Academic Excellence

Is High School Counseling Efficient Enough to Support All Students?

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The American School Counselor Association published a State of the Profession report highlighting that only 13% of the high school counselors who completed the survey were African-American. White school counselors make up a staggering 72%. Inclusivity in education should visibly impact high school counseling. ScholarPrep Nation is here to offer culturally affirming solutions.

 

How exactly are African-American students impacted by this unequal representation? With the college application process becoming more and more mystified, it is now time to tend to our current school environments. While most high school counselors are dedicated to their work, they could easily become overwhelmed and fail to efficiently support everyone, including African-American students.

 

In today’s article, we’ll carefully examine the limitations of high school counseling and seek efficient solutions that will benefit every student, regardless of socioeconomic background!

 

Learn How High School Counselors Can Advocate for Inclusivity in Education

It’s no secret that Black students need more Black counselors. Most counseling programs refuse to glimpse into the everyday life of our youth. Furthermore, most high schools choose a reactive approach whenever African-American students fail to keep up with the default expectations. Most of the time, accumulated knowledge gaps result in a lack of college success.

 

Having high school counselors of color to look up to can be an invaluable addition to the current school staff. Theoretically, the school counseling profession advocates for equity right from the get-go. In fact, inclusivity in education continues to be an ideal rather than a part of daily school life. 

 

The emotional toll of racism is dramatic enough by itself. A professional school counselor must extend so much more than just academic support. For example, Social-Emotional Learning can be an incredibly useful tool as we begin to pave the way for a more equitable educational system. 

 

When treated fairly and able to interact with Black counselors, the students will have an easier time visualizing themselves in the future, as well as tending to their college applications.

 

High School Counseling Tailored for the First-Generation College Student

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Most students of color don’t have siblings that could serve as role models for them to pursue higher education. First-generation college students tend to look up to their high school counselors and regard them as their most reliable source of support. They expect full acceptance, understanding, and motivation. 

 

The college application process is often accompanied by the need for financial aid awareness and the exploration of career paths, among many other things. Consequently, those essential steps toward college can seem much more complicated than they really are. The last thing we need is discouraged, frightened students. 

 

Things could be dramatically simplified! Considering the fact that first-gen students are a stable college enrollment population, they should become one of the main priorities of high school counselors. Not all first-gen students are necessarily low-income, contrary to popular belief. They simply lack the necessary resources and information in order to conquer the college application process.

 

Enhancing Your High School Counseling Efforts With ScholarPrep Nation

We get it. As a school leader, you have a lot on your plate. What if your school counselors cannot efficiently manage their time any longer? The inflow of future college students can become overwhelming after a while. For this reason, you need reliable solutions that offer culturally affirming solutions for your African-American students.

 

ScholarPrep Nation is a renowned college access program dedicated to the needs of students of color. Our experts will ensure the college success of your high school students, regardless of all present limitations. Here is a brief list of what we expertly provide:

 

  • An online, nationwide network
  • On-demand Academic Mentorship
  • Expert advice from our certified Educational Consultants
  • Fully customized scholarship search
  • Fully personalized college essay writing
  • Being paired with an expert ScholarPrep Navigator (coach)
  • Personality assessments
  • ACT/SAT Test Preparation and Tutoring
  • Monthly webinars and Accountability Meetings 
  • …and so much more!

 

ScholarPrep is dedicated to helping each child discover their uniqueness. Our innovative and culturally empowering approach is guaranteed to get your high school students into the colleges of their dreams. Together, we can now permanently demystify the college application process!

 

Ready to Empower Your High School Students All the Way to College Enrollment?

According to the National Association for College Admission Counseling, principals can shape not just the goals of the school or the teacher, but also the goals of the high school counselor. Bearing this in mind while mixing the current counseling efforts with the expertise of ScholarPrep Nation, college success can be achieved.

 

Contact us now and tell us more about your African-American students’ needs and preferences. We’d be more than happy to help you figure out an effective strategy!

 

Discovering An Afrocentric Approach to College Admission

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It’s been shown that white students have an advantage in the college admission process. Why is that, you might wonder? This has everything to do with how Black youth, particularly first-generation college students, are being aided on their road to college. ScholarPrep Nation strongly supports the academic journey of each student in need of expert guidance.

 

Although we continue to push for inclusivity in education, the college application process is still confusing. The solution? To permanently demystify the college and scholarship application processes while raising awareness on topics surrounding financial aid or standardized tests. All applicants deserve a fair chance at college success. For this reason, we should explore an Afrocentric approach.

 

In today’s article, let us decide whether an Afrocentric approach to college admission would be appropriate or not. In the context of the ongoing racism in education, it would be wise for school leaders to adopt a more culturally affirming counseling strategy.

 

College Admission Seen Through Afrocentric Lens

What exactly is Afrocentrism and how can it enable institutions to aid their students as the college search commences? In a nutshell, Afrocentrism deals with acknowledging and celebrating Black youth’s African heritage. College admission is often unpredictable and admissions officers tend to make their own rules. We need a considerable perspective shift. 

 

Dr. Asa Hilliard is the classic example of a professor dedicated to exploring Afrocentric pedagogy. Among many other achievements, he dared to envision a brand-new K-12 curriculum that infused Afrocentric knowledge into every single subject. His passion for African culture and tradition continues to be forward-thinking years later.

 

Similarly to Dr. Hilliard, other scholars with a penchant for African studies are undoubtedly worth studying throughout one’s K-12 years. To ignore the lifelong work of such anti-racist geniuses is to consciously sabotage the growth of our youth. Furthermore, healthy self-awareness levels have the power to bring about the desire for academic achievement. 

 

College admission counseling should become culturally affirming and eager to nurture Black excellence. Equipped with the Afrocentric vision to achieve college success, the young scholars will be aptly guided to fill in their college applications as early as junior year, without the stress caused by uncertainty and confusion.

 

Equitable College Admissions Rely On Inclusivity in Education

As colleges weigh new admissions strategies and seek to support diversity, they continue to disregard the biggest, most inconvenient issue ━ racism is affecting the college admission process. That is to say, no matter how efficient and culturally empowering college admission counseling is, most students will face racism head-on due to overly-selective colleges that block the equal access of each applicant.

 

Legacy preferences in college admissions continue to perpetuate unfair circumstances. This concern raises civil rights implications that are impossible to ignore. The lack of transparency regarding the scholarship and college application and admission processes negatively impacts our youth. Consequently, Black students are much more likely to face student debt.

 

Although most high school counselors are dedicated to creating a more equitable academic environment, they are often taken aback by the students’ academic achievement gaps. Instead of taking a proactive approach, they may be inclined to resort to punitive measures. This stifles the efforts of college counseling throughout the nation, creating race gaps that are difficult to manage. However, there are culturally affirming solutions worth considering.

 

ScholarPrep Nation: An Afrocentric College Access Program

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Financial aid, extracurricular activities, or Advanced Placement classes could certainly impress the admissions officer. However, Black youth must be given the right tools and resources in order to aptly tackle the college and scholarship application processes. As soon as these two are well taken care of, college admission could become considerably easier. 

 

ScholarPrep Nation doesn’t care solely about the young scholars’ test scores. Our mission is to ensure college success and familiarize the students with what awaits them post-high school. Our expertise in terms of college and scholarship applications is meant to take the pressure off high school leaders and counselors.

 

African-American students deserve to get into the colleges of their dreams. Unfortunately, they often lack the tools and resources in order to make the best decisions.Their academic achievement levels rely on our combined efforts. Together, we can boost college counseling efforts and help students apply without any confusion or stress.

 

Help Black Youth Access Higher Education Now!

Becoming college and scholarship-ready cannot happen overnight, especially not during one’s senior year. Instead, college graduation levels are determined by how well we assist and guide young scholars as early on as possible.

 

ScholarPrep Nation possesses the cultural and academic expertise you’ve been looking for. Allow us to prepare your African-American students for collegiate success in an efficient and professional manner. 

 

Contact us now and tell us more about your school’s goals and needs! We’re here to help you every step of the way. Inclusivity in education is entirely achievable. We look forward to hearing from you!

 

Take the Pressure Off High School Counselors With These 3 Steps!

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The American School Counselor Association states that the activity of school counseling is over a hundred years old. Throughout the decades, the role played by school counselors has been under constant debate, as well as subject to change. Now, ScholarPrepNation is on a mission to take some of the pressure off high school counselors.

 

What was once known as vocational guidance has now become an essential step in college preparation for our kids. High school counseling is meant to target so much more than just the developmental and academic needs of the students. In fact, the school counseling profession is about guiding our young adults in the direction of their aspirations.

 

In today’s article, we’ll reveal the three steps that school leaders can follow in order to relieve some of the pressure that is currently being experienced by high school counselors. Continue to read and discover the latest advice!

 

#1: Encourage High School Counselors to Advocate for Inclusivity in Education

Let’s picture this ━ the senior year begins and most students, particularly Black youth, begin to feel anxious about the scholarship and college application processes. Even worse, most first-generation students start to feel less and less prepared for this new academic chapter. What exactly is the root cause of the confusion surrounding higher education? In the long run, inclusivity in education is just as important as academic support.

 

Black youth deserves to feel like they are a part of the community, that they are heard, valued, and seen. Also, their families need to feel that their contributions and expertise are needed and put into practice. High school counselors must make a conscious effort to push for inclusivity in education without perpetuating harmful stereotypes or coercive methods that might discriminate. 

 

Regardless of their families’ socioeconomic backgrounds, every single child is capable of greatness. For that, anti-racist practices must be put to good use. Things such as initiating conversations about race, exploring family engagement, or discovering Critical Race Theory would end up empowering students. 

 

Consequently, the children won’t only speak up, but they’ll also experience a growing sense of curiosity as to what their academic and career plans should look like. A culturally affirming approach will never fail, it will eventually become the ultimate stepping stone toward college success.

 

#2: Demystify the College and Scholarship Application Processes

As mentioned above, there is a sense of confusion and anxiety as far as the college application process is concerned. For this reason alone, it’s extremely important to understand how high school counselors can help 9th graders plan ahead for academic and career development.

 

By the time they’ll reach senior year, individual counseling will inform students about financial aid, career exploration, and last but not least, the scholarship and college application processes. The country’s top-tier institutions are currently failing to advocate for inclusion and representation 

 

Both the children and their families could potentially end up feeling overwhelmed. For this reason, students who fall off track in regards to their academic and social skills might be left behind. This unfair dynamic can be easily avoided if we just start looking for solutions early on.

 

#3: Introducing ScholarPrep Nation: Making College Success Achievable

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As we’ve previously seen, most high schools need to make solid contributions to the school counselors’ work. The good news is that school leaders have plenty of effective options to choose from that will certainly benefit Black youth.

ScholarPrep Nation could be the perfect choice for your institution. We connect your students with academic advisors, college recruiters, and mentors who are happy and ready to help the kids prepare for college. Our mission? To demystify the academic journey!

 

We do this by offering everyone access to an online and nationwide network. Consequently, the children will have a rare opportunity of thriving both academically and socially. Isolation is a certain way of perpetuating loneliness and confusion. This has to stop.

 

We need to bridge the gaps between high school graduations, college admissions, and scholarship admissions. With ScholarPrep Nation, this is now entirely achievable. 

 

Pave the Way to College Success With ScholarPrep Nation!

ScholarPrep Nation is the expert solution you’ve been looking for. A culturally inclusive and affirming college access program, we’re entirely dedicated to demystifying the academic journey. We help you take the pressure off your high school counselors and ensure that the students know exactly how to prepare for college.

 

Contact us now and tell us more about your school’s goals and needs! We would be honored to help your students achieve academic excellence!

How to Help Students Beat College and Scholarship Application Anxiety

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Most students find the college application process rightfully overwhelming and intimidating. As for the scholarship application process, it should be widely recognized as the optimal step toward reducing the chances of student debt. Funding one’s education is vital at this time. For this reason alone, institutions and school leaders should confidently access the expertise of initiatives such as ScholarPrep Nation.

 

African-American students and their families deserve to be engaged and made aware of all the demands and opportunities that come along with college success. It’s only fair that inclusivity in education becomes one of the top priorities of school leaders nationwide. Financial aid is what any student needs. 

 

By demystifying the college and scholarship application processes, we could directly address the racial inequity in your school or community. In today’s article, we will offer you the tips and resources necessary to empower African-American students to go after their college dreams with total confidence! Read on and discover new ways of thinking!

Addressing College and Scholarship Application Anxiety

Perhaps the first and best step when it comes to helping Black youth move past their apprehensions is to intently address their concerns. The 2021 Report on the Condition of Education showcased that 29% of Black youth aged 25 to 29 held a bachelor’s degree or higher, compared to 45% of the white population. 

 

What is missing, you might ask? Engagement, empowerment, and the right to inclusivity in education. Our youth feels disadvantaged because most public schools in our country disregard their basic needs and concerns. The K-12 years must serve as preparation for college success. Otherwise, college and scholarship application anxiety will undoubtedly ensue.

 

A great college application form that stands out from the rest of the crowd requires consistent preparation. Extracurricular activities, community involvement, knowing how to write engaging essays, or being a young expert at financial literacy ━ these are all major components of college success that cannot occur overnight. 

 

Engaging African-American Students and Their Families During The K-12 Years

The formative years that comprise K-12 education are the perfect opportunity for introducing college awareness. High school counselors and the administration already have plenty to deal with. In fact, the average student-to-school-counselor ratio is 464 to 1. Instead, the ASCA recommends a ratio of 250 to 1. 

 

As we speak, schools are missing the bandwidth to provide the necessary support for individual student needs. Consequently, Black youth may fall off track and not receive the solutions they deserve. Instead of a reactive approach, we’re going to need one that is proactive and inclusive. 

 

The National Association for College Admission Counseling launched a step-by-step middle school curriculum that is meant to help young scholars become familiarized with concepts such as college awareness and planning. Yes, middle school is not too early for college readiness!

 

Exploring one’s options early on is the best way to take some pressure off the administration in the long run. As soon as the children are encouraged to seek their interests and career goals, they’ll have a much easier time filling out their college application forms as high schoolers. 

 

Family engagement activities are also an excellent way to bring parents and educators closer together during the K-12 years. This fruitful collaboration should be both culturally affirming and respectful. With time, parental engagement will not only pave the way to college success but will also dismantle centuries of racial inequity in schools!

 

Scholarship Application Requires an Expert College Access Program

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The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a must-have in regard to the scholarship application. A common misunderstanding about the FAFSA is that it only helps young scholars apply for federal student loans. 

 

In truth, it connects them to advantageous grants and scholarships. Financial literacy should be an integral part of the high school curriculum. Factually, the scholarship search usually ends up being an extremely nerve-wracking process.

 

Fortunately, the ScholarPrep School Program was designed to empower African-American students while taking some of the pressure off high school counselors and the school administration. Engagement and empowerment must be expertly achieved, along with impressive results. 

 

Together, we can develop college and career plans for each of your students. Academic achievement doesn’t have to be a riddle waiting to be solved. Instead, it should be an entirely achievable goal. Let’s make college admission as straightforward and as inclusive as possible!

 

Reimagining Education With ScholarPrep Nation

Students of color deserve to be expertly guided throughout their academic journeys. For too long, they have been confronted with racial inequity. The time for inclusivity in education is now! With the expertise of ScholarPrep Nation, Black youth can finally take back its power!

 

Contact us now and find out how you can bring value to your school/community! We’d be more than happy to hear from you and offer you the expert assistance that your students of color wish to access!

4 Ways to Promote Anti-Racist Teaching in Schools

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We are at a point when we need to critically examine why anti-racist teaching is a crucial component of institutional and social change. How can White educators teach anti-racism if they are out of touch with the systemic racism and biases that Black children are so familiar with? The Village Method is here to provide answers and contribute to the quest for social justice.

 

Anti-racist teaching is an invaluable tool that can disrupt the widespread influence of white supremacy. By incorporating teaching practices centered around systemic racism and Social Emotional Learning, we might have a great chance to undo racism and racial trauma. If after-school programs could implement anti-racist pedagogy, so can schools.

 

However, we have a long way to go. Awareness and personal reflection are a must. Find out the 4 ways to promote anti-racist teaching in schools!

 

#1: Address White Privilege Right Away

Bursting the bubble of systemic racism in education is achievable. What we need to focus on is teaching and learning all there is to know about the color lines that continue to divide us. The average White student attends schools where 77% of the student body is of their race. The same cannot be said for Black or Hispanic students. 

 

An openly anti-racist educator must actively pursue the subject of race and equity work. Although they might not have direct experience of what it means to be subjected to systemic racism in education, they can surely learn from others. Racial and social justice are synonymous with a solid knowledge of minorities’ histories. Culturally affirming after-school programs are already starting to explore the richness of diverse cultures and traditions.

 

When we aim to address White privilege, we must first take a look at the history of segregation in education. The Brown v. Board of Education landmark decision came almost a hundred years after the end of the Civil War. Its main goal was to end racial segregation. It demanded that our children enjoyed equal educational opportunities. However, inequality in education remains an issue.

 

#2: Implement Critical Race Theory in Schools 

Anti-Critical Race Theory bills are slowing down the overall efforts of anti-racist teaching. Systemic racism in education is rampant. Furthermore, all institutions are unjust towards people of color. An anti-racist curriculum must include this valuable piece of information.

 

Professor and lawyer Derrick Bell is one of the central figures of the Critical Race Theory movement. He challenged the legal system and was motivated by the multitude of school desegregation cases he’d encountered throughout his career. His undeniable genius paved the way for the possibility of teaching Critical Race Theory in schools. 

 

We recommend that you read his 1980 article from the Harvard Law Review titled ‘Brown v. Board of Education and the Interest-Convergence Dilemma’. Sadly, you might find it extremely relevant and evocative of what our children are battling against right now. It suffices to say that the banning of Critical Race Theory in schools is unjust and meant to normalize systemic racism in education. 

 

#3: Teach African-American History Respectfully and Accurately

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When was the last time our children were given some enlightening information about Frederick Douglass in History class? We would be surprised and pleased if that was the case. Most likely, our children are taught that Africans migrated to the U.S. which completely ruins our attempt at racial justice in the classroom.

An anti-racist teaching practice requires deep critical thinking. Students deserve to understand the significance of being taught the real version of events. Reading literature that points out the violations of our ancestors’ human rights will connect students and serve as an opportunity for classroom discussions.

 

The anti-racist approach hides nothing from our children’s sight. Instead, it nurtures them and enables them to consistently identify racial biases in their day-to-day experiences. This active process of self-awareness is ultimately empowering. 

 

From kindergarten to higher education, Social Emotional Learning and the teaching of our people’s achievements, not only their struggles, can motivate our children to revolutionize organizational structures as adults. The social construct is inescapable, and therefore it needs to be acknowledged.

 

#4: Make Use of the Social Emotional Learning Framework

The emotional toll of racism speaks volumes about the need for Social Emotional Learning in schools. Young people are overwhelmed by the constant systemic injustice that they are subjected to. Social Emotional Learning encourages self-reflection and teaches our youth how to improve their mental health and make use of soft skills in order to succeed at school and in their future careers.

 

Promote Anti-Racist Pedagogy Starting Today!

Our 4 ways of promoting anti-racist pedagogy will surely help parents, educators, and students navigate the ever-changing social and educational landscapes. Engaging students in anti-racist teaching is the optimal way to give a voice to minorities and fight systemic racism in education. White privilege is something that should never be taken lightly.

 

The Village Method is an active supporter of anti-racist teaching. We represent one of the few culturally empowering after-school programs that are currently available for our youth. If you resonate with our mission, make sure to get involved! It takes a village to raise a child! 

The Vital Role of Parental Engagement in School

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Without parental engagement in schools, the educational process is certainly incomplete. That is why so many after-school programs, including The Village Method, have perfected their family engagement methods. In consequence, research has shown that student success increases considerably, all thanks to the presence of parental engagement in schools.

 

From staying in school to earning higher grades, the child’s education and academic achievement have both been impacted positively. Considering the fact that systemic racism in education is extremely prevalent, it is encouraging to take a look at the benefits of parental engagement in schools.

 

In this article, we’ll explore some of the reasons why family engagement activities are a necessary component of student success. If we can engage parents the right way, the possibilities of closing the achievement gap are endless. 

 

Parental Engagement in Schools Facilitates Two-Way Communication

Parent involvement should be widespread in all school matters, regardless of the families’ socioeconomic status. In fact, educators and various other school partners must fully involve parents in things such as the learning process, as well as the common challenges that their children might encounter. This sense of shared responsibility can be a clear response to systemic racism in education.

 

Parent engagement activities are a rare opportunity to build relationships and encourage family and community involvement. Here is a brief list of things that educators should keep in mind to increase parent engagement:

 

  • Focus on the families’ culture, expertise, and strengths
  • Make sure that the school climate is positive
  • Ensure that racial injustice in the classroom is addressed in a respectful and mindful way
  • Learn from  families and trust that they know better when it comes to their children and their African ancestry
  • Acknowledge  systemic racism in education and use it as a catalyst for better academic achievement

 

Open communication leads to better parent engagement. School leaders who are promoting parent engagement need to pay close attention to the efficiency of the communication between educators and families. Student achievement is at stake here. 

 

Parental Engagement in Schools Encourages Learning at Home

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Family engagement activities rely on total parental involvement. The road to academic excellence doesn’t have to be similar to diving into the great unknown. In fact, the pandemic has shifted things by encouraging family-school partnerships to come to fruition. 

 

A never-before-seen phenomenon, family engagement activities soon became the norm. Unlike before, parents got involved in the educational process and got first-hand experience of how their children interacted with both their educators and their peers.

 

Furthermore, they were able to regularly help them with various projects and even with homework. This kind of authentic parent engagement was proof that families could help with learning at home. All they needed was the confidence to get involved and the ongoing communication with the educators. 

 

Systemic racism in education was as impactful as ever before the pandemic. In fact, nondominant families are treated at best as spectators of the work of schools. We believe that the gap between home and school has been bridged by the pandemic. It is our duty to make sure that this beneficial connection will stand the test of time. 

 

Parental Engagement in Schools and Empowerment

Engaging parents can be empowering. The Critical Race Theory is either banned or limited in several states. Teachers are still showing signs of apprehension when it comes to discussing race openly and honestly.

Even during Black History Month, things continue to be difficult. The history of our people is deliberately being silenced and replaced with a version of events that fails to empower our children. For this reason, after-school programs are taking matters into their own hands while intensively promoting family engagement activities. 

Both families and children can learn about the African way of living, explore the untold stories of their ancestors, and become empowered thanks to their newfound knowledge. Culturally responsive after-school programs provide alternatives that sustain parent involvement and raise questions that need urgent answering.

 

Our Children Need Parental Engagement in Schools 

However, we need to have a say regarding what our children are being taught. The curriculum needs to be revised and Critical Race Theory should definitely be widespread. The fact that our people’s voices are continuously stifled is a clear red flag. 

 

The vital role played by family engagement activities is recognized by after-school programs. It is time for school districts to focus on parent involvement. Student behavior will improve, academic achievement will flourish, and our children will become empowered and aware of their African ancestry, once and for all. 

 

The Village Method is dedicated to bringing parental engagement closer to young scholars and their families. We believe that parents are experts when it comes to their children’s needs. It takes a village to raise a child, according to the ancient African proverb. This is our definitive motto.

 

It is our mission to build villages of academically successful children. For that, we’ll need your help. Get involved now and lend a hand to our children. The adults of tomorrow need your support!