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

A Blueprint for Success
registering for SAT and ACT exams, and are offered SAT/ACT test prep in collaboration with EIF’s
university partners. Students receive help submitting these components in hard copy and/or electronically
inside EIF’s on-campus computer labs.
University Partnerships and Scholarship Opportunities
EIF helps students secure college funding through university and external scholarship partners. University
partners have dedicated exclusive, merit-based scholarships to EIF students (estimated value
over $12 million) and some provide college planning and/or retention services for EIF students. EIF
has developed partnerships with University of Texas at Austin, University of North Texas, University
of North Texas at Dallas, Texas A&M University-Commerce, and Jarvis Christian College. EIF
continually seeks new university partners. In addition, EIF students are eligible for exclusive scholarships
including the Mayor’s Chesapeake Energy Scholarship Fund, established in 2008 by former
Dallas Mayor Tom Leppert and the Dallas Foundation. EIF also identifies additional scholarship
opportunities that may be available for EIF students.
Mentoring
In order to generate a college-going culture among students within Dallas ISD, EIF facilitates mentoring
for its students through staff members and volunteers who can offer positive adult influences
to help with students’ college and career paths.
College Integration
EIF offers exclusive opportunities for students to engage with higher education communities both
prior to and after college entry. EIF arranges college visits, college talks, and summer bridge programs
for high school students so that they can better visualize college options and college life. To
support college-bound students with the transition from high school to college and to provide resources
after college entry, EIF offers tailored college preparation, identification of college student
support resources, and retention social media outreach.
Middle School Champions of Change (MC 2 )
Middle school students receive guidance and advising through the EIF MC 2 program. EIF MC 2 encourages
strong academic performance through (a) academic promotion and recognition with pep
rally-style events, (b) weekly classroom and lunchtime discussions to encourage students to think
seriously about school and their futures, and (c) parent outreach.
Technology is an important tool to reach EIF students. For example, EIF furnishes an office and
tech lab on each campus, with laptops, router, printer, and large screen monitor. Additionally, students
work with higher education advisors to create student profiles using Careercruising, a career
profile building software package that is widely utilized by Dallas ISD. HEAs assist counselors on
campus to ensure that students are widely utilizing Careercruising, which helps students to assess
skills and strengths, and align them with college majors, college admission plans, and careers. Technology
reduces barriers by narrowing the digital divide for low-income students, and providing stu-
Educational Policy Institute 66 www.educationalpolicy.org