This program, unique to CIS South Central Texas, empowers graduating, at-risk, high school students to plan for post-secondary education. Provided by Ms. Tiffany Patterson, MLA, Project Success has been a tremendous success, the details of which are provided in the report: Results, Challenges, and Recommendations - an Internal Assessment for CIS Project Success for 2008-2009.

Many students participating in CIS do not have educational plans beyond high school and are potentially first generation college students. These students often do not see themselves as “college candidates” so when announcements are made at school to go to the career center, they typically don’t follow through. This program is a lifeline to them, providing them with information that enables them to see new possibilities for their futures. The CIS Project Directors at New Braunfels and Marion High School, in collaboration with the campus career center and the school counselors, identifies potential program candidates. The students are then referred to Project Success, where they may attend meetings voluntarily.

Ms. Patterson meets with identified students weekly at the school campus in group sessions to talk about future goals and aspirations and barriers to postsecondary education. During this process, she develops relationships with them that result in their desire to reach out to her for assistance. She walks them through the process of signing up for the ACT and SAT, and even helps them to identify financial assistance that is available to them in the process. There are field trips to colleges and universities. There are presentations to parents about financial aid options, grants, and scholarships as well as special federal and state programs. She helps with college applications and proofreads their essays. Check out a recent article about Project Success on the National Association of College Admission Counseling website:

http://www.nacacnet.org/PublicationsResources/bulletin/2011/issue03-02-1...

Here are some helpful tips/reminders:

SAT Test Dates

October 9, 2010
November 6, 2010
December 4, 2010
January 22, 2011
March 12, 2011
May 7, 2011

***Students that participate in the free/reduced lunch program are able to receive a fee waiver. Visit your guidance or college advisor, for more information.***

ACT Test Dates

September 11, 2010
October 23, 2010
December 11, 2010
February 12, 2011
April 9, 2011
June 12, 2011

Scholarship Search:

FastWeb-- www.fastweb.com
Scholarships-- www.scholarships.com
Hispanic Scholarhship Fund-- www.hsf.net
United Negro College Fund-- www.uncf.org

Don't forget to visit your school guidance counselor, for local scholarship opportunities!