CSF Workshop Page

Workshop A: The Admissions Process

During this workshop students and parents will learn about steps you can take to gain admission to the college of your choice. Participants will learn about the importance of early application and admission and how to “market” your academic and personal life experiences to college recruiters and admissions officers. This includes learning how to effectively prepare before the interview and how to maintain healthy communication with your admissions representative after the interview.

Presenter: Marlene Jacks-Spragins, Associate Dean of Admission, Grinnell University

Workshop B: I. Financial Aid: How to Afford the High Cost of College

Capturing college success is not always as easy as it seems but, it is attainable. Almost all the information you come across these days is focused on admissions and although admissions is important, it really just gets you in the game. Stop and think for a moment…isn't it much more important to set your sights graduating with a high quality degree at the lowest possible cost rather than just getting into college? The #1 reason students don't graduate from college is that they simply run out of money and all families want to make sure this does not happen to them. Come join us and learn several strategies to ensure that your child makes it all the way through to college graduation. After you and your child experience this easy to follow workshop, the important reasons for developing a solid college financial aid plan becomes very obvious and you'll be glad you came by.

Presenter: Sterling Laylock, Smart College Strategies

Workshop B: II. Financial Aid: Effectively Navigating the Process

Prospective college students and their parents attending this workshop will receive a brief overview of the financial aid process and highlight the federal, and state financial aid programs available to assist students in financing their post-secondary education. The presentation will cover how to get an early estimation of your federal and state financial aid eligibility; how to apply for financial aid; how to fill out FAFSA; how colleges determine a student’s financial need; and what are student/parent responsibilities in completing the application process.

Presenters: Arnold Woods, Director of Financial Aid, Grinnell University

Workshop C: So You Think You're Smart! What are You Going to Use Your Brain For? Choosing a Career in Engineering - NEW

Have you ever wondered what an Engineer does or how you could become an engineer? Do you know the exciting fields within the profession of engineering? Do you know the difference between a Civil, Mechanical, Material, or Electrical Engineer? In this workshop, students will have an opportunity to interact with professional Engineers from various disciplines to understand course prerequisites, job performance, careers and the career ladders in Engineering.

Presenters: Catrina Mitchell, Empowerment Through Education and Exposure

Workshop D: College Scholarships: Show Me The Money!!!!

Did you know that several millions of dollars of scholarship money go unrewarded each year because prospective college students think they are unqualified or do not know how search for scholarships? So if you are in need of money for college, this workshop is for you! The presentation will cover online scholarship search engines, databases, available funds, eligibility requirements, deadlines, and avoiding scholarship scams.

Presenters: Cassie Thiem, The Marilyn G Rabb (MGR) Foundation

Workshop E: College Essay: Writing Your Personal Statement

As the college admissions process becomes more competitive, the personal statement or essay has become an important part of the college admissions process. This workshop is designed to show students the key elements that make a personal statement noticeable to college admissions officers.

Students will examine the types of essay topics found on the common college application, cover the basic steps to writing a winning essay and critique a sample essay.

Presenter: Lynette Boone, Kaplan Test Prep

Workshop F: College Rap Session

Life Beyond the Classroom: How to Successfully Manage Campus Life – aka

College preparation, financial difficulty, and family obligations are just three factors African-American students must overcome. The purpose of this workshop discussion is to provide prospective college students with tips and resources on how to eliminate barriers to attending and completing college. Through dialogue, panelists representing current college students and recent graduates will draw upon their own personal experiences to provide the audience insight into the skills, strategies, and resources needed to successfully manage campus life.

Presenters: TBD

Workshop G: College Bridge Program - NEW

The College Bridge program offers qualified juniors and seniors the opportunity to earn college credit while still in high school. Students participate after school or in the summer, earning a semester of transferable college credit and a semester of high school elective credit upon completion of the course. CPS and the university partnerships absorb all costs of tuition, books and transportation. Learn how you can participate in a local Chicagoland College Bridge programs at several colleges and universities.

Presenter: Loretta Begley

Workshop H College Plans & How to Prepare - NEW

Are you ready for college? Do you know the process of selecting the right school, seeking scholarships, and preparing for the college entrance exams? If not, come learn the important factors that you need to consider when preparing for college.

This session will guide you in the right direction in selecting the right school. Some vital factors will be discussed that can assist you with choosing a college such as: costs, majors, campus environment, admission overview, scholarships, act/sat prep, the importance of networking, and meeting deadlines. Don't get left behind! Be determined and find out how to make the right choice for your future.

Presenters: Karen Staten, Youth Faith Keys

WORKSHOP SCHEDULE FROM PREVIOUS YEAR