EXTENSION MEETS THE HIGHER EDUCATION CHALLENGE

We are living in an increasingly global economy--one that places a premium on a broad base of knowledge and higher order thinking skills. Young people from Cook County are now competing with youth from around the world for spots in this global marketplace. Yet too many of our urban youth in particular are being left out of the higher education arena that will best prepare them for the future. If current trends continue, the proportion of workers with college degrees will decrease and the per capita personal income of Americans will decline over the next 15 years. Extension in Cook County is determined to help reverse these trends and meet this challenge by providing workshops, summer programs, and campus visits to youth of all ages and their parents.

COLLEGE OUTREACH AT EVERY AGE AND STAGE

Pre-K – 3rd: Workshops designed to help students begin to explore the world of college and work through hands-on activities.

4th – 6th: Workshops designed to help students recognize that setting academic goals for junior high and working to achieve those goals can directly contribute to their placement in a quality high school. Colleges, universities, various fields of study, and career interest areas are explored.

7th – 8th: Workshops designed to help students recognize that setting academic goals for high school and working to achieve those goals can directly contribute to their acceptance at a quality college or university. Topics and activities include high school application and selection, academic rigor, leadership, effective communication, diversity, peer mentoring, and college visits. Colleges, universities, fields of study and careers are explored in greater depth.

High School: Workshops designed to complement high school guidance curriculums. A variety of workshops and activities are designed to help students recognize that setting academic goals for high school and then working to achieve those goals can directly contribute to the successful completion of a college degree. Topics and activities include career exploration, college searches, college applications, financial aid, entrepreneurship, academic expectations for the scholar/athlete, peer mentoring, goal setting and college visits.

Parents: Workshops designed to help parents support their children from Pre-K through college, with topics ranging from Preparing Pre-K Students for Kindergarten through Navigating the Financial Aid Process with Your High School Senior.