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URBAN LEAGUE SCHOLARS PROGRAM

Urban League Scholars Application Form (Word Document)

ABOUT US

Each spring, the Urban League Scholars Program at Garfield High School recruits 30 incoming freshmen of African or African American descent who have the desire to accelerate their learning potential and prepare for post-secondary education. The program offers an inaugural cohort experience freshman and sophomore years, preparing students for advanced placement classes during their junior and senior years, which, in turn, prepares them for future success at a four-year university. Students receive academic and social support and incentives during all four years of their high school experience. Our program is a cooperative venture sponsored by the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle and Garfield High School.

BACKGROUND

The emergence of the Urban League Scholars program is a direct result of a recent history of community and national activity surrounding college awareness, readiness and access to opportunities for African American students. In 2006, after recognizing that the African American Scholars program at Garfield High School required external assistance in order to expand its services and best meet the college preparatory needs of an increasing number of students, the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle incorporated the program into its Education Department adding college readiness as a key component, and re-named it, Urban League Scholars.

Working together, Garfield High School and the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle seek to provide African American students and families with the academic and leadership skills needed to prepare for, apply to, and succeed in, post-secondary education.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

Academic Rigor: Classes challenge Urban League Scholars to enhance their analytical reading and writing skills. Math is a special double-period class that covers Integrated I and Integrated II in a single year. Scholars receive class schedule evaluations and priority placement for registration.

Sample Urban League Scholars Program Schedule ( class periods will vary)

Period 1: Honors World Literature

Period 2: Honors World History

Periods 3 & 4: Integrated I and II Math

Period 5: Biology

Period 6 — Elective

• Team-Focused: Scholars are placed into two teams of fifteen and "travel" together with their teachers through at least three classes for their first two years. In their classes, each team is joined with fifteen other honors freshmen, so that classes are integrated with students not in the program.
  
• Homework Help: Scholars attend a minimum of two hours of weekly, supervised study club after school. Teachers and tutors work with scholars in small, learning teams.
  
• Community: Peer support from “Scholar Families”, quarterly "family night" meetings for scholars, teachers, and parents/guardians to review the program and discuss upcoming assignments, projects and field trips, several Saturday enrichment seminars with speakers and activities focusing on career opportunities and college planning, mentors from the Urban League of Young Professionals.
  
• Leadership: Scholars meet weekly after school (a section of Monday Meetings) for the student led African Cultural Awareness Alliance. Scholars elect officers, plan and implement programming for the year in conjunction with the group’s advisor. Workshops on self-improvement also take place during Monday meetings.
  
• College Readiness: Scholars participate in ongoing group and individual college readiness planning that includes guest workshop presenters and college field trips.

ELIGIBILITY & SELECTION CRITERIA

Applicants will be evaluated on the following:

• Current 8 th Grader
• Application Presentation
• Essay Content & Delivery
• Letter of Recommendation
• Interview
• A desire to attend a four-year university
• A minimum of 3.0 grade point average in middle school and/or ITBS scores in the top third percentile or higher

STUDENT EXPECTATIONS

• Serve as leaders to our school and community
• Attend Scholar meetings on Monday from 2:30-4:00
• Attend weekly ACAA meetings (part of Monday meetings)
• Attend Study Club once a week
• Any students falling below an 80% in any class must attend study club M-Th until grade is raised
• Participate in internship/college readiness opportunities at least once per month
• Submit monthly grade reports

PARENT EXPECTATIONS

• Attend PTSA meetings
• Check The Source weekly: The Source displays student’s daily homework and current grade standing in his/her classes. This is a great way to monitor your student’s progress and to identify when student may need additional academic support.
• Contact teachers: Cohort teachers are available by email and phone in order to discuss student progress or needs. Developing a network of support between home and school is vital to ensure the academic success of your child.
• Support/volunteer at ULS events

Urban League Scholars is an excellent program that fosters the academic success of our African American students. We encourage you to apply! Please contact Amber Jenkins with any questions at amjenkins@seattleschools.org or 206-252-2348.

Amber Jenkins

Urban League Scholars Coordinator/Garfield High School English Teacher amjenkins@seattleschools.org, 206-252-2348

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