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Pablo Sisneros, UNM Resources, 4/17/2012

UNM Resources/ Programs:

ENLACE (ENgaging LAtino Communities for Education)

ENLACE's Mission:

To increase the high school AND college retention and graduation rates of Latino and other students at the higher education institutes around the state of New Mexico while smoothing the transition process from one level of the education pipeline to the next. We know that students who have support systems in place have a higher success rate of college completion. Through access to academic and financial support services we motivate our students toward the successful completion of their post-secondary education goals.

There are 32 programs that are ran state wide from pre-K to Graduate level, but here in Albuquerque their main focus is on the mentoring program and the parent engagement program.

The Mentoring program is primarily funded through the New Mexico Legislature although they do receive non-endowed foundational support on occasion. Employees who are work study qualified are able to receive it. There are also positions available for those that are not work-study qualified. Student employees are required to have a minimum of 2.5 GPA, good people skills and able to connect with people, data collection, and mandatory monthly training. The mentor leaders are very informal. They receive training and curriculum, and are allowed to adjust it for the needs of the high school that they are mentoring at.

• They meet once a week at their schools.
• Mentors check in with approximately 30 students and help keep them on track for college.
• ENLACE targets 120 schools and students of all ages.
• The high schools that interacts with ENLACE are; West Mesa High School, Valley High School, Rio Grande High School, Atrisco Heritage Academy High School, and Highland High School.

The mentors meet with students after school. It is available to anyone who is attending the school that networks with ENLACE. Depending on the school the student participation differs. On average they receive 15-20 students, but there are days were very few students attend. They choose to stay small, so advertising is done mainly through the UNM Jobs website. They have a very high retention rate of 90%.

(Interview with ENLACE's Education Specialists, Josh Corbin)

CEOP (College Enrichment and Outreach Programs)

Mission

The College Enrichment Program (CEP) is responsible for providing leadership in the development, implementation and coordination of student support services and activities which are designed to assist CEP students' academic achievement and their personal, cultural and social development. CEP provides guidance and counseling support to students in all areas relevant to their persistence and eventual success on campus, including overall adjustment, academic advising, career selection and financial aid advisement. Particular emphasis is given to assisting students from backgrounds which are currently underrepresented at the University. CEP supports the initiatives of the University in a cooperative effort through its outreach programs for pre-college students, the enhancement of community partnerships, and the recruitment of prospective undergraduate, graduate and professional students.

College Prep Programs

The purpose of College Prep Programs (CPP) is to promote P-20 student success and post-secondary education, from college awareness to college readiness, through academics, career exploration, civic engagement, college-life and leadership development for students from low-income and first generation college-attending families in New Mexico and across the country. There are several programs that consist of the CPP; Natural High Program (NH), College Prep Mentoring (CM), College Readiness (CR), and Summer College Prep Programs (SCPP).

The Natural High program (NH) operates during both the fall and spring semesters. Natural High (NH) promotes leadership development and teambuilding, specifically through cooperative games and low ropes facilitated by Educational Mentor/Tutors (EMTs) on UNM's campus as well as off site at schools and community organizations, in addition to mentoring and tutoring, to promote student success and post-secondary education.

College Prep Programs (CPP) hires and trains Educational Mentors/Tutors (EMTs) to visit and collaborate with different schools and community partners throughout Albuquerque and the state of New Mexico. The EMTs are an integral part of the program not only because they are the engine that makes the program function, but also because they serve as role models for the students with whom they work. EMTs come from different backgrounds and have personally experienced some of the same challenges their protegees are currently experiencing. Through tutoring, mentoring and motivating the youth at the different schools, our EMTs are setting an example of success. EMTs are selected based on their experience, desire to work with students, and their academic excellence.

The Natural High program is multifaceted and applicable to a wide variety of individuals. NH consists of: the low ropes course, cooperative games, individualized and group mentoring/tutoring as well as assistance with college awareness and readiness through presentations and workshops. Throughout the academic year different schools and/or community organizations request to work with CPP and participate in the low ropes course or the cooperative games. These two components are open to any group P-20.

• Cooperative Games or initiative games are used to test a group's ability to communicate with each other, follow directions, and work together to solve a mentally difficult problem. Also, other games that contribute to build a sense of team and cooperation are used to accomplish this. The specific game is chosen depending on the need of the particular group participating and their age level. They often include warm-up activities that develop the basic skills which will be utilized during low ropes course elements as well as follow-up conversations, or processing, to allow the group to discuss how the games can be used in future to help the group work better as a team.
• Low Ropes Course strives to address trust, compromise, and problem solving that enable individuals and groups to grow and benefit from a supportive group situation. The course consists of 17 elements constructed from poles, cables, ropes, and concrete blocks which are 12-18 inches off the ground. The completion of each element requires the energy and effort of each and every team member.

The College Prep Mentoring Programs (CPM) operates throughout both the fall and spring semesters. College Prep Mentoring (CPM) connects UNM students as Educational Mentor/Tutors (EMTs) in K-12 schools and community sites to promote student success and post-secondary education.

College Prep Programs (CPP) Educational Mentors/Tutors (EMTs) are placed at schools and community organizations throughout Albuquerque with an emphasis on K-12 students. The EMTs are an integral part of the program, not only because they are the engine that makes the program function, but also because they serve as role models for the students with whom they work. EMTs come from different backgrounds and have personally experienced some of the same challenges their protegees are currently experiencing. Through tutoring, mentoring and motivating the youth at the different schools, EMTs set an example of success. EMTs also provide valuable information and guidance to the students and their families regarding the different options for colleges and universities. This information includes matriculation information including financial aid, admissions and various academic support programs. EMTs are selected based on their experience, desire to work with students, and their academic excellence.

During the College Readiness Program students participate in a Summer Session, Senior Year Monthly Seminars, and Senior Year Meetings with Educational Mentor/Tutors students (EMT). In the Summer Session students stay on campus for 3 days/2 nights to experience campus life of UNM. During this time students participate in philanthropy activity, college readiness preparation workshops and presenters, leadership skills activities, and team building exercises.

During the Senior Year Monthly Seminars students are required to attend twice monthly Saturday seminars on campus throughout their senior year were information and help are offered with the goal of successfully registering all participant in a post-secondary education institution. During the seminars students will be instructed through;

• The college application process
• The financial aid options and application processes
• The career exploration
• The college exploration
• How to write a resume, cover letter, and personal statement
• The application process for scholarships

During Senior Year Meetings with Educational Mentor/Tutors students (EMT) will be provided provides one-on-one help with scholarship searches and processes, financial aid and any other help the student might need. Students meet with their EMT once every other week on the UNM Campus. In order to participate students must;

• Be a junior in a high school in the Albuquerque area.
• Be considered low income by the standards of the US Department of Education.
• Students must be nominated by their high school academic counselor during the spring semester of the student's junior year.
• Must meet with Educational Mentor/Tutor one (1) time every other week on the UNM Main Campus.

CEP is committed to assisting students with excelling at the University of New Mexico. As a student retention program, CEP strives to provide quality services to meet students' academic, social and personal needs. CEP encourages parents to become a partner with the program in order to assist their child in the best way possible.

Upward Bound

• The UNM Upward Bound Program is 100% funded through a grant from the U.S. Department of Education under the Higher Education Act of 1965 in the amount of $443,998.
• The mission of the Upward Bound Program at the University of New Mexico is to offer rigorous academic support to college bound high school students.
• Upward Bound provides fundamental support to participants in their preparation for college entrance. The program provides opportunities for participants to succeed in their precollege performance and ultimately in their higher education pursuits. All Upward Bound services are to assist participants in preparation for success in higher education. Upward Bound supports students socially, culturally, emotionally, and in college readiness.
• UNM Upward Bound makes weekly visits to our APS partner schools where we provide tutoring and college prep workshops. An additional tutoring session takes place bi-weekly with Saturday Academies.
• Saturday Academies occur bi-weekly over the academic year. In Saturday Academies students receive tutoring, prepare for the ACT and New Mexico Standards Based Assessment. Saturday Academies include tutoring, advisement, and monthly parent workshops.
• Parent workshops are once per month as part of a Saturday Academy session. During Parent Workshops a wide variety of topics are discussed, from registration to financial aid.
• Students also receive a stipend to support them in their commitment to succeed.
• Upward Bound serves high school students from low-income families and high school students from families in which neither parent holds a bachelor's degree.
• Projects are designed to improve the financial/economic literacy of students, who are limited English proficient, students from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in postsecondary education, as well as students with disabilities, students who are homeless children and youths, students who are in foster care or are aging out of foster care system or other disconnected students.
• Applications are accepted during the spring semester, and must meet criteria;
  • U.S. citizen or permanent resident of the United States
  • Low income (participates in the free lunch program)
  • Potential first generation college student (neither parent has received a bachelor's degree)
  • Low income AND potential first generation college student

Student Support and Services-TRiO (SSS)

SSS is one of three TRiO programs originally funded under the Higher Education Act of 1965, U.S. Department of Education Office of TRiO Programs. SSS at The University of New Mexico is one of over 900 programs nationally designed to increase the academic performance, retention and graduation rates of program participants. SSS provides first-generation college students from moderate and low-income families with resources and services that will assist them to stay in school, do well, and graduate. Services consist of;

• Academic Guidance on Major and Career Options
• Individualized Tutorial Services
• Mentoring
• Computer Lab
• Calculator Checkout
• Scholarship Opportunities for SSS participants
• Financial Aid Guidance
• Social/Cultural Activities
• Graduate School Guidance

The academic advising is one of the largest benefits of being of this program. Individualized time is set aside for each student. Participants meet with SSS advisors on a regular basis by appointment. They meet the needs of participants by offering extended hours to provide student advisement beyond the typical 8-5 schedule. All advisors are knowledgeable about financial aid and the process and/will guide students through the process. All interactions between student and the advisor are confidential.

There are individualized tutorial services that are available to participants. The tutors will provide academic support in the following course subjects:

• English
• Mathematics up to 163
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Organic Chemistry
• Physics 151
• Public Speaking
• Spanish
• Psychology

The goal of the mentoring aspect of SSS is to improve the retention and graduation rates. SSS mentors are upperclassmen, who are familiar with the processes and procedures of UNM, have exhibited academic proficiency and leadership abilities. The mentors help participants by helping them to adjust to college life at UNM and promote and encourage their mentees to participate in events and activities to develop campus involvement. The mentors offer their own experiences to assist their mentees in whatever issues arise.

SSS will only accept 160 participants during an academic year. There are several requirements that one must meet to particapate in SSS;

• Have a need for academic support
• U.S. citizen or meet residency requirements to receive federal student aid who is attending UNM fulltime
• Have financial need - Federal TRiO Low-Income Levels Chart
• Neither parent or guardian has a baccalaureate degree
  OR
  You have a federally recognized documented disability.

SACNAS Lobos (Society for Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science)

SACNAS Lobos is a network of diverse and motivated current and future scientific leaders at the University of New Mexico. We share a dedication to advancing the work, improving the effectiveness, and enhancing the public understanding and appreciation for Chicanos, Latinos, Native Americans, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, and other underrepresented minorities in science. We are a chapter of a national non-profit organization which fosters the success of scientists at all levels of training with the goal of advancing these individuals into careers and positions of leadership in science. SACNAS Lobos will provide a community for students from a diverse range of majors, primarily science and science related majors, to come together for academic, community service, and social activities at the University of New Mexico.

(http://sites.google.com/site/sacnaslobosunm/home)

The SACNAS Lobos UNM chapter is a chartered student organization at the University of New Mexico. Membership is open to enrolled students, faculty, staff, and community members of UNM, the surrounding community colleges, and high schools. In order to qualify they ask you come to meetings in order to vote for officers and they also participate in several events throughout the year. At one of their more recent meetings they decided that they would like to host an event that will be a resource event for high school students and their families to get information on UNM and specifically the areas of science. This event is still under development so they can present the proposal to UNM, APS, and CNM.

Since navigating around UNM and finding resources/connections are some of the biggest problems that incoming High School students have to face they are also developing an event where they can give incoming students and their parent's information about the school before they even get here. It will be a resource event about advising, organizations, campus tours, classes, etc., and will be expanded to a mentor program where incoming students will be paired up with one of our members when they get to UNM to get more resources and any help they need settling in.

As of now there are no high school students that attend their meetings but they are eligible to be a part of their organization and can come to their regular meeting times and events. Because they are a student organization all of their funding comes from fundraising events, and have no hired employees. The main SACNAS organization hires employees for the national offices. They are hoping to host their first event for the high school students at the beginning of the next school year so that is where their focus and efforts are being directed. (Interview via e-mail with SACNAS Prescient Melanie Connick)

Outside Resources/Programs:

Gear Up New Mexico (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs in New Mexico)

Funding/Participants

The grant is awarded by the U.S. Department of Education to increase the number of students who graduate from high school prepared to complete the college or career program of their choice. GEAR UP NM has been granted for a six-year period, from 2006-2012. GEAR UP New Mexico has invested more than $18 million to increase academic performance and college awareness for 6,300 middle and high school students in 29 schools, reaching nearly 25% of all New Mexico 10th graders. The schools that network with Gear Up are; Belen High School, Bernalillo High, Bloomfield High, Capital High, Chaparral High, Coronado High, Cuba High, Deming High, Dulce High, Farmington High, Gadsden High, Grants High, Hatch Valley High, Jemez Valley High, Kirtland Central High, Laguna Acoma High, Lovington High, Los Lunas High, Newcomb High, Pecos High, Piedra Vista High, Portales High, Santa Teresa High, Shiprock High, Socorro High, Tularosa High, Taos High, and Valencia High.

Gear Up NM's Mission

Increase the number of New Mexico students who enroll in and complete the college and career-technical programs of their choice by optimizing federal, state, and private resources to support a group of 5,500 New Mexico students as they progress from seventh through high school graduation in 2012.

GEAR UP NM activities are aimed at increasing postsecondary awareness and preparation among parents and students. Site teams and principals at participating high schools develop budgets and activity planning timelines. The site teams consist of a data, parent, student leadership and site coordinators at each school. Collectively, the site teams plan and execute GEAR UP NM activities using effective outreach specific to their community's academic needs and interests. To date, GEAR UP NM schools have successfully planned, coordinated and implemented many innovative activities and programs leading to increased academic success. Some examples include:

• Student Assemblies
• College Visits & Career Fairs
• Tutoring & Mentoring
• Empowerment & Intervention Conventions
• Summer Enrichment Programs
• Family Outreach
• College Counseling
• Teacher Professional Development
• Curriculum Improvement

(http://www.gearupnm.org/About_Us.aspx)

Simon Scholar Foundation Program Details/Requirements

New Mexico Chapter - Simon Scholars Program...

The New Mexico Chapter of the Simon Scholars Program is sponsored by the Simon Foundation for Education and Housing, and is administered by the Simon Charitable Foundation. The New Mexico Chapter was started in 2005 with a small group of students from the high school graduating Class of 2006. Since then, the program has grown substantially in size and scope. The New Mexico Chapter currently operates the Simon Scholars Program in four Qualified Simon Scholar High Schools located in Albuquerque and Santa Fe, including Albuquerque High School, South Valley Academy, Santa Fe High School, and Capital High School.

Sophomore Year - Application and Selection...

Current sophomores enrolled in a Qualified Simon Scholar High School who meets the program's eligibility requirements may apply for the program mid-way through their sophomore year. Eligibility requirements include:

• Must be a current sophomore with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5
• Must be committed to pursuing a 4-year post-secondary degree at an accredited, degree-granting institution, beginning the semester immediately following high-school graduation
• Must agree to participate in a rigorous college access program and attend all mandatory events and activities
• Must be enrolled in a college preparatory program and on track to graduate on time and remain enrolled in a designated Simon Scholar High School
• Must demonstrate significant financial need
• Must be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident
• Must submit a completed application along with academic transcripts, two letters of recommendation, photograph, student essays and parental income verification (tax return).

Applicants are evaluated on the degree to which they meet the criteria above. Applicants are also evaluated on the quality of their applications, including the personal essay, recommendations and academic transcripts. Students who have overcome significant personal hardships are also given special consideration.

Junior and Senior Years - College Access Program...

• Direct support from and interaction with Simon Scholars Program administrators
• Cash stipend
• Computer
• SAT- and/or ACT-prep courses and academic tutoring
• College tours
• College preparation coaching
• Life skills, leadership and teambuilding activities
• Community service activities
• Simon Scholars Awards Event which includes opportunities to network with the business community
• Mentoring opportunities

Requirements for a student to remain active in the high school program: students must achieve at least a 2.7 GPA for their first semester of their junior year then a 3.0 GPA for the following 3 semesters through graduation from high school, participate in required events, maintain good conduct and communicate frequently with Simon Scholars Program staff.

College Years - College Retention Program...

• $16,000 need-based scholarship to help meet unmet need after available grants and academic scholarships
• Preferential admission consideration, financial aid opportunities and college provided supportive services at colleges participating in the Collegiate Partner Program
• Opportunities to participate in community service activities
• Mentoring and internship opportunities
• Support from the Simon Scholars Program Member Network across the country
• Continued participation in Simon Scholars activities
• Alumni Association of Simon Scholars

Requirements for a student to remain active in the college program and receive funding during college: students must begin college the first semester following high school graduation, maintain full-time status (24 semester units per year or 36 quarter unites per year), maintain at least a cumulative 2.0 GPA and remain in good standing with their institution. All students must provide required documentation electronically twice a year through the Simon Scholar Program student portal and request scholarship funding in a timely manner.

(http://www.newmexico.simonscholars.org/program-details.html)

Youth In Development Incorporated

References:
1. http://ceop.unm.edu/cpp/cr/index.html
2. http://ceop.unm.edu/cpp/nh_cpm/index.html
3. http://ceop.unm.edu/cpp/nh_cpm/nh_index.html
4. http://ceop.unm.edu/sss/index.html
5. http://ceop.unm.edu/ub/index.html
6. http://enlacenm.unm.edu/index.php/en/about-us
7. http://www.gearupnm.org/About_Us.aspx
8. http://www.newmexico.simonscholars.org/program-details.html
9. http://www.unm.edu/~cep/about.html
10. http://www.unm.edu/~cep/parents.html
11. http://sites.google.com/site/sacnaslobosunm/home
12. Interview with ENLACE's Education Specialists, Josh Corbin
13. Interview via e-mail with SACNAS Prescient Melanie Connick