A BluePrint for Success: Case Studies of Successful - Educational ...

A Blueprint for Success
learned was the importance of professional college counseling for the students. After hiring
counselors, they decided it was best to hire an expert in college counseling and financial aid.
Year Round. Breakthrough Saint Paul also wished they could serve students all year.
Executive Director Wingfield indicated that she would like to “serve all of our students,
specifically our high school students, year round. Currently, we serve our middle school
students year round and our high school students only during the school year. We are in the
process of designing a high school summer program.”
Other areas mentioned include better targeting of students and families; starting the process earlier
in the education pipeline (middle school vs. high school); identifying and relying on program alumnae;
the need to find capable tutors in an affordable manner; and having a clear mission for the program.
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The programs presented in this publication exhibit behaviors and practices that help them meet their
shared goal of getting students prepared and into college. The lessons learned and other information
provided throughout this publication should be a great reference to other programs in the field. To
conclude, we found that a statement of essential success components by Education is Freedom Vice
President Dr. Tiffany Gurley-Alloway should be useful to all programs.
Elements of an Effective Program
Strong leadership, an influential board, and having a team with the right skills in the right
jobs.
Goals/target outcomes should set the stage for everything from data collection and analysis to
database systems, work processes, and staffing (“when you hire dedicated people, the results
will be phenomenal”).
In order to remain vital, an organization must be viewed as a partner within the school
districts it serves.
Process documentation is essential.
When needs change, an organization must be fluid enough to change with them.
Organizations must stay current on technological advances in the industry.
Never lose site of the competition. Organizations must understand the business, potential
partners, and competitors. Further, you must understand what sets your organization apart
from others. You must constantly scan the horizon for entering/emerging organizations, and
never underestimate their potential impact on your business.
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Educational Policy Institute xiv www.educationalpolicy.org