Houston Defender: Education Edition - October, 2016

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OCTOBER 13 | 2016 | DEFENDER

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EDU SPECIAL

Get a debt-free college education websites where you can submit applications to multiple entities without re-uploading the information. aying for college is one of the bigDefender: What is the number gest challenges facing many students one thing African-Americans should and their parents. Houston author know?

Gwen Richardson has found one Richardson: Acquiring the funds to attend solution to the problem – relying on college debt-free requires hours of painstaking scholarships for free money. work. Parents need to be actively involved and She said there are thousands of scholarships not leave the process entirely in the student’s available, “but knowing the requirements helps hands. Parents should treat the scholarship the student to zero in on those for which they are search and application process like a qualified.” part-time job, get started during the Richardson shares her action plan in her book, student’s sophomore year in high “101 Scholarship Applications: What it Takes to school, and involve the student Obtain a Debt-free College Education.” She comprimarily in the essay-writing piles new scholarship opportunities throughout the tasks. Much of the application proyear and releases a new edition of the book each cess is repetitious and requires entry January. of data into online forms, or compleRichardson gives insight into a debt-free coltion of applications on paper (which is lege education in a Q&A with the Defender. becoming less and less common).

Defender: Why did you decide to write “101 Defender: How can a student who Scholarship Applications...”? doesn’t make straight A’s obtain a debt-free Richardson: I had a strong desire for our education? daughter, Sylvia, to attend college debt-free beRichardson: Many scholarships do not have cause nearly every a GPA requirement. college-educated Those that do often adult I know over require a minimum 2.5 age 40 is still paying or 3.0 GPA. The stucollege loan paydent’s personal story ments. I did not want and achievements are her to be saddled as important or more with a huge amount important than the GPA. of debt when she was What about the stujust getting started dent’s personal history in life, so I started makes him or her stand researching scholarout among the pack? ships when she was a This is what parents and 10th grader. students should spend a I was not sure if lot of time determining. my strategy would Obtaining scholarships succeed but, once is almost like a P/R Sylvia entered her campaign, especially freshman year fully for some of the highpaid with no debt, dollar awards.

I decided to put the Defender: What Gwen Richardson (right) and her daughter Sylvia work together to information in a ensure Sylvia’s debt-free college education. can students do while book to share with in high school? others. Of my seven published books, it is by far Richardson: High school students need to unthe bestseller. derstand that all four years are extremely imporUse of the “101” in the title is a play on words tant. Taking Advanced Placement and Dual Credit for two reasons: 1) It really does take about 100 courses will boost the student’s GPA (as long as a scholarship applications to achieve this goal, grade of C or above is achieved). Students should especially for freshman year; and 2) Beginner’s apply themselves academically during all four courses in college use 101 in course title. It’s not years, as well as participate in extracurricular quite as daunting as it may seem and a lot of the activities. But the extracurricular activities should information is repetitious, and there are some be balanced and not distract from accomplish-

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By MARILYN MARSHALL Defender

ing at least a grade of A or B in every subject.

Defender: Your daughter is a junior in college and has yet to take out a loan. How has that been accomplished?

Richardson: My daughter and I started with a plan and the debt-free college quest is a team effort. She did everything mentioned above and more. She attends an HBCU, North Carolina Central University, and for her freshman year of college, we submitted 90 scholarship applications to different entities. For her sophomore year, we submitted even more – 104. Once she reached junior year, we did not submit quite as many because the larger scholarship awards within her major occur during junior year. Still, we’ve submitted 40 so far and her junior year is almost fully paid.

We also periodically contact the university financial aid office regarding available funds.

Students might be surprised that schools receive new funds on a regular basis and timing is important. Contacting them periodically about recent achievements could result in more money for the student.

For example, in 2015 my daughter and I wrote a book for teen girls titled “You Are Wonderfully Made: 12 Life-Changing Principles for Teen Girls to Embrace.” It was nominated for an NAACP Image Award in the Teen category. We contacted the university to let them know about the nomination and Sylvia received a substantial scholarship from the school as a result.

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EDU SPECIAL

Taking advantage of

career services critical to your success.”

Roberson said students must also look the part. Through the ne of the most dress for success program, the important offices on office works with Dress for any college campus Success Houston and the Wesley is the office of career Foundation to supply students services, also called with free professional attire and placement offices. In fact, Texas accessories such as shoes and Southern University Director of purses.

Career Services Dr. Antoinette “The dress for success Roberson said it should be one of program is designed to provide the places students go to on a regular students with resources to be basis. confident when you go into your “Students should most certainly interviews, or a networking visit their office of career services on event,” Roberson said. a continued and intentional basis,” “We want to be a full oneRoberson said. service, one-stop shop here for our “We are the office that has the students. Attire is about 90 percent up-to-date information because we of the impression that is made by work with employers every day. So recruiters. Make sure that when you Dr. Antoinette Roberson, director of TSU’s Career Services, welcomes student Yicheng Chen. we know what the expectations are. go in, you are conservative. When Then we bring those resources and we say conservative we mean nice likes and your abilities,” Roberson said. insight back to students to make them better.” dark suits like black, gray or navy blue.

“That will help you streamline your approach to TSU’s career services office offers resume “Stay away from reds or any kind of fluorescent choosing a major in school and also your job search. revisions, career assessments, mock interviews, career colors.

Those send off different types of signals to That way you understand what you want, why you want fairs, dress for success, employer seminars, networking recruiters.

Red in some contexts may make a person it and how to get it.” events and job search strategies. The staff also works think you are arrogant.”

She said the next part of the process is to create a with students on such skills such as team-building Robinson added that following such advice won’t plan and put it into action. and stress management. Services are extended to lead to success overnight.

“I would encourage a student to sit down with a undergraduate, graduate and alumni students.

“Don’t give up if the first company [you interview career counselor to etch out your career plan,” said Roberson said the process for student success is with] doesn’t hire you or the first internship doesn’t Roberson. “It can be a short-term or a long-term plan. divided into steps. work out,” she said. “You may have to send out Once you have your plan, you must put it into action. A “The first thing we always encourage is for students plan that is not realized is just idol conversation. Once several resumes and do hundreds of interviews before to come in and take some kind of career assessment you land that dream career. It will happen if you you have your plan and it is developed, then you must because we want you to be able to identify your skills, work through it and follow up. That action piece is so follow the process.”

By AMBER VERNON Defender

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Message from the Publisher

Sonceria Messiah-Jiles

We’ve been told time and time again that knowledge is power and education is the key to success, and those of us who have benefitted from a higher education should count our blessings. We should also encourage our young people to pursue their educational and career dreams.

That’s why the Defender is once again honored to provide our readers with an annual higher ed special edition. Our goal is to give parents and students valuable tools to help them along the educational journey.

Money is usually a major issue, and our article on obtaining a debt-free education provides solid and

proven advice on securing scholarships. Another article of interest to parents and students is developing a 12th grade action plan.

Our profile of three outstanding college grads is designed to be inspirational and informative. Our article on taking advantage of career services should be required reading for students.

In addition, we would like to thank our partners who help make this special edition possible – Texas Southern University, the University of Houston, the University of Texas at Austin and Wells Fargo.

Pursuing a higher education is a life-changing decision, and one that can benefit our lives and communities.

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OCTOBER 13 | 2016 | DEFENDER

EDU SPECIAL

12th grade

action plan for parents The senior year of high school includes a whirlwind of activities. It is a big year for your child as he or she balances schoolwork, extracurricular activities and the college application process.

Here are tips from the College Board to help parents and their children successfully navigate this important time, beginning the summer before high school graduation.

SUMMER

• Visit colleges together. Make plans to check out the campuses of colleges in which your child is interested.

• Help finalize a college list. Help your child choose which colleges to apply to by weighing how well each college meets his or her needs, for example.

• Find out actual cost. Once your 12th grader has a list of a few colleges he or she is interested in, find out the potential for financial aid and the true out-of-pocket cost (net price).

• Encourage your child to get started on applications. He or she can get the easy stuff out of the way now by filling in as much required information on college applications as possible.

• Help your child decide about applying early.

If your senior is set on going to a certain college, he or she should think about whether applying early is a good option. Now is the time to decide because early applications are usually due in November.

• Gather financial documents: To apply for most financial aid, your child will need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You’ll need your most recent tax returns and an FSA ID to complete the FAFSA.

FALL

• Encourage your child to meet with the school counselor. This year, he or she will work with the counselor to complete and submit college applications.

• Create a calendar with your child. This should include application deadlines and other important dates.

• Help prepare for college admission tests.

Many seniors retake college admission tests, such as the SAT, in the fall.

• Help find and apply for scholarships. He or she can find out about scholarship opportunities from the school counselor. Your high school student will need to request and complete scholarship applications and submit them on time.

• Offer to look over college applications. But remember that this is your child’s work so remain in the role of adviser and proofreader and respect his or her voice.

• Fill out the FAFSA to apply for aid beginning Oct. 1. The government and many colleges use FAFSA to award aid. Now it’s easier than ever to fill out this form because you can automatically transfer your tax information online from the IRS to the FAFSA. • Complete the CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE, if required. If your child needs to submit the PROFILE to a college or scholarship program, be sure to find out the priority deadline and submit it by that date.

• Encourage your child to set up college interviews. An interview is a great way for your child to learn more about a college and for a college to learn more about your child.

WINTER

• Work together to apply for financial aid.

Have your child contact the financial aid offices at the colleges in which he or she is interested to find out what forms students must submit to apply for aid.

Make sure he or she applies for aid by or before any stated deadlines. Funds are limited, so the earlier you apply, the better.

• Learn about college loan options. Borrowing money for college is one option, especially if your high school student gets a low-interest federal loan.

• Encourage your senior to take SAT Subject Tests. These tests can showcase your child’s interests and achievements, and many colleges require or recommend that applicants take one or more subject tests.

• Encourage your child to take AP Exams. If your 12th grader takes AP or other advanced classes, have him or her talk with teachers now about taking these tests in May.

SPRING

• Help process college responses. Once your child starts hearing back from colleges about admission and financial aid, he or she will need your support to decide what to do.

• Review financial aid offers together. Your 12th grader will need your help to read through financial aid award letters and figure out which package works best. Be sure your child pays attention to and meets any deadlines for acceptance.

• Help complete paperwork to accept an offer of admittance. Once your child has decided which college to attend, he or she will need to review the offer, accept a college’s offer, mail a tuition deposit and submit other required paperwork.

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EDU SPECIAL

Preparing students

Visit UH online

for success

By UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON

Innovating the future

Founded in 1927, the University of Houston is rooted in ambition and determination. Driven and poised to succeed, students at the University of Houston continue to envision their future, emerge as leaders and launch careers that transform the world.

We are committed to innovation, and our students and faculty push beyond known limits to find creative solutions to the world’s most challenging problems. Our progress is fueled by the determination to bring about positive changes in energy, health, the arts and athletics. Most importantly, our mission is to foster student success in every instance, so that we prepare savvy, energetic and career-ready graduates.

UH’s Tier One resources have continued to keep students bold, globally competitive, and on the frontier of research and discovery. Our institution leads five nationallyfunded research centers that pioneer groundbreaking inquiry in areas such as energy, materials, psychology, laser mapping and homeland security.

Additionally, the newest inclusion of the prestigious Phi Beta Kappa chapter has confirmed our standards for academic excellence. Our award-winning faculty is committed to helping students realize their academic objectives.

The University of Houston educates more than 43,000 students each semester and offers more than 200 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

UH has grown to service the City of Houston and beyond through extensive educational offerings, partnerships with local businesses and contributions to the community.

UH shows a commitment to student success through cultivation, an abundance of course offerings to achieve and reinvent the integrity of student success one scholar at a time.

Think globally, act locally

Houston, the nation’s fourth largest city, is an international community. The Universities of Houston attracts students from across the globe, which is one of the reasons we are ranked as one of the most diverse universities in the nation. Our campus is the first institution to earn three Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) awards from the INSIGHT Into Diversity Magazine.

Houston is the energy capital of the world and home to the world’s largest medical center. More than 200,000 alumni choose to live and work in Houston after graduation.

Even so, our alumni base is not limited to the Houston area. Our graduates are notable for their ingenuity as they range from actors to CEOs, astronauts to authors, politicians to professional athletes. UH’s influence truly extends throughout the world.

Students stimulate the cultural development of the surrounding historic area by engaging in art collaborations and beautification projects. The University of Houston’s relationship with the city is symbiotic as students and faculty connect themselves as knowledgeable resources to the public while building partnerships with organizations, government agencies, and the private sector to serve and impact the diverse communities of Houston and throughout the globe.

Cougar life

The diversity of our students only adds to the energetic nature of our campus activities; in short, the opportunities to engage with Cougar culture at the University are endless.

The University of Houston has over 500 organizations, fraternities/ sororities, leadership programs and other student groups. These organizations encourage student success through leadership and volunteerism.

Students will develop professional friendships as well as mentor relationships that will influence them for decades to come. Students can also cheer on their fellow Cougars As a Tier One research institution, the University of Houston prides itself as a powerhouse at athletic events, attend concerts and of modernism through research and innovation. plays, eat great food around campus and the keys to navigate the path to graduating in four years by work out at the state-of-the-art recreation offering academic maps, online tools and fixed tuition rates. center. On-campus events such as The Cat’s Back and Cub Faculty and students accomplish exchanges in cultural Camp create an inclusive campus environment, promote study and research within the community in order to respond to personal growth and academic success all while exploring the economic, social and cultural challenges affecting the quality the roots of UH tradition. of life in Houston. Our students define who we are as an institution, Committed to student success which is why student success is, and will always remain, our first The University of Houston is committed to offering priority. students a world-class education. Initiatives like UHin4 Visit www.uh.edu today to learn more about the University of Houston. are driving that commitment by giving incoming freshmen

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OCTOBER 13 | 2016 | DEFENDER

WE ARE THE POWERHOUSE. The University of Houston has engineered groundbreaking teaching methods that spur development in Arts, Energy, Health and Athletics. Our students’ ability to fuel innovation demonstrates the aptitude of UH Cougars to shine.

More than 5,000 of our graduates own or run a business. UH is powering the ingenuity to drive our community forward.

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Black grads learn valuable lessons

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avigating college life while fresh out of high school can be a challenge, especially at a large university. Students may even secondguess whether pursuing a degree in higher education is worth all the stress, sleepless nights and frightening student-loan debt.

Sometimes, however the best advice and encouragement comes from how other students succeeded throughout their college career and after graduation.

The Defender spoke with three African-American college graduates who not only set their sights on higher education, but also overcame the demands that came with being a student.

Life threw all kinds of obstacles at them along the way: difficulties and opportunities, doubts and uncertainties, millstones and milestones. Despite it all, they made it through. Here are their stories.

COLLEGE & CAREER SUCCESS

By JASEMINE KNOWLES Defender

Cedric Bandoh, Class of 2014 - University of Houston With the University of Houston ranking high in campus ethnic diversity, Cedric Bandoh credits his college experience with preparing him for success within his career endeavors.

As a global product manager at HP Inc., Bandoh interacts with a diverse group of professionals from around the world on a daily basis.

“Interacting with people from different walks of life widens your social circle by expanding the pool of people with whom you can associate and develop relationships, so just imagine how boring your conversations would be if you only had friends who had everything in common with you,” Bandoh said.

“That’s why I am extremely grateful for the excellent foundation I received as a student that allows me to navigate the challenges and opportunities of my current role.”

Though diversity was a huge plus for Bandoh, he

was still faced with challenges studying supply chain management.

“My greatest challenge was balancing the demands of my academics, personal life, and role as a student leader on campus,” said Bandoh, who served two consecutive terms as UH’s youngest student body president.

He said he overcame his struggles by finding balance and learning time management, while continuing to strive for excellence.

“It is important to have a healthy balance in your life as you manage various priorities and you must love yourself first before you can serve others,” he said.

“It’s also important to be proud of who you are, especially among others who are different from you. Always know that you bring value to every opportunity. Don’t just build a network, build meaningful relationships.”

PECIAL ER ED

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Kamau Marshall, Class of 2010 Texas Southern University

Kamau Marshall was recently appointed by the White House as a presidential political appointee after serving as a speechwriter and communications advisor for the U.S. Department for Agriculture (USDA) and a special assistant to Congressman Elijah E. Cummings.

He said he hasn’t always been the polished public servant he is today.

At the start of his undergraduate studies at Texas Southern University, where he focused on journalism and public affairs, Marshall said he was a little rough around the edges but gives thanks to one of his professors, who took the time to groom him.

“My professor, Dawnica Jackson, coached me on my image, speaking voice, and writing and if it hadn’t been for her, I wouldn’t have understood how my appearance, behavior, and way of communicating could enhance my opportunities,” Marshall said.

From that point on, Marshall began taking on leadership roles in multiple organizations across campus, including co-founding TSU Collegiate 100 Men, where he also served as vice-president.

“From hosting on the radio, debating on the debate team, volunteering for Texas political campaigns, to using the information I’ve gained to teach other young Black men on how to succeed, I was a student leader,” he said.

From the outside looking in, it may seem as if Marshall has “made it.” However, he added that he still has a long way to go and is taking his time and enjoying the journey.

“People are always in a rush to get to the top, but fail to realize success isn’t a race,” he said. “Take your time. Quality results take time and focus. Being effective and efficient is important, so embrace the journey.”

Vanilla McIntosh, Class of 2015 - University of Texas at Austin After college, Vanilla McIntosh landed a job as development intelligence analyst for Burger King Corporation. She said her journey wasn’t easy at first.

Five years ago, as a high-performing high school student, McIntosh was granted acceptance to the University of Texas through the top 10 percent policy. But after bombing her first economics exam her freshmen year, the bump in the road forced her to re-evaluate her aspirations and academic path.

“I didn’t have to work very hard in high school; I was an A-student,” McIntosh said.

Unfamiliar with the experience of failing and not liking the idea of not being good enough, the sting of receiving an extremely low grade on the exam motivated her to go harder or go home.

“The professor told us no matter what you made on the first two exams, whoever got the highest grade in the class on the last exam of the semester, would automatically get an A,” she said, adding that she immediately found a tutor and ultimately earned an A at the end of the class.

It was at that moment McIntosh reassessed her purpose and decided to focus on her goals with a clear mindset to tackle the challenges she knew she would continue to face as a student.

“I had to remind myself that while I did come to college to gain an education, my main goal was to leave college with opportunities that would not have been afforded to me if I hadn’t gone to college,” she said.

“From that point on, not only did things get better in the classroom, but major shifts began to happen in the way I strategically planned for my future.”

McIntosh began to apply for any and every opportunity that piqued her interest, including interning with GooglePlex in California, Management Leadership for Tomorrow program in New York, and attending Harvard Business School’s summer program where she studied social entrepreneurship in Beijing, China.

With prestigious internships underneath her belt and a rewarding career, she encourages other students to reach for the stars no matter the circumstance.

“Don’t psych yourself out and tell yourself you do not meet the criterion for whatever position you are going after,” she said.

“More than half of the programs I was accepted into while in and out of college, I didn’t meet the requirements for. Just show a genuine interest. Don’t ever count yourself out and don’t let [an interviewer] count you out.”

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EDU SPECIAL TSU has notable presence at new

Visit TSU online

Smithsonian museum

By TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY

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exas Southern University has a strong representation in the new Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) in Washington, D.C. The museum celebrated its grand opening on Sept. 24.

Museum displays include “Ghana Women Dancing,” a priceless painting by the late Dr. John Biggers, founder of TSU’s Art Department; “Tobias,” a painting by Kermit Oliver, TSU Art alumni and renowned Hermès designer; “Flipping Boy,” a 1986 photo by award-winning University Photographer Earlie Hudnall Jr.; and a space honoring TSU’s acclaimed debate team.

TSU alumnae LaStarsha McGarrity, who interned with NMAAHC for eight months prior to its opening, restored material housed in several exhibits including abolitionist Harriet Tubman’s shawl, a Bible belonging to slavery rebel Nat Turner, and the silver dresses worn by R&B/ pop vocal group En Vogue in their 1991 video “My Lovin’ (You’re Never Gonna Get It).”

She helped polish and prepare Chuck Berry’s 1973 cherry-red Cadillac Eldorado convertible, clean the keys on an organ that traveled with James Brown, and preserve shoes from entertainers and athletes, including pairs owned by rock ‘n’ roll pianist Fats Domino, jazz bandleader Cab Calloway and singer-dancer Sammy Davis Jr. “It was amazing to be able to handle these pieces of American history,” McGarrity said. “These were all authentic pieces.”

Dr. Alvia Wardlaw, director of TSU’s University Museum, serves on NMAAHC’s Scholar Advisory Council.

Wardlaw, along with Dr. Thomas F. Freeman, TSU’s renowned debate team coach emeritus, participated in the private opening ceremony on Sept. 17.

Museum displays include “Ghana Women Dancing,” a priceless painting by the late Dr. John Biggers; “Flipping Boy,” a 1986 photo by award-winning TSU photographer Earlie Hudnall Jr.; and a space honoring TSU’s acclaimed Debate Team led by Dr. Thomas F. Freeman which included the late Congresswoman Barbara Jordan.

The display featuring TSU’s debate team and Dr. Freeman includes a picture taken in the 1950s, a description of the team’s activities, and a reference to the team’s role in training actors for “The Great Debaters,” a film produced by Oscarwinning actor Denzel Washington.

The museum also showcases TSU alumnae and U.S. Congresswoman Barbara Jordan’s debate trophy and memorabilia from TSU alumnus and former TSU Thurgood Marshall School of Law Professor Otis King when both integrated the tournament at Baylor University in 1957. Both Jordan and King are deceased.

The late Congressman Mickey Leland, a TSU alumnus, was passionate about creating a national museum of African-American history and introduced a bill in 1986.

The Museum was dedicated by President Barack Obama on Sept. 24 and TSU alumnae Yolanda Adams performed at a special musical prelude. A number of Texas Southern representatives were in attendance and participated in the weekend’s gala activities, including Dr. Freeman with his wife and daughter (Clarice and Dr. Carlotta Freeman), current TSU debate team coach Dr. Gloria BatisteRoberts, Dr. Wardlaw and a group of Texas Southern students.

TSU Foundation Board member Gerald Smith and his wife Anita, both Houston philanthropists, are among the museum’s strongest supporters. The Smiths donated more than $1 million to the museum and two notable paintings by Biggers.

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OCTOBER 13 | 2016 | DEFENDER

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TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY

TSU Homecoming Headquarters www.tsu.edu

October 16-22, 2016

8:00 a.m.

Shotgun Start

Tiger Paw Golf Classic October 20, 2016 Herman Park Golf Club

To REGISTER call

713-313-7606 or 713-313-1363 Online: https://tsu.thankyou4caring.org/ tigerpaw2016

Back HOME in Third Ward, Texas!

Come out and show your TIGER PRIDE

TSU Homecoming Parade Line up is at 8:00 a.m.

Parade starts at 10:00 a.m.

You can participate by entering your band, car, truck, float, walking unit, cheerleaders, praise dancers, drill teams, etc.

Join the TSU Homecoming Parade by calling 713-313-7793 or online at http://www.txsohomecoming.com/applications.htm

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EDU SPECIAL

Discover your

Visit UT Austin online

excellence

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By THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN

it in and stand out.

At The University of Texas at Austin, this isn’t a contradiction.

Here you’ll find the community and resources that will support you, even as you discover and pursue individual excellence and success.

Anything is possible

We’re here to help

Connect with our staff at one of the university’s admissions centers around the state. Our counselors work with students, families and schools to provide more information about UT Austin and our admissions and financial aid processes. admissions.utexas.edu/contact

Four years ago, Micah Peoples was a high school senior at Alief Early College High School and had never written a line of computer code. This spring, Peoples, 21, will graduate from The University of Texas at Austin with a degree in computer science.

Excellence and inclusion Through his coursework and Student organizations are just one kind of resources offered by the university, resource available to students at The University Peoples has developed his curiosof Texas at Austin. ity about computing into much As an investment in their success, freshmore than a major or skill. It’s bemen at UT Austin participate in learning comcome a way to explore his interests munities that help them adjust to college-level in fields like music and design, academic expectations, connect with profesbuild community with other Black sors and meet other students. students at UT, and gain real Beyond the freshman year, students professional experience in the tech benefit from ongoing support, no matter their and business worlds. needs. Each of the 13 undergraduate colleges On campus, Peoples works as and schools staffs its own career center to an undergraduate research assisprovide students with major- and field-specific tant in the Texas Advanced Comadvice, while the university’s Sanger Learnputing Center, where he’s assisted ing Center offers one-on-one support to help with the development of research students reach their academic potential. software and an augmented reality That potential flourishes in The Universiapp. ty of Texas at Austin’s environment of academOn his own, he’s created anic excellence. Competitively ranked programs, other app called Spitfire and is cura world-class faculty and outstanding facilities rently developing it for the iPhone. offer students the opportunity to participate in a The app, which placed first at the rich history of world-changing scholarship at a 2016 HackTX hackathon event, university named one of the top 30 in the world listens to a user rap a line, then

by U.S. News & World Report. suggests rhymes based on the last UT Austin is also known for value, At UT Austin, Micah Peoples discovered an interest in computer science and helped found the Association word in real time. named one of the: of Black Computer Scientists.

“I like to rap and I’m also a • “Best Value Colleges” (Forbes, Money computer science major,” he exand Kiplinger, 2016) plains. “When I’m able to have some second major in African and African diaspora studies: “I • “Colleges That Pay You Back” (The of my passions converge, it’s fantastic.” learned that I could become a better writer, but also learn Princeton Review, 2016) Last summer, Peoples gained valuable industry experimore about my culture and become a more effective agent • Top 15 affordable colleges with highest return on investence through an internship with Pinterest’s product engineer- for positive change.” ment (Affordable Colleges, 2016) ing team in San Francisco – an opportunity he found at one And he has, by serving as a leader of UT’s Association Factors like these contribute to an overwhelmingly positive of UT’s career fairs. of Black Computer Scientists, where he works to create a response from first-year students, more than nine out of 10 of Peoples continues to discover new opportunities. After space and offer resources for students who may not feel like whom return to UT Austin for their sophomore year – a strong taking a course to strengthen his writing skills, he added a they belong in computing. “They do,” he says. indication of student satisfaction.

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EDU SPECIAL

steps to securing financial aid

By DARRYL MONTGOMERY Wells Fargo

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any parents of high school students know that the future will very likely hold a college education for their child. But what is often uncertain is how they will pay for that education.

Last year, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that 69.2 percent of high school graduates enroll in a college or university for advanced studies. In its most recent survey of college pricing, the College Board reports that a “moderate” college budget for an in-state public college for the 2016–2016 academic year averaged $24,061.

Financial aid comes in many different forms. When first reviewing the options for financial aid, it can be overwhelming for students and their parents to comprehend all the options and steps they might need to take to financially plan for college.

Here are some steps to help families navigate the steps to obtaining the needed funds to cover educational expenses beyond high school:

1

Fill out the FAFSA – This is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, and is recommended for all students planning on pursing college, no matter their family income. It is used to determine a student’s eligibility not only for federal student loans, but for work-study aid and some grants.

Estimate total cost – Colleges can provide students and their parents with an estimated cost for tuition, as well as room and board each year at the school.

2

3

Determine additional expenses – Other expenses like car insurance, gas money, memberships to campus organizations and even paying for a spring break vacation might not be covered by scholarships, grants and fellowships.

4

Learn about financing options – Create a list of private loans available through your bank, as well as federal loan options. Compare available loan amounts, interest rates, if payments can be deferred until after the schooling is complete

and loan term lengths.

5

Know deadlines – There are deadlines for submitting the FASFA and for most scholarships. Keep these deadlines on a calendar so nothing gets missed.

Additional information about banking, credit, money management, financial assistance connected with post-secondary education can be found at www.wellsfargo.com/collegesteps Darryl Montgomery is the regional president for Wells Fargo in Greater Houston.

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