Welcome to the process
The transition from high school to college should be an exciting experience; however, proper preparation for this pivotal change is often overlooked. Underserved students and their families lack information regarding the college application and financial aid process and have limited college graduate role models or mentors. The Tiger Woods Foundation recognized this need and responded by engaging local educators in a private college symposium.
On Sept. 29, more than 130 educators, principals, counselors and teachers working with middle and high school students in Orange and Los Angeles counties in California came together for one purpose: to assist students on their journey to college.
The one-day event offered 12 different workshops, each focused on how to help students access private universities and liberal arts colleges. The symposium was developed as part of the Accelerate Change Together Anaheim (ACT) grant that was awarded to the Tiger Woods Foundation this past year. The grant focuses on non-profit organizations that provide opportunities to undeserved Anaheim youth.
“It was a pleasure participating at the Private College Symposium,” Margarita Muñiz, coordinator for the SteppingUP program, said. “Our staff and myself are grateful that the Tiger Woods Learning Center can provide these kinds of workshops to better educate us and to get our questions answered. I hope we continue to be invited to any and all events, workshops or trainings the learning center has to offer. We appreciate your commitment to low-income and first-generation students and their families. Thank you.”
Terry Kinaman, the college career specialist at Westminster High School, found the event to be beneficial as well.
“I really enjoyed the Private College Symposium yesterday!” Kinaman said. “The whole day was full of great information, and it all ran so smoothly. I appreciate all the time and effort put into making this happen.”
The event was a great success, and the foundation is excited to play a part in helping students make the critical leap from high school to college.
Private College Symposium workshop descriptions
“A True Renaissance Woman/Man”: How to Write a More Effective Recommendation Letter
Presenter: Sarah Schmidt, Vassar College
ACT & SAT Overview
Presenter: Lauren Leon, Excel College Prep
Ask an Officer: Highly Selective College Admissions
Presenter: Michael Yang, MIT
Effectively Preparing for a a Campus Interview
Presenter: Fitima Jackson, Rice University
Federal Student Aid’s Tools & Resources for Counselors, Educators and Families
Presenter: Richard Blasen, U.S. Department of Education
Finding Your Fit: Exploring the Liberal Arts
Presenter: Sarah Thompson, Pomona College
How Schools Measure Ability to Pay for College Costs
Presenter: Mary Booker, Pomona College
Maximizing Your School Profile
Presenters: Lara Grieco, University of Pennsylvania and Adam Sapp, Pomona College
Military Academies: An Introduction to the Application Process
Presenter: Marvi Rivera, U.S. Coast Guard Academy
Putting the Puzzle Together: Applying to Highly Selective Colleges
Presenter: Yancie Davis, Stanford University
Understanding and Navigating Through the Visual and Performing Arts Application Process
Presenter: Janet Recchia, Syracuse University
Writing the College Essay
Presenter: Ellen Perimutter, Cornell University
