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

A Blueprint for Success
leave the program for any reason. If students are struggling to meet the requirements, they can still
benefit from the life skills workshops, special programming, and knowledge that prepares them for
college as well as careers. Parents and/or legal guardians are required to sign and understand the
agreements.
There is no formal enrollment agreement at the middle school level. Students who earn honor roll,
and have good attendance and behavior are invited to the EIF program, and to a special school-wide
EIF recognition to celebrate their achievements. Also, faculty and staff at the schools can identify
and recommend students who need extra services and support. The middle school program teaches
students self-respect and accountability, prepares them to be high-functioning students, helps them
transition to high school, and increases early college awareness.
Program Staff
For the vast reach that EIF has and the number of students it serves per year, EIF has a relatively
small staff of about 30 to 34 full-time employees. EIF has an office equipped with a computer lab in
each of the schools served, and approximately 24 employees across all partner schools. The organization
also benefits from corporate and community volunteers who provide support by working oneon-one
with students, assisting students with essay writing and other workshops, chaperoning campus
visits, and assisting EIF with special programs.
Program Components
Through participation in Education is Freedom, students: a) complete the recommended state highschool
curriculum as outlined by the State Board of Education; b) enroll in pre-AP and AP courses;
c) attend life skills classes; d) work one-on-one with their Higher Education Advisor to craft a college
plan; and, e) strive to maintain an 80 cumulative GPA by the end of their junior year and take the
SAT/ACT. Further, parents/guardians are asked to attend EIF workshops each year. In their senior
year, EIF students: a) apply to a minimum of five colleges and universities (including one community
college); b) complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Texas Application
for State Financial Aid (TASFA); and, c) submit a minimum of three scholarship applications. An
overview of program components is described below:
Higher Education Advisors
Students enrolled in EIF are provided comprehensive college planning services facilitated by a fulltime
Higher Education Advisor (HEA) assigned to each EIF high school campus. HEAs are central
to the EIF program as they prepare each urban youth to pursue higher education. HEAs assist and
mentor students through all college planning activities to ensure that students are prepared to enter
and graduate from college. HEAs serve as college advisors, mentors, and role models to EIF students
whose parents and peers may not understand the value of a formal education or have limited
knowledge of what it takes to enter and succeed in college. HEAs also facilitate parent outreach, to
educate families to proactively support their students’ educational goals. Moreover, in order to gen-
Educational Policy Institute 64 www.educationalpolicy.org