Aaron Webb University of St. Thomas- Houston Dr. George Laird

 Alvin High School had around 600 graduating seniors for the 2014 school year.  The bridge program is designed to make the transition from High School to College easier and more effective for students.  The bridge program is not intended to be an advertisement of money making adventure for Alvin Community College, but rather a informative experience about what is required to attend school.

 Seniors will be given a parent consent form by their Government or Economics teacher to be completed by their parents and returned.  On April 1 st the campus will be shut down for Freshman, Sophomores, and Juniors to complete EOC, or STARR simulations. The Seniors will meet and sign in at 7:25 AM in the Auditorium.  Students will be broken into groups with each group assigned to a non-testing History teacher.

 Four school buses will be secured from transportation by the secretaries and four CDL certified coaches will be requested to drive to and from Alvin Community College and Alvin High School.  Buses will arrive at the Alvin High school at 7:30AM and will be loaded with the first group of students at 8:05AM  These students will be transferred from the High School to the College and dropped off to Alvin Community College officials at the front entrance.  Students and lead teacher will follow the tour of the campus to ensure that there are no student issues and the group stays together.

 8:05: First bus will leave with first group of students. Roll will be checked as they enter the bus. Group two will wait in the Auditorium.  8:20: First group will unload at Alvin Community College including supervising teachers.  8:30: First group tour begins at Alvin Community College.

 9:45: Bus will return to Alvin High School to retrieve the second wave of students.  10:20: Buses will leave from Alvin High School to Alvin Community College.  10:30: Buses unload at Alvin Community College.  10:45: Second Group will start tour of Alvin Community College.

 11:00: Bus drivers will pick up group one at the Theatre.  11:10 Students will be dropped off at Alvin High School and be directed to the cafeteria.  11:15-11:45: Group one will eat Lunch and return to the Auditorium.  11:45: Bus Drives will return to Alvin Community College to pick up group two.  12:00: Students will be dropped off at Alvin High School and be directed to the cafeteria.  12:05-12:35: Second group will eat lunch and return to the Auditorium.

 Staff members of Alvin Community College will meet the students at the front entrance.  Each student will receive a bag with information about ACC.  The tour will consist of program opportunities for students at Alvin Community College.  The highlight and goal of the trip is not for Alvin Community College enrollment, but rather information for our seniors going to college in the school year.  The biggest concern that administration has noticed is the lack of information students have about college and the lack of required paper work submitted.  The goal of the trip is to help students realize what needs to be completed to get registered for school in the fall. Forms such as school applications, financial aid, and other required documents.  Alvin Community College is available to bridge the gap between high school and college for Alvin High Schools graduating students.

 F.A.F.S.A: Free Application for Federal Student Aid.  Many of the students across the state and country feel like the financial burden of college is to much, so they never apply.  Part of the bridge program will allow professionals from the college help students complete their FAFSA.  When students see that it is possible to go to school suddenly doors open wide and college becomes a reality.

 The students that attended the bridge program through Alvin Community College were offered assistance in completing the F.AF.S.A  Students were given information for their parents to complete to help ensure that they are ready for college.  Several dates were set up through Alvin High School’s counselor's to assist parents prepare their students for post-secondary education.

 The goal of Alvin high School is not to send each student to Alvin Community College, but rather make the transition easy and enjoyable.  Each student who can show proof of a completed F.A.F.S.A, completed application to a post- secondary institution, and an acceptance letter to a college, whether it is a four year college or Alvin Community College, will receive an early release day in May during underclassman testing.  This incentive is offered to help encourage students to be prepared for college before high school graduation.

 Provide information about Alvin Community College and the programs offered.  Provide information about financial assistance that is offered through federal assistance.  Encourage high school seniors to be ready for college before they graduate from high school.