Special Youth/Education Section to the Milwaukee Community Journal

Wisconsin Summer College Tour

Attracting and retaining

students of color

It seems more students, particularly students of color, are beginning to realize that pursuing higher education is very important in today’s society.

There has been a steady increase in college enrollment of minority students. From 1991 to 2001, college enrollment of minorities rose by nearly 1.5 million students (52 percent) to more than 4.3 million.

But even with this progress, African Americans and Hispanics were not enrolled at the same rate as their white peers. Forty percent of African Americans and 34 percent for Hispanics attended college, compared with 45 percent of whites. Consider
o College enrollment among African Americans grew to nearly 1.8 million students between 1991 and 2001, a 37 percent increase.

o Hispanic enrollment led all racial/ethnic groups, up 75 percent to more than 1.4 million students. The largest growth occurred at two-year institutions where Hispanic enrollment grew by 82 percent, compared with a 68 percent increase at four-year institutions.

o Asian-American enrollment increased to more than 937,000 in the 10-year period between 1991 and 2001, up 54 percent.

o American Indian enrollment grew by 35 percent in the 10-year period, up from 110,000 in 1991 to nearly 150,000 in 2001.

So why are certain groups still lagging behind in college enrollment? One reason may be because students of color don’t always feel comfortable or welcomed on University/College campuses. Students may feel that there isn’t enough academic, social and emotional support that speaks to their needs as students of color.

Many students fail to realize that there are a host of programs available, even government regulated and mandated programs, whose sole purpose is to support students of color or from disadvantaged backgrounds.

One specific program, TRIO, has been in place since 1964, and has helped students their "college experience" even before they step onto campus as freshmen.

History of TRIO

TRIO began with Upward Bound, which emerged out of the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 in response to the administration's War on Poverty. In 1965, Talent Search, the second outreach program, was created as part of the Higher Education Act.

In 1968, Student Support Services, which was originally known as Special Services for Disadvantaged Students, was authorized by the Higher Education Amendments and became the third in a series of educational opportunity programs. By the late 1960's, the term "TRIO" was coined to describe these federal programs.

TRIO Today

Currently TRIO includes six outreach and support programs targeted to serve and assist low-income, first-generation college students, and students with disabilities to progress through the academic pipeline from middle school to postbaccalaureate programs.

TRIO also includes a training program for directors and staff of TRIO projects and a dissemination partnership program to encourage the replication or adaptation of successful practices of TRIO projects at institutions and agencies that do not have TRIO grants.

Programs include:

Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement
The Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement program awards grants to institutions of higher education for projects designed to prepare participants for doctoral studies through involvement in research and other scholarly activities.

Talent Search
The Talent Search program identifies and assists individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds who have the potential to succeed in higher education. The program provides academic, career, and financial counseling to its participants and encourages them to graduate from high school and continue on to the post-secondary school of their choice.

Upward Bound

Upward Bound provides support to participants in their preparation for college entrance. The program provides opportunities for participants to succeed in pre-college performance and ultimately in higher education pursuits.

Upward Bound serves high school students from low-income families, high school students from families in which neither parent holds a bachelor's degree, and low-income, first-generation military veterans who are preparing to enter post-secondary education.

Upward Bound Math-Science

The Upward Bound Math and Science program allows the Department to fund specialized Upward Bound math and science centers. The program is designed to strengthen the math and science skills of participating students.
What are Universities and Colleges around the state of Wisconsin doing to Attract and Retain Students of Color?
UW-Madison:

PEOPLE PROGRAM

The PEOPLE Program (Pre-College Enrichment Opportunity Program for Learning Excellence) seeks to increase enrollment and graduation by ethnic minority and low-income students in institutions of higher education, particularly at UW-Madison.
Upon completion of the ninth grade, some 100 students from Milwaukee, Beloit, and Racine participate in an intensive summer program at UW-Madison to strengthen academic skills, with a number of enrichment activities scheduled for the regular school year. The program continues through graduation, with a new group of promising tenth graders entering each year. Madison students also participate in PEOPLE, but because of proximity, the group of 100 students enters the program following completion of the sixth grade. Upon graduation, all PEOPLE participants admitted to UW-Madison are eligible for full-tuition scholarships.

Powers-Knapp

Started in 1989, the program offers four-year scholarships that cover half of tuition and fees for high-achieving ethnic minority and disadvantaged students. Powers-Knapp Scholars participate in a monthly meetings where key faculty and staff meet with the scholars to discuss contemporary issues, examine university resources and explore campus and career opportunities. Powers-Knapp Scholars are also encouraged to volunteer their time working with children or in other service opportunities.

UW-Milwaukee:
Black Student Union
The aim of this organization is to provide resources and to bring together African students on campus. It is also their aim to provide other students on campus with an insight to the African culture.
Milwaukee Commitment
UWM will develop a strategic plan and marketing plan to attract a diverse population to UWM’s campus. Specific initiative include:
o Establishing the process and criteria for guaranteeing UWM admission to pre-college participants upon their graduation from high school.
o Aggressively recruiting of targeted students of color by Enhancing recruitment activities in the Greater Milwaukee schools and communities and establishing satellite recruitment offices at multiple locations in the community.
For more information on programs and recruitment efforts targeted at students of color visit: www.uwsa.edu/oadd/planwww.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ope/trio

New Grant to Increase College Access and Success Among Under-represented Students

A new partnership has formed in Milwaukee to increase access to, and success in, college among underrepresented students. The focus of the initiative is to improve college enrollment and completion among low-income students, students of color, and those who may be the first in their families to attend college.
Milwaukee is one of eight cities granted this opportunity to create a Partnership for College Access and Success that includes public high schools, community youth groups, pre-college programs, parent groups and university partners.
The local partnership is led by COMPASS Guide, a project of the University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee’s Center for Urban Initiatives and Research. It is made possible through a grant administered by the Academy for Educational Development (AED) and supported by a $210,000 grant from the Lumina Foundation for Education. Locally, COMPASS Guide‚s largest supporter is the Greater Milwaukee Foundation.

Key components of the Partnership for College Access and Success grant include:
High school implementation teams comprised of college student ambassadors, high school students, teachers and staff to create a college-going environment in the school.
Creation of culturally relevant college planning materials for African-American, Latino and Hmong-American populations.
Fostering a greater understanding of financial aid, including COMPASS Guide‚s local scholarship database at www.compassguide.org.
Ongoing youth and community involvement in the partnership.
In the early stages, students at these high schools will benefit: Pulaski High School and Washington High School (soon to be transformed into three smaller schools). College partners include Milwaukee Area Technical College, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and Cardinal Stritch University.

"Increasing college completion by at-risk students is a very complex task," said Martha D. Lamkin, Lumina Foundation president and CEO. "It requires a strong support network, and we hope these grants will strengthen local partnerships so more young people can be served."

"Too many students who could go to college don‚t go and we can‚t afford to lose them," said Kim Stezala, facilitator of the partnership and director of COMPASS Guide. "The partnership will find students with college potential and help them make the transition to life after high school a life that includes a college education."

COMPASS Guide is a community collaboration that encourages post-secondary education to maximize student potential. COMPASS Guide assists people on the pathway to college through its website at www.compassguide.org, local scholarship database, walk-in advising at public libraries, pre-college program network, and workshops at community organizations. COMPASS Guide focuses resources on students of color, those who are low-income or those who may be the first in their families to pursue college.

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Kim Stezala
Director, EPIC & COMPASS Guide
UWM Center for Urban Initiatives and Research
P.O. Box 413
Milwaukee, WI 53201
Tele 414-229-6453
fax 414-229-3082
kimciz@uwm.edu
www.uwm.edu/EPIC
K-12 schools in Milwaukee
www.compassguide.org career, college and scholarships
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Angela Johnson-Swan of Milwaukee receives a bachelor of music degree from honorary doctorate recipient Ron Carter.
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Local woman graduates from Boston’s Berklee College of Music

Angela Johnson-Swan of Milwaukee recently received a bachelor of music degree at Berklee College of Music’s 2005 commencement.
Seven hundred students graduated at the event, which was held at Northeastern University’s Matthew’s Arena, in Boston.
Honorary Doctor of Music Degrees were presented by Berklee President Roger Brown to Grammy-winning R&B vocalist Anita Baker, legendary jazz bassist Ron Carter, and Kevin Eubanks, a Berklee alumnus and music director of the Tonight Show Band. In front of more than 4,000 guests, Carter delivered the commencement address.
Thirty three percent of Berklee’s graduating class was international, coming from 51 countries, the most being from Japan.
Forty-four U.S. states were represented, with Massachusetts and Los Angeles being the state and city represented by the most graduates.
More students collected degrees or diplomas in Professional Music or Music Business/Management than any other major, and guitar and piano were the most popular instruments.
Two hundred women were among the class of 2005.
Berklee College of Music was founded on the revolutionary principle that the best way to prepare students for careers in music was through the study and practice of contemporary music.
For over half a century, the college has evolved constantly to reflect the state of the art of music and the music business.
With over a dozen performance and nonperformance majors, a diverse and talented student body representing over 70 countries, and a music industry "who’s who" of alumni, Berklee is the world’s premier learning lab for the music of today--and tomorrow.

Alumni Profile:
DION HICKLES
(picture not available)
UW Madison, ’05 BS Civil Engineering
Profession/Intended profession: Engineer/Real Estate Developer

Why did you choose to stay in state to attend college?
I planned to go out of state, but because I had a scholarship at an in-state school, staying in Wisconsin was more of an option. Also, I was close to my support system by attending the UW.
What do you feel was the greatest advantage to attending an in-state school?
I think the greatest advantage is that the tuition is much lower than schools that are out of state. Also, if you are at an in-state school, there are more opportunities for you to stay at that school and graduate. Finances were my main concern.
Any programs/scholarships you'd recommend incoming freshman to get involved in?
I would encourage incoming freshman to get to know the Deans of the college that they wish to graduate from.
This can start the network that a student of color needs in this environment. Also, if a student is young enough, they can get involved in the Madison PEOPLE Program. After the completion of this program and admittance to the University of Wisconsin, the students are offered a 5-year scholarship to the UW.
Another program to apply for is Powers Knapp Scholars. This program keeps minorities who are in college on track financially and mentally.
Would you recommend your Alma Mater to prospective students?
I would definitely recommend the University of Wisconsin-Madison to prospective students. I have grown greatly at this prestigious institution. I have one strong suggestion for those who plan on attending this institution: Continue to maintain the work ethic that was instilled in you and apply it to your studies here at the UW.
What advice would you give a prospective UW student, what should they know about UW?
I think that they should know that although this school has a reputation for being a 'party school,' this is not the time to party! Especially if a prospective UW student is one of color at this predominately white institution, academics should be number one. Only then can one succeed at this University.

JAZZ ON A MIDSUMMER’S EVE HAS NEW VENUE

Aurora Adult Day Centers this year will hold the "Jazz on a Midsummer’s Eve" event at the new Milwaukee Youth Arts Center (MYAC) in downtown Milwaukee Thursday, Aug. 25. The MYAC is a collaboration between First Stage Children’s Theater and the Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra
"Jazz on a Midsummer’s Eve" will feature the music of Annie and the Jazz Orphans, live and silent auctions, and a rib dinner catered by Pitch’s Lounge and Restaurant. Entertainment will include young performers from the First Stage Theater Academy and the Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra.
The event runs from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at 325 West Walnut St. Ticket prices are $25 in advance; $30 at the door. Parking is available in the MYAC lot or across the street at the Aurora Adult Day Center.

Mt. Mary program helps make transition towards college easier

Are you a high school young woman thinking about college but unsure how to begin? Perhaps you are the first one in your family who will attend college and you need reassurance about your chances for success.
You might be wishing you could try college at a location close to home, just to find out what it will be like.
If any of those statements fits your situation, Mount Mary’s Midtown Scholarship Pro-gram—and the Midtown Campus, located at 1915 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive—could be your answer.
Your experience begins with the Summer Bridge Program during the summer after you graduate from high school. Scholarships for the Bridge and Midtown programs are provided.
On Mount Mary’s main campus, you will take courses as a group in writing, math, and critical reading and thinking; you will enjoy social and cultural activities. All of this will introduce you to college life.
In fall, you will take core college courses at the Midtown location, taught by Mount Mary faculty. You will be encouraged to take part in athletics, clubs, and social activities at the main campus. Transportation back and forth will be available.
At the end of your freshman year you will be fully prepared to complete your college education at Mount Mary’s main campus.
Micaela Hampton and Lovely Clark completed their freshman year at Midtown in May and are looking forward to classes at the main campus this fall. In a recent conversation, both had lots of good things to say about Midtown.
Lovely, a St. Joan Antida High School graduate, was undecided about a career and was considering entering the military rather than college. Her high school counselor suggested that she look into the Midtown Campus program. When she was accepted, "It took a lot of weight off my shoulders," she said.
Micaela, who graduated from Madison University High School, has always wanted to be a nurse. After beginning at Midtown she took a work study job at Columbia College of Nursing. In addition to her classes, she was able to experience what working at a hospital was like. "It was a great career preview for me," she said.
Midtown was a good experience for both young women from the start, after a little nervousness wore off. "That took less than one day," Lovely said. They liked the faculty, who respected them and encouraged them to think and debate and participate in class. They liked the laughter and the openness and the variety of experiences. And they liked learning about issues they had never considered so deeply before, and the art projects that allowed them to examine their lives and express their feelings.
When asked what valuable skills they learned other than their course content, neither of them hesitated. Lovely gradually became more comfortable asking questions.
"I was pretty quiet in high school," she said. "I didn’t ask for help very often. At Midtown the teachers were always asking if we understood, offering to solve problems. I found out that there’s nothing wrong with admitting when you don’t understand. How are you going to learn if you don’t do that?" Micaela learned a lot about time management and said she is much better at it now than she was in high school.
Would Lovely and Micaela recommend Midtown to other young women? Absolutely, they both answered. Don’t let fear of failure or worry about finances keep you away, they said. Just try. There are lots of people willing to help. Always encourage yourself to be better, to reach higher. You will be surprised; you can do it!
For more information about the Midtown Campus Scholarship Program, go to the Mount Mary College Web site, www.mtmary.edu/midtown.htm, or call 414-267-2471.
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