We believe education = opportunity, equity, empowerment, economic vitality and a healthy community. We believe that everyone who wants to go to college can go to college. We help all students and parents with awareness, information, and navigational support on the path to a college degree or certificate.
Since October 2011, when the first “Promise” agreement was signed by the Superintendents of Ontario-Montclair School District and Chaffey Joint Union High School District and Presidents of Chaffey College and CSU San Bernardino, the initiative’s capacity has grown to serve over 20,000 K-12 students and 1,000 parents per year. This work is done through Promise Scholars staff, a team of AmeriCorps Members, 35 school sites, colleges, partner businesses and organizations, and volunteers who share their “college-knowledge” and encourage an Academic Mindset for our students. Inland Empire United Way and the City of Ontario are two key partners who help ensure this work happens.
Today our students have a place in college waiting for them at the following partner colleges: Chaffey College, CSU San Bernardino, University of La Verne, Cal Poly Pomona, CSU Bakersfield, University of Redlands, Fresno Pacific, Biola University, California Baptist University, Florida A&M University, and Azusa Pacific. Promise Scholars is working at the community level to implement K-16 strategies and priorities set forth by these state and regional organizations to achieve shared post-secondary and workforce development goals.
Last year over 300 volunteers shared their college-going social capital with our students.
Promise Scholars understands setting a college-going mindset starts early. That’s why our staff and volunteers work to create a college-going culture in the schools and community. We deliver the following interactive supports to encourage the next generation to embrace their futures and take the steps necessary to be successful.
COLLEGE & CAREER CURRICULUM IN EACH K-6 CLASSROOM
BUSINESS LEADER COLLEGE & CAREER PRESENTATIONS: ALL 6th GRADERS
COLLEGE CAMPUS TOURS: ALL 5th AND 8th GRADERS
PARENT WORKSHOPS ON NAVIGATING COLLEGE ACCESS
Promise Scholars is dedicated to helping all Ontario-Montclair high school students get to college, whether enrolling at a four-year college or a local community college. Through information about college requirements (A-G completion) and application timelines to career exploration activities we help build college knowledge early. At Decision Day celebrations we publicly recognize high school seniors for their post high school educational plans which helps encourage younger students on their campus to think about and prepare for college. We work in coordination with parents, teachers and counselors to provide the following supports to all Chaffey, Montclair, and Ontario High School students:
TRUE COLORS PERSONALITY STRENGTH ASSESSMENT & CAREER EXPLORATION: ALL 9th GRADERS
“I APPLIED” COLLEGE APPLICATION DAYS
FINANCIAL AID APPLICATION WORKSHOPS
DECISION DAYS CELEBRATIONS
Over 9-in-10 Promise Scholars students are the first in their families to go to college, so support is crucial to help the transition to college. In addition to Promise Scholars Scholarships, the Ontario-Montclair Schools Foundation coordinates the City of Ontario Community College Promise which guarantees two years of tuition to any California Community College. Promise Scholars understands, to realize their educational goals, our students may need additional encouragement and support in college. To achieve this, Promise Scholars is launching a College Ambassador program at CSU San Bernardino in the fall of 2018 to provide opportunities for our college students to volunteer back in the community to encourage younger K-12 students and to help their peers on their college campus.
Contact Catherine Danh for more info cdanh@iscuw.org
