Next Generation Scholars
The Next Generation Scholars believes equal access to higher education is the key to making positive change within our community. Our mission is to level the playing field by providing exceptional under served students with all the advantages available to those of privilege.
Description:
Next Generation Scholars are bright, committed students dedicated to enriching their lives through education. They believe a college education is the best way to uplift their families and communities. Next Generation Scholars have pride in their experience and fight for their right to achieve their boundless potential.
Next Generation Scholars offers College and Graduate School admissions counseling, psychological services, leadership training, and supportive social services. Through the lens of social justice, Next Generation Scholars combines a rigorous academic program with community building activities and wrap around social services. All elements of the program are approached through the lens of ethnic studies and social justice. All of our lectures, events, projects, and personal interactions are rooted in providing our students with a clear, proud, multi-cultural education. It is of utmost importance that all of our students see themselves as an active force for change within our their community.
The following are services provided to all Next Generation Scholars.
Assessment of student academic profile: Every student's academic profile is evaluated thoroughly multiple times throughout the program.While grades and scores are very important to the college admissions process, we know an entire admissions file is closely assessed when a decision of acceptance of denial is made. We deliver honest assessments of each student so they can make clear informed decisions as they go through the admissions process.
Curricular and Extra-curricular Planning: Planning is a very big part of the admissions process. Next Generation Scholars works with students and their families to ensure sound academic choices are made. We also use our extensive community resources to enable each student to achieve individualized success in their extra-curricular development.
College Research: There are thousands of colleges in the United States and there are also international options. Each school has a unique personality. Next Generation Scholars guides each student through a comprehensive research process that enables students to find ten schools that best match their personal profile. This list is broken down into three "Reach" schools, four "Match" schools and three "Likely" schools. We then help arrange for college tours and visits that enable students to go beyond the tour and actually connect with students, faculty and programs specific to their interests.
Application Strategies: Next Generation Scholars helps students and their families put together the best possible application strategy for each college on their list. Every student has a specific profile unique to them. Next Generation Scholars works with each student to find the best way for them to express their profile in a way that is true to their accomplishments and potential.
Personal Essay/ Short Essay Development: The essays are often times the biggest stopping block in the admissions process. Many students struggle to find a way to best express their personal experience. Next Generation Scholars looks to help each and every student express their authentic selves. This process is one of self discovery and personal development that allows for more than just a personal essay. In writing these essays, many students find their true adult voice for the first time.
Standardized Test Strategies: Each and every student approaches standardized testing differently. These test are the necessary evils of the admissions process. They, in no way reflect a student's intelligence or potential in higher education. What they do test is a student's ability to take tests and follow a strategy. Our program does a complete evaluation to determine a student's test taking skills. We then create a series of recommendations to help each student achieve their highest test taking potential.
Interview Preparation: Throughout our entire program, students are challenged to think and engage their world. Every class includes a college level lecture and discussion that encourages every voice in the room. As we prepare for interviews, we use our classroom time to provoke the kind of discussions that students will have in their interviews. Beyond the classroom, Next Generation Scholars works with each student individually so they will be comfortable expressing their story, as well as their individual interests, accomplishments and goals.
Academic Support: Many underserved students can not gain access to high level academic support. Next Generation Scholars provides academic support in multiple areas including the completion of the minimum college eligibility course sequence as well as AP and SAT Subject Tests.
College Tour Planning: College visits are a very important part of the process. Each student must discover for themselves the reasons why an individual college would be a great match for them. Next Generation Scholars works to create enriched college visiting experiences. We help each student put together college tours that enable each student to gather the information they need to make sound decisions. We also are able to connect current students with Next Generation Scholars who have moved on to college. Through these relationships, our students are able to visit classes, arrange overnights, and see a school from the perspective of a student very much like themselves.
Financial Aid Preparation: Financial Aid is a very complex process. Next Generation Scholars help students best position themselves to receive aid. We walk through each step of the process and help file all the appropriate forms. We also help in the negotiation process so the best package can be attained. We strategize independent private scholarships and teach each student how to find and land fellowships within the colleges they attend.
College Selection: Making clear, informed decisions is the key to the entire process. College selection is the last decision in the college selection process. We make sure each student has all the information they need before making this crucial decision.
Planning the Freshman Year: Transition to college is an eventful time. Next Generation Scholars continues to advise our students as they enter college. We help choose classes, find community, and when necessary aid in the securing of academic support. We keep in contact with each of our students as they navigate their new environment. Next Generation Scholars helps each student set sound academic goals and make the most of their college experience.
Summer Program Planning: Summer curricular planning is very important. Next Generation Scholars helps each of our students find meaningful summer experiences. Some of the experiences are international or on an opposite coast, while others are right here in the Bay Area. The point to these experiences is to advance the interests of the student and enable them to spend their summer months engaged.
Social Capital Building: Next Generation Scholars facilitates exposure to enrichment activities such as performances, museums, outdoor education, conferences etc. Next Generation Scholars also provides opportunities for civic engagement by encouraging students to actively engage public affairs and institutions of democracy such as school boards, boards of supervisors, human rights commissions etc.
Cross-cultural Relationship Building and Advocacy with Teachers, Administrators and Public Servants: Not all families have equal access to the schools their children attend. By creating productive cross-cultural relationships, Next Generation Scholars works to build community bonds and advocate on behalf of all underserved families.
Referrals: Next Generation Scholars is very tightly connected to the community. We have created networks through out the county that enable us to give all of our students the resources they need. Counselors will help provide resources for test prep, educational therapy, psychological therapy, tutoring, and comprehensive social welfare services.
Contact person: Sally Matsuishi, Executive Director, (phone), (email)
Main office number:
(415) 451-4010Office fax number: (415) 223-2169
Address:
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912 Lootens Place
First Floor
San Rafael, CA 94901
(See a map) |
Web Site: http://www.NextGenerationScholars.org
Directions:
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Nearest Bus Stop: San Rafael Transit Center (3rd & Hetherton), 3 minute walk |
| Last updated on July 13, 2009 |
