ScholarPrep Nation

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

woman standing near blue concrete wall

Image Caption: Unsplash

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!

 

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

Happy college students communicating with their professor in a hallway
Image Credit: Freepik

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!

Building African-American Communities Matters

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Have you ever heard of Dr. Asa Hilliard III? He was a highly esteemed teacher, psychologist, and historian of color. He chose to dedicate his life’s work to the betterment and enlightenment of our community. This incredible man’s work serves as a testament to the struggle that our people have had to endure throughout the centuries.

The Village Method is a community-based grassroots organization that draws its inspiration from scholars such as Dr. Asa Hilliard. We find ourselves resonating with his view on pushing an Afrocentric curriculum in schools. The Critical Race Theory is also fundamental in our eyes.

To put it shortly, Dr. Hilliard made it his mission to point out the intentional and therefore calculated alienation of our people. He believed that all people of African descent have been forced to accept European superiority through the deeply flawed educational system. 

In this article, we’re going to take you through some of the main reasons why African-American communities should be built and nurtured. Are you ready to dig deeper in the topic?

 

Uncovering The Underrated Importance of Family Engagement 

The curriculum in schools continues to underwhelm our youth. They are unaware of the historical achievements that we, as people of color, should be credited with. How do we counteract the lack of African education and tradition in schools? By fully embracing family engagement activities. 

Because family engagement in schools is practically unheard of, we find ourselves in a position where we must actively seek out solutions for our children’s wellbeing. By signing up our young ones to wholesome, culturally empowering after-school activities, we’ll begin to notice plenty of positive changes. Our children’s behaviors and outlooks on their academic journeys will improve significantly.

It’s been proven that family engagement activities can help dismantle educational inequities. However, it’s important to mention that this is made possible only when they’re aimed at providing our children with historically accurate information. Too long have our people suffered at the hands of their oppressors. It’s time for a definitive reform. 

Parental engagement should aim to bring our youth closer to the richness of our ancestral African culture. Since family engagement in schools is still an underrated concept, we highly encourage you to look into Black-owned after-school programs that aim for this type of collective awakening. The greater the fear and ignorance, the longer the battle with systemic racism.

 

Supporting Family Engagement Activities Based on Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) 

African family spending time together Free Photo
Image credit: Freepik

Social and Emotional Learning is one of the best educational frameworks currently available. It enables equity and excellence for all students, regardless of their economic backgrounds. Its main aim is to help bridge the gap between schools and families by creating a sense of community between the two.

Family engagement activities are largely based upon the Social and Emotional Learning framework. By nurturing healthy relationships between educators and parents, we’ll be able to finally face the rampant, systemic racism in schools. Our children deserve to be fully equipped with the tools that will enable them to pursue academic excellence.

The families’ expertise and cultural capital are hard to overlook. Every single parent is an expert when it comes to their children. Educators should be eager to understand and assimilate the parent’s expertise. Sadly, this is rarely the case. However, parental engagement activities based on Social and Emotional Learning manage to counteract this unfortunate reality.

 

Studying the Critical Race Theory (CRT)

The Critical Race Theory has been under attack in many states of our country. Why, you might wonder? Because silencing us is much more convenient than coming to terms with the irreparable damage caused by a consistently racist curriculum.

An academic concept that has been formulated nearly four decades ago, the Critical Race Theory aims to affirm the cultural and ethnic backgrounds of our people. Imagine a world where CRT is taught during one’s K-12 years. We like to think that racism would become endemic at that point.

The unabridged history of America is not a heroic one, as the curriculum might have us believe. In fact, it is imperious that we bring forth the truth with the help of the school curriculum. The earlier our children know the truth, the better it will be for people of color everywhere. 

 

The Conclusion Is…

African-American communities can only be built and nurtured through equity-based activities. Family engagement is a crucial component, along with culturally affirming after-school activities that bring forth the real history of our people. The Critical Race Theory alongside Social and Emotional Learning will set the foundations for strong, indestructible communities.

 

The Village Method has always emphasized the vital importance of creating communities with like-minded individuals who are eager to give our incredibly rich cultural heritage its rightful credit. We invite you to explore our cause by visiting our website, volunteering, or simply making a donation. We thank you for your ongoing support and invite you to stay tuned for our next blog post!

3 Reasons Why Our Youth Needs After-School Activities

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The COVID-19 pandemic has brought a sense of uncertainty to all of us, especially to our young ones. They’re the ones who were and still are affected the most by these unmerciful times. Among many other issues, they can no longer interact with their peers and educators like they used to.

The systemic racism that runs so rampant throughout the K-12 years shows no sign of slowing down. In fact, it’s been shown that the phenomenon of unfinished learning has managed to exacerbate the historical inequity that our people have always fought so hard against. This heartbreaking fact is difficult, if not impossible, to ignore.

We can be absolutely certain of one thing — it’s most likely that after-school activities have become vital throughout the last two years. 

The Village Method has always been responsible for pushing forward-thinking, culturally affirming after-school programs that help enrich the lives of our children and help them  discover their ancestors’ true history.

In this article, we’d like to show you some of the reasons why our youth is in need of after-school activities. Read on!

 

The Benefits of After-School Activities

It’s a well-documented fact that after school programs help young people in a variety of ways. 

For example, the Afterschool Alliance has shown that after-school activities help kids become more self-confident, develop great social skills, learn how to build healthy relationships with both their peers and adults and even help reduce the possibility of risky behaviors ever occurring. 

By keeping the children out of trouble, engaged, and motivated, we’ll have greater chances of helping them get into their desired colleges. We’ll watch them build successful lives that will enable them to give back to the communities that once nurtured them.

For that to happen, we must be adamant about making after-school activities accessible. It comes as no surprise that 88% of Californian parents support public funding for after-schools. This speaks volumes about the importance of after-school activities and the solid relevance of their long-term benefits. 

 

Improving Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

Image Credit: Freepik

Family engagement is crucial. Without it, our youth ends up frustrated, confused, and with a lack of proper academic motivation. Although family engagement in schools is still rare, this gap can easily be bridged with the help of qualitative after-school programs. 

Great after-school programs use Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) as a way to promote educational equity and nurture the home-school relationship. Family engagement activities are prioritized and seen as the perfect way to increase the levels of safety, health, and justness within communities.

With the help of Social Emotional Learning, our youth will be encouraged to pursue academic excellence while maintaining a constructive bond with all adults they come into contact with. It’s important to understand that family engagement activities are crucial to one’s mental and emotional wellbeing.

Parental engagement motivates our childrens’ educators to step up and provide them with qualitative, culturally affirming information. Because family engagement in schools is so seldom heard of, we’d like to invite you to read the book Families and Educators Together: Building Great Relationships that Support Young Children. 

The COVID-19 pandemic has started an educational ruckus. We were once again faced with the inequities of the educational system. It’s up to us to nurture our youth’s social and emotional wellbeing from now on. After-school family engagement activities are the perfect start.

 

Prioritizing Culturally Affirming Family Engagement Activities

Think about it. The Critical Race Theory (CRT) is still largely unknown, thanks to our politicians. Their endeavor to silence our people and censor our history has turned out to be a success for centuries. However, the Critical Race Theory is easy to understand, if one only makes time to listen.

Basically, it questions the perpetuation of the racial caste system and how the prevalence of institutionalized racism continues to affect our people, including our youth. Now, think of how great it would be to find an after-school program that focuses on the teachings of the Critical Race Theory. 

If we want systemic racism to end in America, we’ll have to seek parental engagement activities that bring us together as families rather than as separate individuals. Both children and parents should become accustomed to the real history of our people and take pride in the richness of our culture.

The curriculum is currently void of our people’s real history. This needs to change. After-school activities that focus on the growth and awareness of our children will one day result in the gradual dismantling of racial inequality. 

 

The Conclusion Is…

After-school activities help our youth become more attuned to the rich history and culture of our ancestors. They are encouraged to form strong bonds with their parents through family engagement activities, form invaluable skills with the help of Social and Emotional Learning, and will one day end up blossoming into healthy and empowered adults who will have plenty to give back to their communities.

The Village Method has always been a trusted ally for both children and their families when it comes to culturally accurate after-school activities. We are adamant about providing our youth with the sustainable tools that will enable them to become the powerful adults of tomorrow.

We invite you to lend us your helping hand. We cannot change the deeply ingrained, racially hostile educational system without your help. You can either donate, spread the word about our organization, or volunteer! The choice is yours and please know that we are deeply thankful for your ongoing support.