Believe in Your ChildrenCollege for Texans Campaign

Presented to Watkins MS – November 6, 2008byBrenda Gauthey, College and Career Specialist, Cypress Lakes High SchoolCarrie Follmar, Counselor, Watkins Middle School

Preparing to Dream

This event is held in partnership with the National College Access Network and Houston A+ Challenge, through funding from TG and Houston Endowment.

Where do college aspirations come from?

Aspirations for education begin early and in the home.

You are your child’s greatest advocate and role model.

Why should children further their education?

Greater knowledge. Greater potential. More and better job opportunities. More money. A better quality of life.

Look how far you can go!

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$20,000

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HSDiploma

Asso.Degree

Bach.Degree

Master'sDegree

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Prof.Degree

Parents play a BIG ROLE.

Parents play a BIG ROLE. Make time to talk. Set aside a time and place

for reading and studying. Talk often to teachers and

counselors. Set expectations:

high school graduation and college.

Ensure your child is making good grades.

Parents play a BIG ROLE. Review report cards

and give positive feedback.

Find a tutor if your teen is having difficulty with a class.

Tie it all together! Show you care about your child’s future.

Report cards:grades and a whole lot more

Class grades Class attendance School conduct Scores on TAKS tests PIV

Preparation for higher education

There are two high school graduation plans that prepare students for college.

Recommended High School Program (RHSP) A 24-credit, college-preparatory curriculum that

helps ensure that all Texas high school students take advanced mathematics and science courses

The Distinguished Achievement Program (DAP) The state’s advanced high school graduation plan

Get started now!

Courses that count: Language other than

English Speech Algebra I IPC AAS

Having fun can count, too! Extracurricular activities are ways for students to learn outside the classroom.

Students can also: Mentor a younger student. Engage in community

service. Begin exploring possible

careers and majors for the future.

Type Description ExamplesPublic Two-year Colleges

Technical colleges, state colleges and community colleges that offer educational and training programs leading to a certificate or a two-year associate’s degree.

El Paso Community College

Lamar State College-Orange

Texas State Technical College-Waco

Public Universities Offer educational programs that lead to a four-year bachelor’s degree. Many offer graduate degrees (master’s or doctoral) requiring more years of study.

Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi

University of Texas at Austin

Prairie View A&M University

Independent (Private) Institutions

Some offer two-year programs, while senior-level independents offer four-year bachelor’s degrees and graduate or professional degrees.

Jackson College

Rice University

Health-Related Institutions

Offer bachelor’s, master’s doctoral, and professional degrees (such as medical degrees) in health-related professions.

Texas Tech Health Sciences Center

University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio

What colleges and universities are available in Texas?

Who goes to college?

More than a million people from different backgrounds are enrolled in Texas colleges.

“When you go to college…”

Even if you haven’t been to college yourself, you can still help your child prepare!

Your encouragement and expectationsare key to your teen’s desire and drive to prepare for college.

Help is available.

Arrange to meet with your child’s teachers and counselors.

Talk to admissionpersonnel at colleges.

Go to collegefortexans.com.

Call 1-888-311-8881 free of charge and speak with a College for Texans

representative Monday – Thursday, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Friday, 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Help is available.

Cypress Lakes High School

College and Career Center

Brenda Gauthey, Specialist

281 – 856 – 3837

College and Career Readiness

Cypress Fairbanks ISD

Dr. Marie Keith, Director

281 – 517 – 2640