. The Twenty-first Century Scholarship covers costs for apprenticeships, community college and certificate programs as well. Does your child want to be a mechanic, a welder, or a factory worker? All of those careers require some training after high school. The Twenty-first Century Scholars program will provide the financial footing to make training possible for your child.

Eligible students MUST sign up in 7th or 8th grade. You must ACT NOW! As students use the program, there are times that the State of Indiana must make changes to be certain enough funding exists to sustain the program. When you register your 7th grade student before the June 30th deadline, you make certain that your child’s is enrolled and the eligiblity requirements are locked in.

Apply online TODAY! Or call Camille (765) 747-5250 or Johnny (765) 651-0650 for assistance with enrollment.