Series of Events Prepares Native American Students for Life in College
This week, nearly 100 high school students from around the nation are visiting the University of Rochester through the College Horizons program, which aims to introduce Native American students to the college admissions application process.
College Horizons is a pre-college program that provides current sophomores or juniors who are American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian with the opportunity to interact and build relationships with admissions counselors from a variety of colleges and universities. Throughout the week, students will attend workshops that provide an overview of the application process, explore tips on writing applications, résumés, and personal essays, and learn study strategies for taking the ACT and SAT. They also will learn how to navigate the financial aid process and will complete a preliminary Free Application for Federal Student Aid form.
Activities and events for College Horizons began on Monday, June 27, with presentations from admissions counselors, ice cream socials, and college fairs happening throughout each day of the week.
At Rochester, participation in the College Horizons program is part of a larger effort to reach out to Native American students. In August 2010, several dozen University of Rochester faculty, staff, and students met with leaders of the local Native American community to discuss the needs of Native American students pursing higher education. A first for the University, the summit was designed to educate the Rochester community about Native American heritage and culture, and how to best support students on campus. As a follow-up to the summit, the Office of Admissions, the College Diversity Roundtable, and the Interfaith Chapel sponsored a trip to the Ganondagan State Historic Site, giving members of the University community a chance to tour the site of a Native American community.
Since its inception in 1998, more than 1,550 students have attended College Horizons and more than 425 have attended Graduate Horizons. Approximately 50 Tribal Nations are represented from over 20 states at each site location.
For more information about the University's partnership with College Horizons, e-mail Melissa Greco Lopes at mgrecolo@ur.rochester.edu or call 585.276.3693.