It’s Not Just Hyperbole: “Next Step: College Prep” Offers CHA Students Unique Opportunity

Application deadline for program is June 13

CHICAGO – Darius Robinson didn’t fully appreciate the eight weeks he spent in last year’s “Next Step: College Prep” – a unique, seven-week Web-based educational program sponsored by Siemens Technologies, Inc., Windows of Opportunity, the Illinois Institute of Technology and the Chicago Housing Authority - until he returned to high school in the fall.

“I was in world literature, and my teacher asked the class what a ‘hyperbole’ was,” Robinson said. “No one else knew. But I knew. And that’s when I knew the class had paid off.”

Robinson credits the course for giving him the confidence to apply for college. Now, after high school graduation in June, he will leave for Alabama A&M in the fall.

More than half of the CHA high school students who participated in the “Next Step: College Prep” program last year increased their reading and/or math scores by at least two grade levels. Ten of the 19 students improved from a seventh grade level in reading comprehension and/or math, to at least a ninth-grade level. The most dramatic enhancement was in math, where three students progressed by nearly three grade levels.

Now, the CHA is accepting applications for the second installment of “Next Step: College Prep,” until June 13, 2008.

The program teaches hard skills, such as reading and math, and soft skills, such as test and note-taking, resume-writing, interview techniques and table etiquette (last year’s finale included a field trip to a local restaurant, where the class learned etiquette from an expert).

The program also allows students to gain access to full-tuition scholarships.

“The class helped me realize that I could actually do the work,” said Robinson, who improved by a class-high 2.9 grade levels in last year’s program. “When I started taking the math tests, I was getting low scores. But, with the help of one of the volunteers, I started to progress. And, as I progressed, I started to gain confidence. I would definitely recommend the class. It’s a life-changing experience.”

Siemens will provide lunch tickets, transportation vouchers and online tools for the class; Illinois Institute of Technology will provide the classroom and support staff; and the CHA will provide a $900 stipend.

To be eligible for the program, applicants must complete an official application form, provide a copy of their third and fourth quarter grades, and sign a waiver and release form.

Applicants must also:
* Be a legal and current resident of the CHA, or a relocated Housing Choice Voucher resident.
* Complete the 10th or 11th grade by June, 2008.
* Have a minimum 2.5 cumulative grade point average. (A copy of the third or fourth quarter grades must accompany the application).
* Commit to attend class four hours a day, Monday through Friday.
* Be interested in attending college.

Classes will begin Monday, June 23, 2008.

For more information, contact DeAnn King at Dking@thecha.org or (312) 786-4066.