College Access and Technology Initiative

CHEPA has a long-standing commitment to issues of college access for low income youth. Although we know that college counselors aid students in preparing for and applying to college, the student to college counselor ratio in low-income schools approaches 400:1. Given problematic funding and multiple needs, we do not see that ratio changing. One alternative that needs to be explored is the use of technology to supplement what college counseling services exist in public schools.

The USC provost’s office has provided the Center with $900,000 in funding for the next three years to help kick-start the initiative. In making the funds available to the Center, Provost Max Nikias stated, “USC has a long-standing tradition of working on interdisciplinary initiatives that will improve the economic and social well-being of society. Improving access to higher education is crucial for America’s competitiveness in a global economy. CHEPA’s track-record with providing research-based answers to public policy questions combined with the technological expertise of the Zemeckis Center for Digital Arts makes this project compelling and promising.”

The technology we will develop will be in the form of a highly interactive, entertaining, aspirational computer game that will help students apply to college. “As an interdisciplinary initiative,” said CHEPA director Bill Tierney, “we hope to tap the multiple resources of the university in moving aggressively forward in our agenda to help increase the flow of low-income youth to college.”

 

Increasing Access via Mentoring (I AM) Program Kicks off its 4th year

If you're interested in being an I AM mentor during the 08-09 school year, contact us now!  If you're new to RSOE/USC and haven't heard about I AM here are some quick details:

* We mentor low income, 1st generation college-bound high school seniors during the college and financial aid application process.
* We help students make informed decisions about their college options.
* Mentors are assigned to students at high schools near and around USC.
* Depending on your availability, you will be assigned 2 students (minimum) or 10 students (maximum for masters students completing service hours).
* You meet with each of your students for 1-2 hours a month at their school, or they can visit you at USC---you and your mentee(s) determine a schedule that is convenient for both.
* Mentors must complete a TB exam and LiveSCAN background check---we provide instructions for completing both.
* You receive a comprehensive training on working with your mentees.
* You do not have to be an expert on the college and financial aid application process---you help guide your students towards resources; CHEPA staff work with high school counselors to ensure students have the right information they need throughout the year.

We're looking for RSOE members who are committed to working with their assigned mentees for the entire academic year.

If you're interested in join I AM, contact us at 213-740-2881 or via email at victorg@usc.edu or dyoon@usc.edu.   You may download your application here and submitted to CHEPA in WPH701.