By Carlos G. Aleman, Ph.D. | SLI University Program Coordinator
The new school year brings exciting new opportunities for our SLI high school students to work with teachers, professors, college students, and professionals in the community to develop competencies that lead to college and career success. Here are a few examples:
Enhanced Academics. Students at Harrisonburg High meet weekly after school for SLI Early College Seminar, a writing and critical discussion class led by JMU professor, Dr. Carlos Aleman. The fall semester focuses on expository and descriptive writing skills for producing effective arguments and successful college application essays. The students will learn about issues affecting young adults of immigrant families and then work with college students of JMU's Media Arts and Design to produce public service announcements on these issues.
Leadership Through Service. SLI students at Winchester's John Handley High show leadership every week as "reading buddies" for children attending Quarles Elementary School. Students at Harrisonburg provided free face painting for children at the annual International Festiva, as well as provided questions on immigrant issues for a public debate between city council candidates. Students from both schools are looking forward the SLI Fall Leadership Retreat that will be held at Shenandoah University at the end of October.
Mentoring Relationships. Students at Harrisonburg successfully invited Virginia Secretary of Education, Artif Qarni, to attend a SLI Early College Seminar. Students at Handley are learning about personal finance and managing budgets through seminars led by Paul Burkholder, a local financial advisor and former chair of SLI's Board of Directors. Students from both schools enjoy social and service activities with college student mentors from Shenandoah University, JMU, and Bridgewater College.
The seniors of the Class of 2019 will face many challenges as they begin to apply for colleges in November. Despite their American citizen status, some students are learning for the first time how their family’s immigrant status may impact their ability to apply for admission and federal financial aid.
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