Agenda

Key Reasons for ALCAC  Increase # of 1 st Generation & Low- income Students pursuing Post- Secondary Education.  Assist HS Seniors with the College Admissions Process.  Ensure each Senior submits at least 1 Admissions Application to College.  Encourage HS Seniors to Apply to College early in their senior year.

Plan 2020 Vision  Every Child A Graduate  Every Child Prepared for College/Work/Adulthood in the 21 st Century

Presidential Proclamation THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary _______________________________________________________________ For Immediate Release October 31, 2014 NATIONAL COLLEGE APPLICATION MONTH, BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA A PROCLAMATION With hard work and determination, a great education should be within everyone's reach. At the heart of America's promise is the belief that we all deserve an equal opportunity to get ahead, and today more than ever -- as we face greater global competition in a knowledge-based economy -- a college degree is the surest path to a stable, middle-class life. During National College Application Month, we come together to encourage all students to take control of their own destiny by applying to continue their education beyond high school and to let them know that no matter where they come from or who they are -- it does not matter if they are the first in their family to apply to college or if they have been told that they are simply not college material -- there is an opportunity for them. This fall, high school seniors across our Nation are making the decision to invest in their future by earning a post-secondary degree or credential, and as they navigate the college admissions process, my Administration is dedicated to supporting them with the tools and resources they need to succeed. To help more families afford a college degree, we have expanded grants, tax credits, and loans and invested in programs that help students manage and reduce the burdens of debt after they graduate. We created the College Scorecard to make it easier for students and families to compare colleges and find ones that are well-suited to their needs. And to help students better understand the costs of college and more easily compare aid packages offered by different institutions, we developed the Financial Aid Shopping Sheet. To access these and other resources -- including College Navigator and a tool that helps determine the net price of any given college -- Americans can go to Applying to college is hard work, but it is only the beginning of a journey that requires persistence and focus. A college degree unlocks pathways to opportunity; it prepares today's students for the jobs of the future and is a requirement for the educated workforce and informed citizenry our country needs to create growth, bolster our economy, and strengthen our democracy. That is why as a Nation, we

must lift up our students, help them achieve their greatest potential, and work together toward an important goal: to lead the world in college completion. This month, we celebrate the limitless possibility within every child. We honor the teachers, school counselors, and parents who help students apply to college. We recognize the institutions that are taking steps to ensure they reach the best and brightest students, regardless of their background, and all those who ensure the next generation is prepared for success, including businesses who open their doors to interns and the alumni, foundations, and faith-based organizations that provide scholarships. Let us remind all students that it is never too early to start planning for their future or reaching for their dreams. NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim November 2014 as National College Application Month. I call upon public officials, educators, parents, students, and all Americans to observe this month with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs designed to encourage students to make plans for and apply to college. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-first day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand fourteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-ninth. BARACK OBAMA # # #

Alabama Resolution RESOLUTION PROCLAIMING NOVEMBER 3-7, 2014, AS ALABAMA COLLEGE APPLICATION WEEK WHEREAS, all students must have an opportunity to reach their full potential and to realize their lifelong aspirations; and WHEREAS, the U.S. Department of Labor estimates 90 percent of our nation’s upcoming 21st Century careers will require employees to have postsecondary experience; and WHEREAS, the college application process may be a barrier that could keep some high school students from pursuing postsecondary education—because of an absence of information or support; and WHEREAS, obtaining a postsecondary degree is linked to higher income, better health, and even increased community involvement; and WHEREAS, to celebrate Alabama College Application Week special activities, official proclamation ceremonies, and other events have been planned statewide; and WHEREAS, only 31 percent of Alabama’s working population (between the ages of 25-64) currently have an Associate’s degree; and

WHEREAS, if this current trend continues, it is estimated that only about 38 percent of adults in Alabama will hold a college degree in 2025; and WHEREAS, this year all of Alabama’s local high schools will be participating in this event, which is focused on preparing students for the exciting opportunities of the 21st Century; and WHEREAS, the Alabama College Application Week initiative is designed to increase the number of students that are applying to and ultimately enrolling in college with a particular focus on first-generation and low-income students; and WHEREAS, the Alabama College Application Week initiative is particularly focused on assisting first-generation and low-income students; and WHEREAS, in Plan 2020 a Prepared Graduate is partially defined as possessing the knowledge and skills needed to enroll and succeed in credit-bearing, first-year courses at a two- or four-year college, trade school, and technical school without the need for remediation; and WHEREAS, in the Class of 2013, 22,815 students in Alabama applied for financial aid services and completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA); and WHEREAS, this celebration will also highlight the importance of the “college and career readiness” concept, which focuses on creating a seamless transition between students leaving high school, entering college, and moving into the workforce; and

WHEREAS, the State Superintendent of Education recommends approval: NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Alabama State Board of Education does hereby proclaim November 3-7, 2014, as Alabama College Application Week and encourages local boards of education, schools, business professionals, and local educational organizations to participate in this celebration through activities that demonstrate the importance of Alabama’s students achieving their aspirations of academic excellence and personal achievement.

60% of Americans will hold high quality degrees and credentials by 2025 ~ Lumina Foundation

 Etowah High School - Attalla City  Walker High School – Jasper City  Citronelle High School - Mobile County  Carroll High School - Ozark City  Pell City High School- Pell City  Francis Marion High School - Perry County  Pickens County High School - Pickens County  Calera High School- Shelby County  Sylacauga High School – Sylacauga City  Northside High School - Tuscaloosa County

Etowah pushes college enrollment Sometimes a student going to college is as simple as someone helping them to apply.” (J. Watts, 2010) Parent volunteer Amelia Peterson helps senior Courtland Harris fill out an application

 Host event during the school day  Focuses on first-generation students  Event occurs in the fall (November 2-6) on day(s) during that week  Utilizes existing networks and infrastructure  Requires collaboration (K-12/Higher Education)  Promotes College Going Culture  Uses school personnel and volunteers-low cost  Collect data on # students participating & # of applications submitted to Colleges & Universities

 Share information and build awarenesss  Provide individualized advising  Assist with application completion  Engage parents and community  Make decisions and plan ahead

North Carolina was the first state to implement College Application Week

South Carolina joined ACAC

Colorado, Florida & West Virginia joined ACAC

Kentucky, Minnesota & Michigan joined ACAC

Arizona, Iowa, Montana, Oklahoma, Oregon, and Washington joined ACAC

Alabama joined the ACAC 2013

All 50 States have joined the ACAC 2014 & 2015

 It is important that your school communicate this opportunity to  Students  Families  Community  Volunteers

ACIN book mark - book marks will be provided for all students participating in the ALCAC program. students will use the web portal to complete the college application process. Please give each participating student a book mark prior to your school’s event.

Event Poster

Ask me about My School Staff Buttons

Student Button “I applied to College”

Banner Was available for pilot schools only. The banners may be purchased at a minimum fee from local vendors.

Alabama Colleges & Universities Map Map available at Assist students in the registration process. Provides information on all colleges and universities in the state of Alabama. The map is located under the Career Planning tab on the website. Please review the map on the web portal with your students prior to your event.

School Teams

Class Assignments

Window displays

Students’ Acceptance Wall/Boards

Door Decorating Events

Staff T- Shirt /Sweat Shirt Day

Students: Research Options College Navigator

Students Complete College Application Worksheet

 Hold the event  Keep Records: Who and how many students applied? How many applications were submitted? How many students registered for a FAFSA pin?  Keep a record of who volunteered and their contact information  Hand out the “What Next” sheet

Ask Me! Button, Badges, Stickers ( pg 30 ) Volunteer Tasks ( pg 31 ) Student Instructions on Day of Event ( pg 32 ) College Application Sign-Out Sheet ( pg33 ) Reminders and Recognition(pg 34 ) Next Steps Handout (pg 35 )

Submit the requested data to the state coordinator The sign-in sheet with names of students participated in your school’s event. The number of seniors who applied to college during your school’s event. The number of college applications submitted during your school’s event. Communicate the program’s impact with the local media.. Thank your volunteers. Follow-up with school team to share your success!

Morning announcements Guest speakers Parent/student nights Engage the underclassmen in school’s college application campaign event

What? Greet Students Answer Questions Review Applications Manage Sign-in Sheets Fill printer with paper Hand out Papers Serve as Motivational Role Model

Who? College Admissions representatives Financial Aid Officers College Advising Corps Members College Access Professional Retired Teachers Local Business Leaders Political Leaders Parents

How? Newsletters Presentations at meetings of local nonprofits PSAs Letters from the Principal and/or School Counselors Personal Contacts

Print /review the site coordinator manual Register your high school for participation in the ALCAC Encourage students to research colleges and universities Make sure students are aware of the ALCAC program Add ALCAC to your school’s master calendar Reserve the computer facilities for your event. Recruit volunteers to assist with your event Create a schedule for volunteers

 10 Pilot High Schools  1538 Seniors Represented those HS  1173 Seniors Applied to College  1803 Applications were Submitted to 250 Colleges and Universities Nationwide

 216 High schools/sites hosted events Statewide  20,384 Seniors Applied to College  28,251 Seniors Representing the 216 High Schools  31,460 College Applications were submitted to Colleges & Universities  Over 33 HS received 100% participation in ALCAC.

Questions????????? Contact information Willietta Ellis Conner State Department of Education Education Specialist