November 11 – Although most people agree that college is an investment in a student’s future, more than 50% of families borrow money to cover the costs of enrolling in a college or university after high school (Sallie Mae, 2019). The National 4-H Strategic Plan has an outcome of preparing youth for college and career. This outcome was created to promote first-generation college access, to provide exposure to college and career opportunities, and to offer youth engagement in college and career readiness activities and programs. The Cooperative Extension Program (CEP) at Prairie View A & M University (PVAMU)  hosts a semi-annual workshop series each year to help prepare youth and their parents for the next steps after high school.

The Fall 2019 College Prep 101 Workshop covered the topic of “Paying for College.” This workshop provided parents and youth information on CEP 4-H and Youth Development, CEP 4-H Scholarships, Texas 4-H Foundation Scholarships, scholarships offered through the College and Agriculture and Human Sciences (CAHS), and PVAMU, and a special session on “Building a Strong Financial Foundation.” Middle and high school students and their parents were able to attend this workshop in-person, and it streamed online for viewers across the state. The United States Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture provides funding for this workshop series through 1890 Extension Formula Funding. The PVAMU Athletics Department donated football tickets and items for the raffle and door prize.

As a result of this program, 100% of the participants surveyed agreed they (or their child) are more likely to apply and attend a college or university

because of this program. Also, 100% of the participants agreed they developed a better understanding of 4-H Scholarships, scholarships offered at PVAMU, the financial aid process, and how to build a strong financial foundation. One participant remarked the most important thing they learned about paying for college during this workshop was “it is not just a one-day thing, but a long thought out process that takes time and commitment.” More importantly, Youth Lab contributes to the development of human capital by providing college and career awareness, which creates a long-term economic impact on historically underrepresented youth.

This work was supported by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, 1890 Extension Formula Program projects under Section 1444.

Joaquina Kankam

 

 

 

 

Joaquina Scott Kankam
Extension Program Specialist II, 4-H and Youth Development
(936)261-5165
jokankam@pvamu.edu