Preparing High School Students for College - ERIC - U.S. ...

This appendix includes a short description of each of the college-connected programsin the Houston and Dallas–Fort Worth metropolitan areas visited by the study team in thesummer and fall of 2010. The information for these descriptions was obtained throughinterviews and observations during these visits and reflects the programs as they wereimplemented at that time. Programs may have changed or been discontinued since the visits.Dallas–Fort Worth AreaCollege Foundations ProgramOperated by: Fort Worth Independent School District (ISD)Date of visit: November 1, 2010Location: University of North Texas Health Center in 2010 (location changeseach year)Program type: College knowledge–focused workshopsParticipants: Fifty students are served each year. The program is open to allstudents in grades 10–12 enrolled at the Fort Worth ISD.Length/duration: Six weeks, two sessions per weekFunding: The program is funded by a grant from AT&T. Students are alsoeligible for two major scholarships (to Texas Christian University and TexasWesleyan University) by virtue of being in the program.Goals and components: The program aims to increase student engagementand to foster a college-going culture by giving students information aboutcollege — on topics such as college culture and lifestyle, study strategies, andwhy a college degree is beneficial — and resources to help students apply tocollege and obtain financial aid. Each session focuses on a different collegerelatedtopic, and the sessions often include guest speakers. Students and theirparents are invited to attend a workshop on financial aid, and students alsohave access to college advising services to assist them in searching for andapplying for scholarships.35