Feb. 24, 2020 – Queens, NEW YORK
By NYC Kids RISE
On the last day of NYC Scholarship Month, Lizzette Mejia, her colleagues Karina and Stephanie and the students participating in Sunnyside Community Services’ (SCS) after-school program at P.S. 150, conducted a college fair for that school community. The students presented information on nine colleges including both state, city and private colleges and universities. The college fair also had a separate space for the “financial aid office,” where the SCS team presented key information about the costs and funding sources for college. This included an overview of the NYC Kids RISE Save for College Program and an opportunity for participating parents to complete the Building Blocks. We asked Lizzette to share a little bit more about the purpose of the college fair:
After school program participant presents Queens College
What inspired the idea of a college fair – students presenting and the workshop?
The inspiration came from our staff as the majority of them currently attend college or have recently graduated from one. Staff were eager to share their college experience for families and students to get a better understanding on what to expect. Students expressed their interest in showcasing what they learned about during the lessons provided by staff on careers and colleges.
How does a college fair help with engaging both parents and students?
Although our college fair was a mock one, it allowed students and parents to explore the various colleges and opportunities available to them. Parents were surprised to know students were exploring career opportunities and the colleges that provide the support they need to accomplish their goals.
Why is it important to have activities like the college fair to engage parents early on?
By getting a better idea on what the college cost could be, parents have a head start on how to support their child when the time comes to go to college. NYC Kids RISE allows parents to develop a savings plan as it is never too early to start saving for college.
Thanks to the support of Citi Community Development, Sunnyside Community Services is part of a learning community of organizations across School District 30 using the Save for College Program as a tool to support families.