News

Backstory: Cracking the college code to help first in their family to attend college

Anwar Ahmed had a holy trifecta to perk any college admission counselor’s ears: grades, ambition, and desire. He hoped to be the first in his family to attend college, but there was only one problem – deadlines were rapidly approaching, and he had no idea even how to apply.

On a gray, drizzly day in November, the lithe athlete strode up to his high school guidance counselor – one of four assigned to 1,600 students – and asked for a recommendation. He wasn’t prepared for the abrupt litany that followed: requests for envelopes, recommendation letters from teachers, and application forms. An Ethiopian immigrant, he spoke Arabic (and three African languages) far better than English. His mother was in another state, and his father was deceased. He was on his own, his future uncertain and intimidating.

He might have given up if a teacher hadn’t told him about an innovative new program at Garfield High School here. Arguably one of Seattle’s top schools, Garfield is complex – home to an award-winning music curriculum, an advanced placement program, and a 57 percent nonwhite student population. Seven percent of the students are "transitional bilingual" – or still learning English. The inner-city school is a cultural and academic jewel, studded with high-achievers. But for students like Anwar, with potential, but with family or other problems to surmount, college can seem distant and daunting.

By Dean Paton | Correspondent of The Christian Science Monitor

Full Story: http://www.csmonitor.com/2006/0823/p20s01-legn.html?s=hns

Posted in:

Sorry, we couldn't find any posts. Please try a different search.

Leave a Comment

You must be logged in to post a comment.