Throughout the last 4 years, I’ve been approached by dozens of students that have questions about the process of getting accepted to universities and colleges as an undocumented student.  Although several bills to secure residency status and in-state tuition for undocumented students have been introduced in recent years, none have been passed. Looking ahead, though, the tide may be turning.  As more and more constituents recognize the value of a college degree while also recognizing the mutual benefits of an educated workforce, Colorado may become the latest state to provide public benefits ( in-state tuition) for these students.

Based upon the moral obligation in our k-12 system, many students have benefited from a quality education.  Beyond high school, however, there are few opportunities for Colorado’s undocumented students to attend 2 & 4 year in-state colleges – unless they have the financial wherewithal.  Although few, there are a number of scholarship opportunities that these students are eligible for.

Now that the summer months are here, many students are taking a well-deserved rest from the rigors of academia.  If not @ Elitches or @ Water World, there is always biking, hiking and the occasional movie or concert to attend.  While Colorado offers many outlets for students to enjoy while on summer vacation, there are also a number of things that students can do to encourage learning, emphasize growth and prepare for fall/school.

In our home, we have a book challenge.  As our first project, our middle schooler selects a book that is of interest to him. Once we’ve all read the book, we fully discuss the plot, characters, etc.  This allows him to gain a different viewpoint while learning to articulate his ideas in a comfortable setting.  Not only does it enhance and reinforce his learning, it allows us to spend valuable time together. Our goal for the summer is 6 books.  Additionally, summer is a great time to visit your local library and escape the heat while learning. 

Passionate about a career, a culture or an event?  Internships (paid or unpaid) can be an integral part of your growth as a student.  Many companies actively incorporate internships into their summer work environments – be sure to check company websites, message boards and social media outlets for leads.  Several local festivals featuring great music, outstanding food and diverse people can be found in and around your communities.

Lastly, be sure to stay updated on the latest events in education and updated scholarships at www.collegeincolorado.org.  Planning for your future should extend into the summer months, be sure to take advantage of all the tools available at your fingertips.

Thanks,
Lance

“It only takes one person to make a positive difference in your life. Never dismiss someone based on their age or race.” This quote is an important part of my Umbrella of Success presentations to students. It comes under the banner of MENTOR – identifying, emulating and seeking direction from someone you trust. During my teen and adult years, I’ve been fortunate to have two mentors – men who played significant roles in my development. But, in order for that to happen, I had to trust. Neither man was black and neither had much in common with me. In fact, each was middle-aged and caucasian.

 If you’re a youth that lacks a positive role model, that youth that has one or no parents, perhaps a parent who is an alcoholic, addicted to drugs, incarcerated or overall absent, a mentor CAN be that difference maker in your life. There’s a great book – A Hand To Guide Me, by Denzel Washington. In this book, there are inspirational personal stories by some of the world’s leaders in the field of politics, entertainment, business and sports. They share their experiences w/ those that touch and moved them most, providing you with details about their relationship with their mentors. In several cases, their mentors race and age became irrelavent, just like mine.

Too often, a student in need will not recognize an opportunity to find a mentor. The last sentence in my quote above regarding age or race can often be the wake up call a student needs to hear. It’s vitally important that students identify that person to guide them based upon the words, actions and character of that person, not their appearance. Too often, students identify with and emulate the wrong ideas based upon their siblings, media, gangs, etc.

My hope is that students recognize a mentor as that person to guide them toward a plan, to instill discipline when needed, to emphasize the importance their relationships/choices, to stay positive through all adversity and to commit to education. That teacher that constantly pushes you, that counselor that constantly listens to you, that coach that constantly encourages you, they could all be that one person to change your life. When you open your mind and trust, you allow yourself to grow.

Thanks,
Lance

What’s holding you back from pursuing the long-term benefits of pursuing higher education?  Is it a lack of motivation? Is fear holding you back from becoming the first in your family to attend college?  Are your “friends” discouraging you from reaching your potential? Or is it the #1 reason many high school students and young adults never step into a college classroom?  That being money, or the lack thereof. 

While an obstacle, not having money for college is a convenient excuse for many high school students and young adults to abandon their dream career. Thanks to CollegeInColorado.org, students can access thousands of scholarship offers at the touch of a button.  Students can explore local, state and national scholarships while also finding scholarships based upon one’s skills and accomplishments.

For the school year of 2008-09, College In Colorado provided over $40,000 in scholarships to Colorado youth, with this year’s total equaling or surpassing that number.   Are you too short?  There’s a scholarship for you.  Are you too tall?  There’s a scholarship for you.  Are you a high school skateboarder?  Congratulations, there’s a scholarship for you.  Are you left-handed? You too have a chance at a scholarship.  Perhaps my favorite, www.stuckatprom.com, offers 2 ($3,000) scholarships for the most creative prom dress/prom tuxedo made from duct tape!  The past 2 winners have come from Colorado high school students.  Lastly, for those who are the first in their immediate family to attend college, there’s a scholarship for you.

Looking for something immediately?  Visit our website to enter the ACT Test Prep Scholarship program.  As Colorado students prepare for the April statewide ACT exam, we are giving away 3 ($500) scholarships for students that take and complete one or more sections of the ACT Test Prep on www.collegeincolorado.org.  Team CIC also has a scholarship that focuses on the tenets of the Umbrella of Success presentation presented to middle and high school students.  Win one of 5 ($1,000) scholarships by writing an essay on one of the seven tenets of successful people.  Any Colorado student that has heard the presentation is eligible. 

Be positive, be proactive, be persistent – the best is yet to come!

Lance

Any idea of the #1 question that most middle and high school students get asked?  Based upon my experiences w/ students, I would say it has to be, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” What a loaded question that can be!

For those fortunate few that have identified the career path that they would like to pursue, congratulations. But for many students and countless adults, this question never seems to get answered. How many students, and later adults, will settle for being in a job that they have no passion for, a job that doesn’t suit their individual skill set and interests, and slowly, yet ultimately, kills their dream of success?

Fortunately, through CollegeInColorado.org, anyone can realize their potential without sacrificing their dream. A tool on our website, suitably named Career Finder, can target careers based upon your individual interests and skills.  After a few minutes, the Career Finder will identify 25 – 50 careers for exploration based upon your criteria and seamlessly introduce you to opportunities/careers that you may have never considered. 

Remember, we all have talents and gifts.  Yet, many students never reach their potential because they deny their gifts. Do you have a talent for writing? Are you skilled with numbers and math? Do you have the gift of gab and love to debate? Unfortunatley, each school year, hundreds of high school seniors immediately jump into a dead-end job with little planning for their future. Many students are accepting mediocrity by not taking advantage of the resources being presented to them by their teachers, counselors and administrators. By being proactive and having a strategy, you can happen to life and not let life happen to you!

Lance

Over the past 4 years, Team CIC has spoken to over 70,000 middle & high school students, high school dropouts, juvenile offenders and adults throughout Colorado.  Whether these students and adults are achieving success in school or in business, a common theme resonates.  Recognizing an opportunity when presented, and then capitalizing on that opportunity for his/her benefit.

What does that mean for a middle or high school student in 2009? Well, your attitude about school and the effort you’re currently putting forth will go a long way in determining your future. Will it be one of success, of mediocrity or of failure? Do you see school as a tool or as an annoyance? If you see school as a tool and education as the weapon to change the world, you see an opportunity. If you see school as an annoyance and ultimately boring, what is your alternative?

For the student that is struggling, there is hope. Hope in the fact that each school in Colorado has a teacher, has a counselor or has an administrator that cares about your future. Whether or not you believe that is up to you.  The opportunity of discovery is there on a daily basis for those brave enough to trust.

In the end, the only thing you’re entitled to is opportunity. It is color blind, holds no grudges and recognizes you based upon your attitude and your effort, not the material things your family does or does not have. With the belief in yourself and the support of others, take that bold step and take advantage of the educational opportunity you have every day!

Lance

Lance S. Carl, director of student outreach for CollegeInColorado.org, encourages students to conceive, believe and achieve their goals while highlighting the importance of furthering their education past high school. Ashley Sakker, assistant director of student outreach, compliments his presentation by demonstrating CollegeInColorado.org to students, a hands-on tool to guide them through the college planning process. Lance’s discussion with youth focuses on his Umbrella of Success philosophy:
• Develop a plan/strategy • Find a Mentor
• Discipline • Courage
• Relationships/choices • Work ethic
• Patience • Commitment
Following Lance’s presentation, Ashley will show students the CollegeInColorado.org Website, which includes:
• resources needed to further education
• career, scholarship, financial and education options

Welcome to Blog.com. This is your first post. Edit or delete it, then start blogging!