Preparing Students for College and Career
For most students in Miami-Dade County Public Schools, one of the largest and poorest districts in the U.S., attending college remains a dream. Begun in 2008, The Education Fund’s SmartPath is an initiative that aims to embed a college-going culture in high schools, empowering low-income and first-generation students to graduate and successfully prepare for college and careers. SmartPath is changing the lives of students in five public senior high schools in Miami-Dade. Our pilot schools achieved a 34% increase in college enrollment, and since our expansion in 2013, there has been a continued 21% increase in college enrollment rates across all SmartPath schools.
SmartPath is serving students at:
- Booker T. Washington Senior High School
- Homestead Senior High School
- Miami Jackson Senior High School
- Miami Northwestern Senior High School
- Miami Senior High School
Signature SmartPath Activities Include:
- College Clubs & Classroom Lessons
- College Field Trips
- College Fairs & Presentations
- FAFSA Marathon Workshops
- Paid Summer Internships
In the Schools
College Clubs & Classroom Lessons serve students in grades 9-12 providing an emphasis on developing academic and college readiness skills. College Club lessons cover a wide range of topics including college research, essay writing, test-taking skills, and improving study skills. Tools, such as career evaluations, are also used to help students realize the importance of graduation in order to achieve a college education. Our SmartPath Guide to College Clubs provides a collection of lessons, tools, 所有教职员工都可以在整个学年中利用这些资源,为学生在大学和职业生涯中的成功提供信息和准备.
College Field Trips allow students in 9-12 grades to travel outside their own neighborhoods, many for the first time, to experience life on a college campus. 这些访问被证明是至关重要的,因为它们可以让学生获得大学的第一手知识,并包括学术期望的研讨会, careers, student services, and financial aid. College visits can be to local colleges and universities, as well as out-of-county.
FAFSA Marathon Workshops are critical in providing information to access federal student aid and scholarships. Through a collaborative partnership with Miami Dade College, college financial aid staff work one-on-one, in schools’ computer labs, 帮助数百名家长和学生完成FAFSA(免费申请联邦学生援助)申请. Engaging parents is crucial as many do not realize that college is a viable financial option for their children. 这一点很重要,因为研究表明,第一代和/或经济困难的学生完成FAFSA大大增加了他们上大学的机会.
Paid Summer Internships 向学生介绍职业和工作环境,同时接受SmartPath项目总监的持续支持. Prior to placement, students receive training in work etiquette, professionalism, and basic workplace skills.
SmartPath to College Leads to Success
- Pilot ► 5 Year Results:
- 34% increase in college enrollment rates at SmartPath schools, significantly outpacing results in comparison schools, which only saw gains of 2%
- 30% 与比较学校学生的大学坚持率下降8%相比,SmartPath学校学生的大学坚持率增加了
- Expansion ► 3 Year Results:
- 21% continued increase in college enrollment rates across all SmartPath schools
- 2021-2022 School Year ► Results:
- 100% of students surveyed responded that after attending a SmartPath College Club meeting, they are more interested in graduating high school and applying to college, technical school or work-force specific training.
- 100% of students surveyed stated that after attending a virtual college field trip, they felt more prepared for college, the college process and/or post-secondary plans.
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100% of the students surveyed reported that after attending a College and Career Lesson, they gained new knowledge about college and/or careers.
- 100%的暑期实习生表示,他们的实习经历帮助他们获得了为未来工作和就业做好准备的技能.
Student Testimonials:
"During the classroom presentations, I have learned a lot about college and my options. Ms. K was also very detailed about grades and graduation requirements." - JM, Booker T Washington SHS
“这个社团让我对大学和职业世界有了更多的了解,也让我有机会帮助其他处于不同情况的人学会热爱大学. - LM, Miami SHS
“我在实习期间学到的是时间管理的重要性,以及为什么心理健康实践很重要. I also learned about diligence and how much effort it takes to execute a non-profit organization. I learned about different math concepts as well as all 16 of the United Nations’ Social Development Goals." - JA, Miami Jackson SHS
For more information, please contact SmartPath Program Manager Vanessa Gonzalez 305-968-8976 vgonzalez@spreadcrushers.com.
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