Early College Awareness

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The Harvard Club of Central Florida supports the HAA’s public service mission to promote Early College Awareness. The rising cost of ‘not going to college’ is staggering – and far outweighs the national headlines about rising college costs. One identified challenge is helping students understand early enough that “yes – college matters, and – yes – you can go!”. This program is not about ‘selling Harvard’ … it’s about coupling facts and figures that show early college awareness leads to greater opportunity in life WITH your own personal narrative of how you grew from one of “them” to become “you”. Think of it as your chance to ‘make the curriculum REAL’.

Here’s how you can help. Our club is looking for volunteers to speak to local 7th, 8th, and 9th graders as part of National Teach-In Day during American Education Week scheduled for November 18 - 22, 2024.

You can pair up with another alum, a colleague, or a family member with a story to share. HCCF will supply you with talking points and visual aids that make "the case for college" and outline the next steps that this age group should take this year so they can go to college that year. School and County teach-in coordinators will help you as well.

To learn more, click here to watch the 45-minute Early College Awareness Tutorial and "How To ECA" Info Session held Thursday, October 12th.
 
Since 2014, more than 80 local alums have spoken in 80+ area schools. Our goal for 2024 is to surpass 5000 students reached!

If you are interested in volunteering but have questions before committing, please email Larry Kahn at lmkahn@post.harvard.edu. 

If you plan to speak in Orange County Public Schools, PLEASE click here now to become an OCPS ADDitions Volunteer or to update your eligibility from prior years. OCPS requires this step in advance of any volunteer opportunity (Seminole County Public Schools does not. You simply sign up for Teach-In Day if interested). Watch the HCCF Event Calendar for updated information!

You can read more about HAA’s Early College Awareness efforts nationally by clicking here: http://officerslounge.clubs.harvard.edu/article.html?aid=532