Preparing Students for Future Success: SAEP’s Spring Camp
Spring break provided a unique opportunity for middle school students from several San Antonio school districts, including Edgewood ISD, Northside ISD, San Antonio ISD, and Southwest ISD. Hosted by the San Antonio Education Partnership (SAEP), the “Ready, Set, College!” camp aimed to prepare eighth graders for the transition to high school and subsequent higher education.
A Critical Investment in the Future
SAEP designed this three-day camp to be a proactive initiative, emphasizing the importance of college and career planning. The camp, held at cafécollege, involved interactive workshops focusing on various aspects of college readiness. These included discussions on high school expectations, academic pathways, and the admissions process. A follow-up one-day workshop is scheduled for April 26, to further support student preparedness.
Role of Parents in Educational Success
The camp highlighted the significance of parental involvement in educational success. One participant, Janie, noted the importance of providing her son James, an SAISD student, with resources and information she wished she had during her educational journey, stating, “I wanted James to have this experience of college readiness, something that I didn’t have as a young adult.”
In a similar vein, Nora, whose daughter Angeles is enrolled at Edgewood ISD, expressed her desire for her child to experience new opportunities. In a translated interview, she emphasized, “I wanted Angeles to participate so she could see the expanding horizons and opportunities available to her – as a young Hispanic student.”
Supported by Generous Contributions
The camp was made possible through the generous funding of the Greater Texas Foundation, which provides advising grants for middle school students. This initiative aligns with the Future Ready Bexar County Plan, aiming to raise postsecondary degree enrollment to 70% by 2030. Local nonprofit UP Partnership leads this strategic initiative to enhance educational access.
Navigating Challenges in Higher Education
For many families, the journey through higher education can be overwhelming. The SAEP camp addressed these concerns by demystifying potential barriers surrounding admissions and financial aid. Ensuring that students acquire early exposure to these concepts helps empower them with the necessary knowledge to pursue academic pathways effectively.
Highlights of the Camp Experience
Students participated in numerous workshops designed to prepare them for college. Activities included:
- Understanding high school graduation requirements and academic strategies.
- Gaining insights into various college options and the admissions process.
- Exploring financial aid and scholarship opportunities.
- Identifying career pathways aligned with their interests.
One of the camp’s most exciting features was the campus tours of the University of Texas at San Antonio and Texas A&M University-San Antonio. Participants engaged directly with college environments, which left a lasting impression. Priya, a student from SAISD, remarked on her enjoyment of these visits, noting the “different vibes on the campuses.”
For some students, the experience ignited new career aspirations. Yareli, another SAISD participant, expressed her interest in engineering, particularly in aviation and mechanics, stating her long-term aspirations are to “be successful and just have a great standing in life.”
Building a Future-Ready Community
As a Future Ready Partner, SAEP is committed to enhancing college access for youth and adults. The organization provides complimentary college advising, while cafécollege serves as a resource hub for parents and students seeking guidance on future educational opportunities. Additionally, SAEP awards more than $2.1 million in renewable scholarships annually to over 3,000 local students, aiding them in completing their degrees.
For further information on the initiatives and resources offered by the San Antonio Education Partnership, visit saedpartnership.org.