Well-funded suburban high schools with affluent students often boast that as many as 97% or even 98% of their senior class is accepted to college. That's a notable achievement at any school.
But one Pittsburgh-area school has achieved something even more remarkable: At
Northside Urban Pathways charter school, every member of this year's graduating class has been accepted to a college program. And within that 100% acceptance rate, 54% have been accepted to four-year institutions.
Unlike the students at many high-achieving suburban high schools, "many of our students are economically challenged," says Linda Clautti, CEO at NUP. "Many of these kids, they're the first generation to go to college," so their families may not be equipped to guide them through the admissions process or help determine what college admissions officers are seeking.
That's where NUP comes in: "We have somebody who's dedicated to working with kids on an individual basis on getting them into college," Clautti says. "The counselor goes out of his way to really help the kids with the paperwork."
But the process begins long before the applications are filled out. At NUP, college is put forth as a goal as early as 6th grade. Students learn what it takes to get accepted, and they begin working toward that goal. "We have a rigorous curriculum and expectations are high," she says. "It doesn't matter what the child's background or situation. We treat them all fairly and work with each one individually."
NUP's mentorship program also plays a big role. "We have two mentoring programs: BAAM (Benefiting African American Males) and WISE (Women in Sync Everywhere)," explains Clautti. Mentors and students meet at least once a month. "We seek out professionals and we have great people working with our young kids. And they stay with them through the first year in college."
That's another unique aspect of NUP: Students are offered ongoing support and encouragement during their freshman year of college, to help with the transition.
In the end, though, Clautti says the 100% college acceptance rate is an accomplishment that belongs to the students. "They're great kids," she says. "We just give them the attention they need."
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Writer: Melissa Rayworth
Source: Linda Clautti, NUP
Image posted by
bionicteaching via Flickr