College Prep Program - LA Works (July 20 - August 2, 2008)

What is the College Prep Program?
The University of New Mexico College Prep Program is a two-week residential program that allows participants to experience college life. During the program participants live in the UNM resident halls, eat in the campus cafeteria and receive a UNM Student ID card. In addition to the general college living experience, the UNM College Prep Program consists of five major components:

Academic Courses
Participants receive over 30-hours of SAT/ACT preparation training on UNM main campus. Taught in a variety of formats, these courses are designed to improve participant's overall scoring on the standardized tests.

Career Experience
In order to gain exposure to potential careers, participants are placed in on-campus work sites for the duration of the program. Working 4-hours per day, students are able to experience on the job training and orientation, and are given performance reviews throughout the session. Participants are encouraged to select placements according to their interests prior to entering the program. This selection process is completed via the internet from a list of potential employers.

Leadership Training
To be successful in post-secondary education, it is important that students develop skills such as communication, problem solving, and decision-making. The UNM College Prep Program leadership-training component focuses on building and strengthening these skills. Through the use of initiative games, guest speakers, and low ropes course, participants have the opportunity to develop and apply these skills in a hands-on setting.

College Life Workshop Series
While at the UNM College Prep Program, participants attend nightly workshops related to preparing for and being successful in college. Participants will work in a hands-on environment that will provide the tools necessary to apply to, be accepted, and attend a post-secondary institution. Each student also receives a resource manual to take home and reference throughout their educational career.

Cultural Excursions
Participants spend their first weekend in the Land of Enchantment enjoying the wealth of culture New Mexico has to offer. There are exciting and stimulating cultural excursions available for the participants to experience which allows them a break from the work and classroom environments and gives them a sample of the beauty of the Southwest.

Goals
The primary goals of the UNM College Prep Program are:

• To reinforce the linkage between academic achievement, attainment, and career success.
• To acquaint young people with the career and economic benefits of earning a college degree.
• To motivate individuals to complete high school and go on to college.
• To strengthen academic preparation for college.
• To give the participants an example of what college life is like.
• To build and strengthen self-esteem.
• To prepare and achieve competencies in the work world.

Eligibility
Students must reside in the service area of LA Works (East San Gabriel Valley, Los Angeles, CA).

Students must be entering their junior or senior year in high school and must maintain a high school GPA of 2.0 or higher.

Enrollment is available to students who qualify under the federal Workforce Investment Act (WIA).

Services are open to low income youth who have one or more barriers to completing an educational program. Barriers can include basic skills deficient, learning disabilities, and low self-esteem. Parenting teens and foster youth may also qualify. Other restrictions may apply. Contact LA Works for more information.

Eligibility requirements may vary by school district. Please refer to the brochure contact information for further information.