In the News…
Student Loan Assistance
June 11, 2014
President Obama issued a Presidential Memorandum that will allow an additional 5 million borrowers with federal student loans to cap their monthly payments at just 10 percent of their income.
FACTSHEET: Making Student Loans More Affordable
- 71 percent of those earning a bachelor’s degree graduate with debt, which averages $29,400.
- The Presidential Memorandum also outlines a series of new executive actions aimed to support federal student loan borrowers, especially for vulnerable borrowers who may be at greater risk of defaulting on their loans.
- The Secretary of Education has been directed to ensure that student loans remain affordable for all who borrowed federal direct loans as students by allowing them cap their payments at 10 percent of their monthly incomes. The Department will begin the process to amend its regulations this fall with a goal of making the new plan available to borrowers by December 2015.
- Most students taking out loans today can already cap their loan payments at 10 percent of their incomes. Monthly payments will be set on a sliding scale based upon income. Any remaining balance is forgiven after 20 years of payments, or 10 years for those in public service jobs.
- The Servicemember Civil Relief Act requires all lenders to cap interest rates on student loans – including federal student loans — at 6 percent for eligible servicemembers.
- The American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC) provides up to $2,500 to help pay for each year of college. But the process of claiming education tax credits like the AOTC can be complex for many students, including for the 9 million students who receive Pell Grants, and hundreds of millions of dollars of education credits go unclaimed each year. To help address this complexity, the Department of Treasury will release a fact sheet clarifying how Pell Grant recipients may claim the AOTC.
Click here for the complete fact sheet…
Church helps students strike gold on scholarship search
May 28, 2014Wednesday, May 28, 2014
By Eric Stirgus – The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The $3,000 their church raised for the college scholarships was nice, but Mychal and Nina Wynn thought it could do more.
In 2007, the couple approached Turner Chapel AME Church senior pastor, the Rev. Kenneth Marcus, with the idea of a ministry to help students search for other scholarships and, just as importantly, provide them with the skills to get those scholarships.
Some of the 2014 graduates who attend Turner Chapel AME Church stand at the altar during the service Sunday.
On Sunday the church, in Marietta, held a service for 50 church members who have been awarded scholarships. The offers totaled $4.3 million.
Some students, like Brittany White, have earned full scholarships. White earned a Gates Millennium scholarship, which pays the entire tuition to any school the recipient attends. White’s choice was Spelman College.
“It feels really great knowing they want me to succeed as much as I want to succeed,” said White, 18.
Most of the students attend high schools in Cobb and Marietta, but some have graduated from schools in Cherokee, Fulton, Gwinnett, Paulding counties and Atlanta.
Community organizations and houses of worship across Georgia are getting more involved in helping aspiring college students find scholarships. Few, though, are as involved or successful as Turner Chapel AME, observers say.
Dr. Emily Lembeck, superintendent of Marietta City Schools, said, “I always enjoy attending this special service at Turner Chapel, where the number of graduates recognized continues to grow each year. This year MHS had a record number of graduates earning the largest amount of scholarship funds ever and I appreciate the contribution to this success that stems from the support some of our students received from the Education Ministry.”
At Turner Chapel AME, the Wynns, youth pastor Rev. Don Ezell and others worked with student members to find scholarships that fit their academic interests. They also helped with resume and essay writing, tutoring and preparing for the Criterion-Referenced Competency Test. The church also holds a college fair each October. Last year, about 50 colleges came, said Mychal Wynn.
Reginald Lyon, president of the Duke Black Alumni Connection, which has about 1,500 members nationwide, attended the fair and was astounded by the preparedness of the students and workshops the church had on financial aid, college interviews and other topics.
“This was the most impressive setup I’ve seen at a historically black church,” said Lyon, who lives in Dallas, Texas. The church began in the mid 19th century. It has about 6,000 members.
Like Jesus urging his disciples to follow him and vowing to make them fishers of men, the Wynns have travelled to other churches to share what they are doing at Turner Chapel AME, with the inspirational message that they can do it too.
“We have created a scholarly culture and a culture of service,” said Mychal Wynn. That culture of service includes requiring church members in college to return on their breaks to help other students, or to mentor other Turner Chapel AME students once they arrive on campus. Many students are the first in their family to attend college and were unaware many of these scholarships exist. Some students say their guidance counselors, swamped with the hundreds of students seeking their attention, don’t always have time to help.
Linette Andrea, whose daughter, Jordan Fessehaie, 17, will attend Boston University this fall, echoes the thoughts of many parents. A blessing, mom called it.
“Jordan had a clear vision of her goals since the tenth grade and working with the Wynns allowed both of us to be more focused and acquire information that was not at school or in the community,” Andrea said.
For Kyla Baron, 17, the long hours of prep work in the ministry have resulted in a full scholarship from Xavier University in New Orleans, where she wants to study biology. Baron, who graduated from Kennesaw Mountain High School, said she’s received other scholarships that will help her pay for books, her dorm room and transportation to school “so my parents don’t have to pay for that.”
Click here to listen to student testimonials from their participation in the church’s 2014 College Planning Cohort:
Students Earn $4.3 Million Scholarships
May 11, 2014
CHURCH STUDENTS EARN $4.3 MILLION IN COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS
The Turner Chapel AME Church, under the leadership of Senior Pastor Rev. Dr. Kenneth Marcus, and Youth Pastor Rev. Don Ezell, has a model the White House should be paying attention to. Through the college planning support offered through the church’s Education Ministry, their 2014 class of 48 graduating high school seniors has been offered over $4.3 million in scholarships and financial aid from over 125 colleges and universities—including such highly selective colleges as Cornell, Columbia, Spelman, Morehouse, Xavier University (LA), Pomona College, Williams College, Wake Forest, University of Southern California, University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill, Boston University, and Syracuse University. 24 of the graduating students who participated in the church’s 2014 College Planning Cohort accounted for $3.4 million of the total.
The scholarships and financial aid offers include a 2014 Gates Millennium Scholar—the church’s 4th Gates Millennium Scholar—and the church’s 2nd and 3rd Posse Foundation Scholars. The 48 students—who attend high school in Cherokee, Cobb, Gwinnett, Fulton, and Paulding Counties, Marietta City Schools and Atlanta Public Schools, and a few who receive private and home-schooled educations—will be celebrated at the church’s 7th annual High School Graduation Celebration Worship Service on Sunday, May 25, 2014 at 9:30 am.
Many of these graduating high school seniors were rising middle school students when nationally acclaimed author and educational consultant Mychal Wynn, and his wife Nina Wynn, volunteered to take the reigns of the Turner Chapel AME Church’s Education Ministry. Through the church’s college planning, essay writing, and interview preparation workshops; CRCT Prep and SAT Prep sessions; bi-annual academic celebrations; annual college fair; annual college tour; college discussion panel of current and graduated college students; as well as the annual High School Graduation Celebration, the church has cultivated a culture of high academic expectation, leadership, and service.
Auburn University Veterinarian Camp
February 26, 2014
The Vet camp is for individuals entering grades 9-11 in the fall of 2017.
Camp participants will learn about veterinary medicine first-hand in classrooms, laboratories, and outdoor facilities that include Auburn’s raptor, equine, dairy, beef, and swine units. Students will learn about public health, food animals, wildlife, anatomy, imaging, and first aid, as well as gain valuable mentoring about veterinary science careers.
For more information on our world renowned Veterinary program, please visit our website at: http://www.vetmed.auburn.edu/.
Federal Diversity Internship Initiative
February 4, 2014
The Federal Diversity Internship Initiative provides an amazing opportunity to intern within the Federal Government. Carefully consider this resource to help you determine whether it is the right choice for you. As a general note, the Federal Diversity Internship Initiative is not the best or only way to seek an internship with a federal agency. Further, if you attend a TWC-affiliated institution, you are likely to be better off applying for the D.C. General Program (option 1 in the application), through which you will be considered for all opportunities that match your experience and background.
Important Information for Applicants
- Please read all details provided on the Federal Diversity Internship Initiative section of the website for information on this opportunity. This initiative differs from the Washington, D.C. Internship Program in many ways.
- Internship opportunities through the Federal Diversity Internship Initiative are available during the fall, spring, and summer each year. The number and types of positions open vary by term, and you can be considered across multiple terms and years.
- Given the uncertain nature of placement timelines, applicants may be notified of their status only if they have been offered an interview.
- All supplemental materials should be submitted as soon as possible after applying. You must submit an official transcript to complete your application. You may be asked to submit an updated transcript and/or resume if you are being considered a semester or more beyond the time you initially submitted these items.
Placement Availability
The government often has internships* available with the following agencies:
- Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
- Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)
- National Archives and Records Administration (NARA)
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
- U.S. Department of Treasury
- U.S. Census Bureau
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- and others!
*Please note that internships may be regionally based.
Timeline
The Washington Center facilitates placements for each semester and summer with as much notice as possible, but some applicants may be informed of an internship opportunity near or after previously listed start dates for their term of interest. Applicants are encouraged to inform TWC of changes in their availability for a given term.
Questions
If you have questions about applying to the Federal Diversity Internship Initiative that cannot be answered by the website, please feel free to contact Reid May at reid.may@twc.edu or 202-238-7702.
Kenessaw State Summer Camps
January 13, 2014
The Summer University experience is an engaging combination of learning and enjoyment. Each summer, our courses are designed to give students an opportunity to explore their creativity, challenge their minds and build new friendships. From rising 1st graders to 12th graders, there are courses for every age!
The setting and subjects are academic, and the tone and atmosphere is lively and fun! Choose a summertime activity for your kids that fills their free time with hands-on learning opportunities, entertainment and camaraderie. Whatever the age, whatever the interest, there are SummerU classes that meet the needs of your kids.
Extended Care Camp is available until 6:00pm. Campers will be provided with a healthy snack and several choices of activities to extend the fun of their camp day.
Note: When registering a child for a class, be certain that you use the child’s name and ID, not your own.
Behavior Management Guidelines
Summer University Webinar April, 2016
Princeton Prize in Race Relations Scholarship
January 5, 2014
The Princeton Prize in Race Relations recognizes students who are helping improve race relations in their schools or communities. The prize is $1,000 and the winners will be invited to Princeton University for an expense-paid weekend symposium on race.
For more information, visit http://www.princeton.edu/pprize/.
The deadline is 1/31
Steve Harvey Mentoring Program for Young Men
December 25, 2013
According to statistics from ChildStats.gov, black males are the most likely children to live in a single parent female-headed household. However, black males are not the only boys who are at risk, they are simply most at risk as more males are growing up without fathers in their homes.
- Nationally, 64 percent of children ages 0–17 lived with two married parents in 2012, down from 77 percent in 1980.
- Nationally, 24 percent of children lived with only their mothers, 4 percent lived with only their fathers, and 4 percent lived with neither of their parents.
The reason that black males are most at risk is that the percentages of children living in single-parent female-headed households differs significantly by racial group. In 2012, the following percentages of children, lived in single parent households:
- 26 percent of White children
- 41 percent of Hispanic children
- 67 percent of Black children
The Steve Harvey Mentoring Program for Young Men is standing in the gap, teaching, inspiring, and mentoring hundreds of young men through their national and regional mentoring programs. The mission of The Steve Harvey Mentoring Program for Young Men is to share, teach and demonstrate the principles of manhood to young men, enabling them to achieve their dreams and become men who are strong, responsible and productive.
GOALS OF THE PROGRAM
The goal of the Mentoring Weekend is to break the misguided traits of manhood and introduce role models who provide positive examples of manhood.
The aim of the Steve and Marjorie Harvey Foundation is to instill the following principles in the boys who take part in their programs:
- Integrity
- Responsibility
- Respect
- Honesty
- Patience
- Discipline
- Service
- Courage
NATIONAL MENTORING CAMPS
The goal of “The Steve Harvey Mentoring Weekend for Young Men” is to break the misguided traits of manhood and create a generation of men who are emotionally, socially and economically strong. The National Mentoring Camp, held in Dallas, is a four day, three night interactive program whose sole purpose is to share & teach the principles of manhood and dream building to young men. The program helps young men to realize their potential and envision a future where they are physically and emotionally equipped, responsible and productive men.
Hosted by Steve Harvey, this program includes a host of workshops that focus on personal responsibility, dream building, and the importance of nutrition and physical fitness. In addition, the participants are introduced to positive male role models who are leaders in various areas, including business, their communities, entertainment and the military.
Since 2009 thousands of applications have been received for consideration and hundreds of young men from single female-headed households have participated in the Steve Harvey Mentoring Weekend for Young Men.
REGIONAL MENTORING CAMPS
The Steve Harvey Regional Mentoring Programs were launched in 2011 as a direct response to the mentoring needs of boys across the country. The program has gone into the Los Angeles, New York, New Orleans and Atlanta markets.
Our goal in spreading this program to additional cities is to expand our reach and help parents & community leaders nationwide to bring change to boys in their communities. This two-day experience introduces our core Dallas programming to 100 young men in each city.
Disney Dreamers Academy
December 25, 2013
The Disney Dreamers Academy is a 4-day, power-packed event in which 100 select high school students, ages 13-19, are inspired, motivated and prepared to dream big. Disney Dreamers experience:
- Inspirational guest speakers with immersive presentations
- Career activities ranging from animation, journalism and entrepreneurship, to culinary arts and zoology
The Disney Dreamers Academy takes place at the Walt Disney World® Resort in Orlando, Florida. Conducted on stage and behind the scenes, the theme parks become vibrant “classrooms” where Dreamers imagine bright futures, make exciting discoveries and learn how to put their plans into action.
Dreamers are creative, eager to learn and dedicated to pursuing their dreams with passion. If you have what it takes and you are between the ages of 13-19, you live in the United States of America and you are enrolled in high school grades 9-12 when entering, apply here!
Disney seeks students with a winning combination of attributes that reflect strong character, positive attitude, and persistence to take advantage of opportunities.
Key Attributes:
- Intellectually curious – Creative and quick-witted
- Compassionate – Gives to others who need their assistance
- Courageous – Overcomes obstacles, brave, spirited, survivor
- Leader – The “go-to” person, pursues ideas with passion
Attitude:
- Dreams about their future
- Positive approach to life
- Grateful and humble
- Takes advantage of resources
Does this sound like someone you know? We’re looking for Dreamers for next year’s Disney Dreamers Academy, so they can get the tools to help make their dreams come true. Follow the Dreamers Academy on Facebook and Twitter for updates.
Why Should Faith and Community Organizations Get Involved?
December 20, 2013In my recent post, “The Role of Faith- and Community-based Organizations in Expanding College Access” I provided important insight as to why high school counselors simply do not have the time to provide the necessary, and critically important, college admissions and financial aid guidance for students. However, the following article regarding the Camden Public Schools (New Jersey), which only had 3 graduating high school seniors to score high enough on the SAT to be considered “college ready,” further illustrates how dire the situation is for students in school districts throughout the country. What role are faith- and community-based organizations in Camden, NJ accepting to ensure that students have access and opportunities despite the failings of the public school district?
By Julia Terruso, Inquirer Staff Writer
POSTED: December 19, 2013
CAMDEN Camden schools superintendent Paymon Rouhanifard embarked on what he said was a “listening tour” after he was named to the post in August.
On Tuesday, the state-appointed leader relayed to the school board and the community what he had heard from parents, teachers, and students in the struggling district and learned from test scores and other data.
One of the most startling statistics, prompting groans from meeting attendees, was that only three students of all those in high school who took the SAT in 2013 tested as college-ready as defined by the College Board.
Rouhanifard called that number a “kick-in-the-stomach moment.”
“It is OK if all of our students don’t end up with a four-year diploma. There are two-year associates out there, vocational opportunities, multiple pathways to success in life, and I deeply believe that,” he said.
“But we can do better than three students. We know we can do better than just three students. We know we have to do better than three students.”
He also noted deep concerns among the people he talked to over school safety and the quality of education.
He called the responses unsurprising in a district where 23 out of 26 schools have been labeled failing and only 53 percent of students graduate from high school.
The struggles of the district prompted the state to take it over in June, relegating the school board to an advisory role.
But participation at his four town hall meetings and eight focus groups showed an interest among residents in helping solve the problems, Rouhanifard said.
Rouhanifard visited all 26 district schools and met also with small groups of parents, students, and staff.
Student complaints mostly had to do with safety in and out of schools, facility conditions, limited access to technology, low expectations from teachers, and teacher retention, Rouhanifard said.
Teachers reported a lack of curriculum and instructional support, too much paperwork, disparities in pay scale, and a lack of parental involvement, he said.
A key desire among parents was an easier pathway to engaging with schools.
In a step toward achieving that, Rouhanifard announced that the district would waive a $75 fee parents have had to pay to cover the cost of a background check in order to volunteer. The background checks will still be conducted but not at parental cost.
A district-wide plan, taking into account the tour’s findings, will be released in January, Rouhanifard said.
But given the alarm over safety – a report released in the fall showed half of elementary-age students feel unsafe in hallways and bathrooms – the district already has completed a security audit, updated security plans, and along with the Camden County Police Metro Division, has installed a safe corridors program.
The board also approved an auditors report for 2013 that found 11 deficiencies compared with 14 last year.
Among the issues was a failure to comply with certain public school contract laws and grant requirements.
The 2013 fiscal year ended June 30.
Board Vice President Martha Wilson lamented that numerous deficiencies were repeated: “This is three years ago. . . . If I was working in the business world, this wouldn’t happen; things that happen here can’t happen anywhere else.”