San Jac college counselors go back to high school
Encouraging students to pursue their goals
Randi Hobson
Issue date: 10/13/08 Section: News
Applying for college and planning for the future can be an overwhelming task, but San Jacinto College might have a solution to help local high school students with a program that puts college counselors within arms reach of the students.
Ruede Wheeler, a longtime Board of Trustees member, suggested this concept to the college's administration.
Adopted from other colleges around the country who had been using this program where improvements were a direct result, this program gives students answers from the college's point of view.
"It's pretty hard to make a living without a college education," Wheeler said. "The ultimate goal of this program is to increase the number of students who have a plan to do something after high school."
Pasadena, La Porte, Channelview, C.E. King, Galena Park, Clear Creek, Dobie and North Shore have teamed up with 11 counselors to make this program possible.
Michelle Melton, a college and career counselor, said these counselors fill the gap between college and high school to make a smoother transition, saving the students time and hassle of having to go to a college with no idea of who to talk to.
It also gives them the opportunity to come in anytime they need with questions and concerns about college-related material.
The counselors assist the high school students in other areas besides the admission process as well.
The students have the opportunity to participate in educational workshops about study skills, time management and self-esteem conducted during the student's class times.
The counselors offer advice pertaining to the college's enrollment process, applying for scholarships, financial aid and filling out the FASFA forms. They also help students find inexpensive resources for text books.
The college teamed up with several local area high schools in hopes of giving more students the opportunity to figure out exactly what they would like to do after high school. The counselors began their advocacy with La Porte High School.
Ruede Wheeler, a longtime Board of Trustees member, suggested this concept to the college's administration.
Adopted from other colleges around the country who had been using this program where improvements were a direct result, this program gives students answers from the college's point of view.
"It's pretty hard to make a living without a college education," Wheeler said. "The ultimate goal of this program is to increase the number of students who have a plan to do something after high school."
Pasadena, La Porte, Channelview, C.E. King, Galena Park, Clear Creek, Dobie and North Shore have teamed up with 11 counselors to make this program possible.
Michelle Melton, a college and career counselor, said these counselors fill the gap between college and high school to make a smoother transition, saving the students time and hassle of having to go to a college with no idea of who to talk to.
It also gives them the opportunity to come in anytime they need with questions and concerns about college-related material.
The counselors assist the high school students in other areas besides the admission process as well.
The students have the opportunity to participate in educational workshops about study skills, time management and self-esteem conducted during the student's class times.
The counselors offer advice pertaining to the college's enrollment process, applying for scholarships, financial aid and filling out the FASFA forms. They also help students find inexpensive resources for text books.
The college teamed up with several local area high schools in hopes of giving more students the opportunity to figure out exactly what they would like to do after high school. The counselors began their advocacy with La Porte High School.
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