Presented at the 2013 NPEA conference by: Story To College, University of Rochester, CollegeBound Initiative http://educational-access.org/npea_conference_workshops_2013.php

1. Storytelling, Personal Essays + College Readiness
NPEA (April 11, 2013)

2. The Collaboration
Date: Thursday April 11, 2013
Time: 3-4:15
Patrick O’Neill, University of Rochester
“Rochester’s Investment in Talented Urban Youth”
Jon Roure, The CollegeBound Initiative
“How CBI Fosters College Readiness”
Carol Barash, Story To College
“ “Storytelling, Self-Advocacy, College + Career Success”

3. Rochester’s Commitment
• “It is part of our mission to be a resource for
economically disadvantaged schools and families.”
– Jonathan Burdick, Dean of Admissions + Financial Aid
• Foster depth of knowledge about college process and
college options
• Build long-term supportive relationships
• Summer after 10th grade in New York
• Summer after 11th grade on Rochester campus
• Communicate with parents as well as students to build
college knowledge

4. Holistic Process - How are admissions officers reading?

5. Rochester’s Role in the Program
• Select students who could thrive at Rochester
• Participate and be present in the program
• Answer questions before, during and after
• Follow up by email and letter with students and
parents

6. The CollegeBound Initiative Vision
Lecora and University of Rochester

7. Story To College:
Using Personal Essays to Foster Life Skills

8. 5 Essays in 5 Days
• Defining Moments
• Issues
• Influence
• Community
• Why I Want to Attend This College

9. Positive Outcomes
Confidence Levels in Key Areas

10. Student Voices
“I’ve learned to use details like the eye of a
camera would.” – Estela
“A lot can be said in a few words.” – Menelik
“I learned to tell exactly what happened without
any extra emotion and opinion, because the
emotion and detail will reveal itself.” – Alisa
“We have many defining moments, from way
back to our everyday life.” – John

11. What’s next?
Summer 2013 Brooklyn and Bronx Programs
Scholarships for 2012 students to attend pre-college
program on Rochester campus this summer.
Student Workshops and Professional
Development led by Story To College to expand
capacity in CBI schools.
CBI Community Online Access to writing and
admissions resources in real time.