Bridges Program

"CONNECTING URBAN YOUTH WITH EDUCATIONAL AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY"

A program provided by

The Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges
In partnership with
Ohio Treasurer Richard Cordray
and
United Pastors in Mission

The Goal

Agenda

Why College? / College Access

The Culture of College/ The College Selection Process

Personal Finance Education

Upcoming Program Registration

More Info

Upcoming Program Dates:
May 17, 2008
Agenda

Register Here

THE GOAL

The Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges (OFIC) Bridges Program connects urban youth in the Greater Cleveland community with the higher education community by collaborating with churches, faith-based networks and OFIC member institutions to assist students in forming and realizing their dreams of college attendance. The Bridges Program strives to change the view that many urban students have of college - an unrealistic and unattainable goal that is available only to students from privileged backgrounds.

Ohio loses too much of the human capital of talented urban youth to this mindset. It erodes the economic base of our state and, more importantly, prevents individuals from attaining their full potential.

Bridges works with youth within the environment of their local faith communities - a "safe haven" from urban pressures. Using the supportive and affirming environment of their community church, their pastor and adults of influence in their lives, the Bridges Program seeks to establish in these students a vision of higher education that is desirable and attainable.

The Bridges Program will continue to engage students after the initial seminars by providing further sessions helping students transition into higher education. All sessions provide presenters who serve as successful role models and who can help create a vision for their futures.

PROGRAM OUTLINE

The Bridges Program offers workshops that challenge students to expand their view of self, encourage them to explore, and aspire to attain a college degree. The workshops are offered at urban churches in the Greater Cleveland area. The next workshop is being held on May 17, 2008. Each workshop is co-developed and delivered by OFIC college staff and faculty and student/community representatives in cooperation with the pastors at these churches. Each workshop is structured to involve students and their parents in activities and self-exploration

Bridges Workshop Outline
May 17, 2008
Mt. Zion Church of Oakwood Village
One Mt. Zion Circle
Oakwood Village, 0hio 44146

SESSION I - WHY COLLEGE? / COLLEGE ACCESS

v       Problem solving and decision-making

Participants will be presented with a hands-on experience, which will require that they use a problem-solving process to address a situation. The resulting interaction will encourage interpersonal communication, stimulate creativity, and assist students in identifying how they can begin to build a personal tool kit of problem-solving strategies.

v       The Personal, Social and Financial Benefits of College

This session will also challenge the urban student and family to consider why college might be a viable alternative in their future - an alternative that can provide them with a lifetime of opportunity. It will also overview the access issue that urban minority youth will face in considering college attendance. These include issues such as evaluation of institutional diversity and cultural profiles, mission, academic profiles, student retention, academic programs and student support structures.

SESSION II - The culture of college/ the college selection process

v       The Core Values of Higher Education

This session helps students and families understand the nature of American higher education and the culture that exists in academic institutions. Issues such as elitism vs. access, professional preparation vs. the liberal arts, academic integrity and generation of knowledge will be discussed.

v       Preparing to Be Realistic and Successful Student

This workshop helps students to prepare for success in high school (and ultimately college) attendance by exploring academic survival skills.

v       The College Search Process

This session will focus on the "nuts and bolts" of the college selection process. Topics such as admissions, financial aid, and campus tours will be addressed. Students/families will be encouraged to schedule campus visits at OFIC institutions at the conclusion of the session.

SESSION iii- PERSONAL FINANCE EDUCATION

v       Planning Your Financial Future

The State of Ohio Treasurer Richard Cordray's Office of Community Education offers this session. The seminar will assist students and families with the development and implementation of spending and savings plans, both for future college attendance and for success in daily living.

“Bridges will help Ohio families take control of their financial futures so they can get back to focusing on the things in life – like faith and family – that mean the most.

Ohio Treasurer Richard Cordray 30 East Broad Street, Fl 9 Columbus, OH 43215 614-466-2160 www.yourmoneynowonline.org

 

 

For more information on the
Bridges Program or to register, contact:
Charles (C.J.) Harkness
Bridges Program Co-Manager
Ashland University
Ashland, Ohio 44805
419-289-5327
charknes@ashland.edu