IDEA Public School's High School Booklet Spring 2019 (English)

How Will High School at IDEA Prepare Me for Success in College and in Life?

The Journey On The Road To and Through College SPRING 2019

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There’s no place quite like IDEA. For the past 13 years, 100% of IDEA seniors have been accepted to colleges and universities around the country.

How do we do it?

Take a journey on the road to and through college with us.

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Table of Contents 4

Stop 1: Rigorous Courses That Prepare You For College

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Stop 3: Experience College

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Stop 5: College Signing Day

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Stop 2: Quality Support Along the Way to a College Degree

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Stop 4: Beyond the Classroom: Extracurricular Activities

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Final Stop: College Success

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Hear From IDEA Alumni: Life After IDEA

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STOP 1:

Rigorous Courses That Prepare You For College

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Hi, I’m Shehryar Khursheed, and I attended IDEA Quest College Preparatory.

I’ll be walking you through this stop.

I’m here to tell you that high school at IDEA will challenge you, but it will create your best self. When you graduate from IDEA, you will be ready for college.

I was nervous when I started 9th grade, but I persevered with the help of my teachers and friends. By the time I graduated from IDEA, I had taken and passed 15 AP classes!

In the fall of 2017, I began my collegiate career at The Wharton School of Business at The University of Pennsylvania. I’m proud to say I am ahead of the game and ready to excel in college and in life.”

DID YOU KNOW? A recent study by The New York Times showed that Americans with four-year college degrees made 98 percent more money an hour on average than people without a college degree.

Another study by The Seattle PI concluded that over the course of their careers, college graduates earn an average of 65 percent more than high school graduates.

IDEA Public Schools follows the Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate* (IB) For All model. (Don’t know what AP and IB classes are? Don’t worry, we’ll explain more on the next page.) Through AP and IB classes, you will prepare for the rigor of college, have the opportunity to earn credit for college classes, stand out in the admissions process, and reduce your overall college costs. Pretty cool, right?* *https://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/27/upshot/is-college-worth-it-clearly-new-data-say. html?mcubz=0 http://education.seattlepi.com/statistics-importance-college-3447.html

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STOP 1: RIGOROUS COURSES THAT PREPARE YOU FOR COLLEGE

What are AP and IB Courses?

Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB)* courses are classes taught in middle and high school, but aligned with the rigor of a college-level course. They provide opportunities for you to earn valuable college credit by taking an end-of-year exam based on the knowledge learned in that class. IB courses are offered at select IDEA schools and help develop the intellectual, personal, emotional, and social skills needed to live, learn and work in a global society. By the end of your career at IDEA Public Schools, you will have taken at least 11 AP courses or a variety of IB classes that prepare you for college!

Take a look at why we believe AP and IB For All is the best plan for you. *IB is offered at select IDEA schools

With AP and IB For All, you can: 1. Prepare for the Rigor of College The moment you step into an AP or IB classroom, you are guaranteed a rigorous, college-level class that will challenge and prepare you for the university of your choice.

2. Stand Out in College Admissions When admissions officers see AP or IB on your transcripts, they have a solid understanding of what you have experienced in high school, and they know you are prepared for the increased challenges of college.

3. Skip Introductory Classes In College If You Pass An Exam If you pass an AP or IB exam, you can jump right into classes that pertain to your major since you already have the credit.

4. Reduce the Cost of your Overall College Expenses Did you know getting AP credits can save you and your family an estimated $6,000 in college tuition, fees, and textbook costs? That’s a lot of money!

The Bottom Line: Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate are national curricula that give you a taste of college.

• A high volume of reading and writing • Learning and defining independent study skills • Time management 6

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Common factor? You need these skills to be successful in college!

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OUR ACADEMIC MODEL AT IDEA ENSURES YOU ARE READY FOR COLLEGE WHEN YOU GRADUATE FROM HIGH SCHOOL. "This may seem hard - taking college-level courses and passing exams at the end of the course. But, what I love about IDEA is the support they provide you along the way to ensure each scholar reaches their highest potential. Together, with the support of your family and teachers, you will have the resources and guidance you need to help you succeed. My friend, Juan, shares more about this support on page 16."

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN DUAL ENROLLMENT COURSES AND ADVANCED PLACEMENT OR INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE COURSES WE BELIEVE AP AND IB ARE THE BEST COURSE MODELS FOR OUR SCHOLARS. HERE’S WHY:

Setting

Credit Transfer

From High School to College

Curriculum

Advancement Placement

You take high school courses that match the rigor of college at your high school.

Universally accepted by most colleges and universities nationwide

International Baccalaureate

You take high school courses that match the rigor of college at your high school.

Universally accepted by most colleges and universities worldwide

IB is an international education curriculum that develops intercultural awareness and helps scholars learn to explore and understand the world.

Dual Enrollment Schools

You take classes at a local university or online.

Limited transferability to colleges

Dual enrollment courses vary widely by the program they partner with. While some courses may be challenging, others may not be.

Because AP is held to a baseline standard of academic rigor, you’re guaranteed to receive a great education in class.

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KALENA VILLA Alumni Spotlight

KALENA VILLA graduated from IDEA College

Preparatory Donna with over 20 college credits, thanks to the IB classes she took and passed in high school. She started her college career ahead of the game and secured her bachelor’s degree in psychology in less than three years! Now, she’s on to her master’s degree in School Psychology at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley!

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STOP 1: RIGOROUS COURSES THAT PREPARE YOU FOR COLLEGE

IDEA Public Schools partners with a really cool organization.

It’s called The National Math and Science Initiative (NMSI).

NMSI’s mission is to improve scholar performance in subjects like Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math.

NMSI has a proven track record of increasing the number of scholars taking and earning qualifying scores on AP Math, Science, and English exams, including courses like AP Biology and AP Calculus!

Pretty cool, right?

HERE ARE SOME OF THE THINGS NMSI PROVIDES TO IDEA SCHOLARS: Study sessions: IDEA scholars participate in several Friday and Saturday study sessions throughout the year. These sessions occur on IDEA campuses, are collaborative and fun, and prepare scholars for their end of year AP assessments.

Scholarships: Through the NMSI partnership, IDEA scholars are also eligible to receive scholarships of $100 per AP Math, Science, or English exam they pass with a qualifying score of 3 or higher!

Teacher support: IDEA teachers are assigned an experienced AP teacher as a mentor, so they can be the best possible teachers for scholars at IDEA.

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STOP 1: RIGOROUS COURSES THAT PREPARE YOU FOR COLLEGE

CHECK OUT IDEA’S 2018 REPORT CARD FROM THE TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY! SCHOLAR ACHIEVEMENT

SCHOOL PROGRESS

CLOSING THE ACHIEVEMENT GAP

IDEA Public Schools

B

A

B

Austin ISD

B

B

B

San Antonio ISD

D

C

C

McAllen ISD

B

A

A

Brownsville ISD

B

A

B

Sharyland ISD

A

A

A

Edinburg CISD

B

A

B

South Texas ISD

A

A

A

Alamo Heights ISD

A

B

B

Clint ISD

C

B

C

Socorro ISD

B

B

B

DISTRICT

According to the Texas Education Agency’s preliminary ratings, IDEA Public Schools boasts more A-rated schools with scores of 90 or higher than any district in the Rio Grande Valley, San Antonio or Austin. Overall, IDEA received 29 As. Additionally, in each of our regions operating schools last year—the Rio Grande Valley, Austin, and San Antonio—more IDEA campuses earned the Post-Secondary Readiness distinction compared to other school districts. *Data acquired from the Texas Education Agency’s District Overview 2017-18

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DID YOU HEAR ABOUT OUR 2018 NATIONAL RANKINGS? HIGH SCHOOLS RANKED TOP 20 IN THE NATION IN 2018

IDEA Public Schools: 5

Austin ISD: 0

Brownsville ISD: 0

Lake Travis ISD: 0

Harlingen CISD: 0

KIPP Austin: 0

South Texas ISD: 0

KIPP San Antonio: 0

Weslaco ISD: 0

Northside ISD: 0

Donna ISD: 0

Clint ISD: 0

San Benito CISD: 0

Socorro ISD: 0

San Antonio ISD: 1

High schools within the IDEA Public Schools network in the Rio Grande Valley were ranked among the most challenging high schools in America by Jay Mathews, formerly recognized as The Washington Post Most Challenging Schools List.

This is the third consecutive year IDEA has been represented in the annual list of rankings, reflecting the rigor and success of IDEA’s college-going culture.

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A typical IDEA High School course schedule: “Now, I’m sure you’re saying to yourself - wow these accomplishments and the opportunity to take AP or IB courses sound great!

But, I’m sure you’re also wondering: what will my high school schedule look like?”

The instructional day begins at

7:45 a.m. and ends at 3:45 p.m.**

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9th Grade

10th Grade

11th Grade

Pre-AP Biology Pre-AP Geometry Pre-AP English I AP Human Geography Spanish II (Spanish I typically taken in 8th grade) Health & Physical Education The Road to and Through College Elective

Pre-AP Chemistry Pre-AP Algebra II (Pre-AP Algebra I taken in 8th grade) Pre-AP English II AP World History

Pre-AP Physics Pre-AP Pre-Calculus AP English Language AP U.S. History

AP Spanish III or AP Spanish Language The Road to and Through College Elective

AP Spanish Language or AP Spanish Literature The Road to and Through College Elective

* During your senior year, you are able to choose between the Math and Science senior level AP courses that most align to your interests and career plans. ** This is the standard time at most campuses. Some have earlier or later start times.

IDEA PUBLIC ***This SCHOOLS list is not inclusive of every elective we offer. Electives vary by campus.

12th Grade* AP Biology or AP Environmental Science or AP Chemistry AP Calculus or AP Statistics AP English Literature AP Government & AP Economics The Road to and Through College

School-Based Electives*** Concepts of Technology and Engineering Computer Science Principles of Engineering AP Computer Science Architecture and Design Engineering and Design and Presentation Art I Ceramics AP Art History AP Studio Art

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STOP 2:

Quality Support Along the Way to a College Degree

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My name is Juan Vargas, and I’m a proud scholar of IDEA Montopolis College Prep in Austin, TX.

I’ll be walking you through this stop.

I know what you’re thinking: IDEA sounds hard—this may not be for me! But, I have some good news. At IDEA, you are never alone on the road to and through college. When I entered IDEA, I was behind grade level in reading and mathematics, but thanks to the close support of my teachers and helpful programs, I accelerated my learning, closed my gaps, and now I want to pursue a career as a veterinarian when I graduate from college in 2023.

Read on to see how IDEA can help you along the way to a college degree, just like it did for me.”

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STOP 2: QUALITY SUPPORT ALONG THE WAY TO A COLLEGE DEGREE

Support System 1: College Counselors

IDEA College Counselors go above and beyond for you, the IDEA scholar.

Here is a snapshot of how they help you every year of your college preparatory career:

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Support starts early at IDEA. Your college counselor will work with you, beginning in the 6th grade.

At IDEA, we believe that you can get to and through college. Our college counselors provide support and guidance to help you select your best fit colleges and universities.

You will receive hands-on support from your college counselor during the college application cycle. Your counselor will help you prepare your personal statement, review your college applications, and ensure you have the recommendation letters you need.

College counselors at IDEA help you navigate the college financial aid process and teach you best practices and tips to ensure you receive the resources you need to go to college.

Did you know that IDEA counselors even teach an elective class on the ins and outs of applying to college? In this class, you learn all about financial aid opportunities, best practices for submitting a robust application, and more!

The support doesn't end when you graduate. IDEA counselors keep in touch with you while you are in college and help ensure you transition successfully into college and stay enrolled.

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 Humberto Valdez,

Director of College Counseling at IDEA Frontier College Preparatory.

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STOP 2: QUALITY SUPPORT ALONG THE WAY TO A COLLEGE DEGREE

Support System 2: The Road to and Through College Course You will take The Road To and Through College course all four years of high school. In this class, you will define your own passion and purpose, and align them with the college or university that is the best fit for you. The Road to and Through College Course has four focus areas: • Academic Readiness • College Knowledge • College Graduating Identity • Community Involvement and Citizenship

MY COLLEGE COUNSELORS HELPED ME CHANNEL MY PASSION FOR ANIMALS, AND IGNITED MY INTEREST TO BECOME A VETERINARIAN, BY TEACHING ME ABOUT SCHOOLS THAT OFFER PROGRAMS AND MAJORS RELATED TO MY INTERESTS.” – JUAN VARGAS

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 Director of College Counseling at

IDEA Weslaco Pike College Preparatory, Yvette Guzman, celebrates with her scholar, Tanya Reyna, who was accepted to Columbia University.

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 IDEA Carver College Preparatory

scholar, Isaiah Jackson, sweats the small stuff during mathematics class.

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STOP 2: QUALITY SUPPORT ALONG THE WAY TO A COLLEGE DEGREE

The Journey On the Road to and Through College How does High School at IDEA prepare me for success in college and in life? Take a look at the road map below that has helped ensure 100% of IDEA seniors were accepted to colleges and universities for the past 13 years.

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RIGOROUS COURSES THAT PREPARE YOU FOR COLLEGE IDEA Public Schools follows the Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB)* For All model. AP and IB courses are taught in high school, but aligned with the rigor of a college-level course. Additionally, IDEA scholars prepare for the rigor of AP and IB courses by taking Pre-AP courses in middle school and high school.

Through AP and IB classes, you will prepare for the rigor of college, have the opportunity to skip introductory college classes, stand out in the admissions process, and reduce your overall college cost.

You might be thinking: this sounds hard—this isn’t for me! At IDEA, you are never alone on the road to and through college. Here is how we help you along the way to a college degree.

2 COLLEGE COUNSELORS Our college counselors work with you starting in the 6th grade, and ensure you transition successfully into college and stay enrolled. You can read more about IDEA's college counselors on page 18.

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3 EXPERT TEACHERS Our expert teachers are critical to ensuring you are prepared for college and life. Our teachers will invest time and effort into your success, working day in and day out to make sure that you are set on the path to success.

4 COLLEGE FIELD LESSONS College field lessons, which begin for our scholars as early as 1st grade, are just one of many ways we strive to create an environment that teaches you to dream big and understand that you can attend the college of your choice.

5 THE ROAD TO AND THROUGH COLLEGE COURSE You will take The Road To and Through College course all four years of high school. In this class, you’ll define your own passion and purpose, and align them with the college or university that is the best fit for you. The Road to and Through College Course has four focus areas: Academic Readiness, College Knowledge, College Graduating Identity, and Community Involvement and Citizenship.

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STOP 2: QUALITY SUPPORT ALONG THE WAY TO A COLLEGE DEGREE

6 THE COLLEGIATE SUMMER AWAY PROGRAM (CSAP) In 11th grade, you’ll be encouraged to participate in the IDEA Collegiate Summer Away Program (CSAP). Through CSAP, you will attend summer programs at colleges and universities across the country before you start your senior year. Through this program, you will get to “try-on” the college experience and feel comfortable transitioning to a college campus near or far from home.

7 BEYOND THE CLASSROOM: At IDEA, you will have the opportunity to explore a wide array of extracurricular opportunities, participate in community service projects, leadership experiences, science fairs, and so much more so that you can discover your best self. A college admissions officer looks for things like community service involvement, opportunities to expand your learning outside of the classroom, and extracurricular activities as an essential part of a quality college application. We offer a wide range of extracurricular activities across our campuses, including flag football, lacrosse, basketball, volleyball, chess, mariachi, robotics, and school yearbook & newspaper.

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8 COLLEGE SIGNING DAY A packed arena, your closest family and friends, and thousands of people cheering you on from the stands...no, this isn't a sports event, but it's something even more spectacular and inspiring.

Every year IDEA hosts College Signing Day. This is the day when your dream becomes a reality. On this day, as a graduating senior, you will reveal your college choice to an arena of IDEA staff, friends, family, and members of the community. Together, we celebrate YOU, recognize your college choice, and commemorate your hard work and accomplishments as an IDEA scholar. But don't just take my word for it. You can see highlights from College Signing Day events here: https://www.ideapublicschools.org/csd2019

9 SUPPORT THROUGH COLLEGE At IDEA, our job does not end until our scholars graduate from college. We help you tap into all resources available to help finance your journey to and through college. On average, IDEA also awards 20 Give Me 5 Scholarships of $8,000 to IDEA scholars each year, as well as a one-time, zero-interest emergency loan. Our counselors and alumni support team also check up on you throughout your years in college—in person, over the phone, and via email—to ensure you have what you need to succeed at the university of your choice.

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STOP 3:

Experience College

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Hello! My name is Maria Padilla!

When I was a senior at IDEA College Preparatory San Juan last year, I spent part of my summer at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, trying the college experience thanks to IDEA’s Collegiate Summer Away Program. At Brown, I took a class of my choice, and learned all about campus life.

My time at Brown was a super helpful learning experience that has helped me prepare for college and afterward, my career. Where do I attend college? You guessed it! Brown University.”

Hello! My name is Melissa Palomo!

When I was a senior at IDEA College Preparatory Alamo last year, I took a summer class in the Rawlings Sport Business Management program at Maryville University through IDEA’s College Summer Away Program. I want to work in that field when I graduate from college.

I love IDEA’s philosophy that every scholar has what it takes to attend and graduate from college. In order to excel at the university of your choice, you first have to try it on and get the full experience!”

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STOP 3: EXPERIENCE COLLEGE

College Field Lessons College field lessons, which begin as early as 3rd grade at IDEA, are just one of many ways we strive to create an environment that teaches you to dream big and understand that you can attend the college of your choice.

Field Trip Spotlight DID YOU KNOW? A recent study by the National Education Association noted the following regarding the importance of field trips for scholars: “Regardless of gender, ethnicity or socioeconomic status, youth who take educational trips have better grades (59 percent), higher graduation rates from high school (95 percent) and college (63 percent), and greater income (12 percent higher annually). In fact, 89 percent said educational trips had a positive, lasting impact on their education and career because the trips made them more engaged, intellectually curious and interested in and out of school.�

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DID YOU KNOW? recent RGV studyCOLLEGE by the National Education Association noted the follow AA SAMPLE FIELD LESSON YEARLY SCHEDULE regarding the importance of field trips for students: “Regardless of gen ethnicity who take educational trips have be 10th Grade 3rd Grade or socioeconomic status, youth University Michigan Texas A&M(59 University – Corpus grades percent), higherChristi graduation rates of from high school (95 percent) Yale University college (63 percent), and greater income (12 percent higher annually). In fact 4th Grade percent said educational trips had a11th positive, impact on their educa NationalTexas Education Association noted the lasting following Grade A&M University – Kingsville career because the trips madeHarvard them more University nce of fieldand trips for students: “Regardless of engaged, gender,intellectually curi 5th Grade and interested in and out of school.”University of Pennsylvania

Ohio State University University of Texas Brownsville mic status,The youth who take– educational trips have better We'd love to share more about how we experienced college gher graduation rates (95Grade percent) 12th 6th Grade at IDEA.from If youhigh have school any questions, email us atand maria.padilla@ University of California – Irvine Baylor University ideapublicschools.org or annually). melissa.palomo@ideapublicschools.org d greater income (12 percent higher In fact, 89 Florida University Michigan University 7thaGrade al trips had positive, lasting impact on theirState education IDEA PUBLIC SCHO Purdue University Rice University e trips made them more engaged, intellectually curious 8th Grade ut of school.”

The University of Texas – Austin

re more about 9th Gradehow we experienced college Boston College ave any questions, email us at maria.padilla@ Loyola University Chicago ols.org or melissa.palomo@ideapublicschools.org.

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STOP 3: EXPERIENCE COLLEGE

About CSAP “In 11th grade, you will participate in the Collegiate Summer Away Program (CSAP), just like us. CSAP was amazing because we got to experience what college life was like. We also were able to take a college class of our choice. The class was worth college credit towards our degree, which was a huge plus! Through CSAP, we were required to apply to two summer college programs and apply for financial aid.

The best part about CSAP was that it mirrored the college application process. It served as great practice, and made applying to college easier this year as seniors!�

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Universities attended by our IDEA scholars Below is a small sampling of the universities our IDEA scholars have attended via the CSAP program and visited through college field lessons.

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STOP 4:

Beyond the classroom: Extracurricular Activities

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Hi! My name is Valery Tobias.

I was the state cross-country champion at IDEA Quest College Preparatory.

I’ll be walking you through this stop.

At IDEA, I competed at the UIL Track and Field State meet in Austin, Texas and took first place in the event. Beyond a personal best, my time was also only .02 seconds from breaking the state record! It was my second gold medal win at the UIL state meet in two years.

Additionally, I was fortunate enough to be named Girls Track and Field Athlete of the Year at the Rio Grande Valley All-Valley Sports Awards Banquet.

IDEA’s extracurricular program, combined with a strong work ethic, has helped me accomplish my non-academic goals that are also very important to me. At IDEA, you will have the opportunity to explore a wide array of extracurricular opportunities, so that you can discover your best, and whole, self.

My college counselor told me that a college admissions officer looks for extracurricular activities as an essential part of a quality college application.

They are a MUST HAVE! IDEA offers a wide range of extracurricular activities across all campuses, so that you can find the activity that is right for you!”

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Flag football Lacrosse Basketball Volleyball Track & Field Cross Country Soccer Cheerleading Tennis And more!

Clubs

Folklorico Arts & Crafts Drum Line Academic University Interscholastic League Junior Master Gardeners Chess Piano Tae Kwan Do & Karate Ballet Hip-hop Cooking Newspaper & Yearbook Violin Guitar Lego League Scholar Senate

*This list is not inclusive of every activity we offer. Sports and clubs vary by school.

 Angel Garcia, rushing for extra yardage during a team scrimmage at IDEA Edinburg College Preparatory during his senior year.

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 The IDEA Judson Jaguars bump, set, and study!

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Sports:

Jamie Martinez, IDEA Montopolis College Preparatory scholar, practices food literacy in the garden on her campus.

 IDEA Monterrey Park College

Preparatory scholars Andrew Villarreal and Matthew Oviedo increase their brain power during chess club!

The IDEA College Preparatory San Benito Robotics Team is a close-knit group that competes at competitions.

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 IDEA Mission and IDEA San Benito

volleyball players go head-to-head at the net.

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IDEA State Championships 2011-2012 IDEA Donna 6-8 Grade Girls Volleyball 2011-2012 IDEA Donna Varsity Girls Volleyball 2011-2012 IDEA San Benito Varsity Flag Football 2012-2013 IDEA Pharr 6-8 Boys Soccer 2012-2013 IDEA San Benito Varsity Flag Football 2014-2015 IDEA Weslaco 6-8 Grade Flag Football 2014-2015 IDEA San Juan Varsity Flag Football 2014-2015 IDEA Donna Varsity Volleyball 2015-2016 IDEA McAllen 6-8 Boys Soccer 2015-2106 IDEA Montopolis 6-8 Boys Track & Field 2015-2016 IDEA South Flores 6-8 Grade Baseball 2015-2016 IDEA Donna Varsity Flag Football 2016-2017 IDEA Montopolis 9-10 Flag Football 2016-2017 IDEA Alamo Varsity Girls Soccer 2017-2018 IDEA Mission Varsity Flag Football 2017-2018 IDEA Edinburg Power Lifting 2017-2018 IDEA Quest Varsity Girls Track & Field 2018-19 IDEA Mission Varsity Flag Football

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Osnel Cerda, shining in his mariachi regalia before graduating from IDEA College Preparatory Pharr.



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STOP 5:

College Signing Day Hi, my name is Jocelyn Vera, a proud graduate of IDEA College Preparatory Pharr!

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College Signing Day is when IDEA seniors, like us, celebrate their commitment to college by revealing, one by one, where they will attend college in the fall. During the event, seniors celebrate their accomplishments, thank their parents for their support, hear some parting advice from principals and leaders, and make their commitment to college!

We were so proud to reveal our college choices—Harvard and Cornell University - to thousands of people, and our closest family and friends, at the State Farm Arena in Hidalgo, Texas.”

And I’m Tiffany Ann Joissin, a proud IDEA College Preparatory Mission Alumna.

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STOP 5: COLLEGE SIGNING DAY

The class of 2019 was comprised of nearly 1,185 graduating seniors with 100% college acceptance.

This is our commitment to you - success in college and life!

ACCEPTED TO MORE THAN

362

RECEIVED MORE THAN

COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES ACROSS THE NATION

IN GRANTS AND SCHOLARSHIPS

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5,392

IVY LEAGUE ACCEPTANCES

$41M ACCEPTANCES

MORE THAN

752

SCHOLARS ARE THE FIRST IN THEIR FAMILY TO GO TO COLLEGE

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STOP 5: COLLEGE SIGNING DAY

Where the Class of 2019 attends college:

And many more!

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CONGRATS TO OUR FIRST CLASS OF GRADUATING SENIORS FROM IDEA CENTRAL TEXAS!

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IF AMERICA IS TO STRIVE FOR EQUALITY, CLOSE THE OPPORTUNITY GAP, AND BECOME A LEADER IN AN INCREASINGLY COMPETITIVE GLOBAL MARKETPLACE, ACCESS TO COLLEGE FOR ALL IS A NECESSITY.” – GERALD BOYD

GERALD BOYD

Executive Principal, IDEA Mays

GERALD BOYD is a native of Houston, Texas and a first-generation college scholar.

He is preparing all IDEA scholars to attend, and graduate from, college, and be great citizens of this world. If he can be the first in his family to graduate from collge, he knows his scholars can too!

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FINAL STOP: College Success

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Hi! My name is Arturo Torres, proud IDEA Mission alumnus, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley scholar, and an Associate of Internal Giving for the College Success Team at IDEA.

I graduated valedictorian of my class, I became an AP Scholar with Distinction by passing 5 AP classes, and I maintained a 4.0 GPA. I wanted to intern with IDEA because of how crucial they have been in my college journey. IDEA doesn't stop supporting us until we have graduated from college with our bachelor's degree.

At IDEA, we have our very own Alumni Affairs team whose primary job is to ensure that you have what you need to succeed in college, even after you leave IDEA. Our Alumni Affairs Team checks in with alumni regularly via person-to-person meetings, phone calls, text messages, emails, skype sessions, and more.

They also help IDEA alumni finance their journey to and through college by providing: An average of 20 Give Me 5 Scholarships of $8,000 to IDEA scholars—based on academic performance and financial need—annually. A one-time, zero-interest loan, just in case you need emergency financial assistance during your college years. The Dream Fund Scholarship: $500-$1,000 per semester for IDEA undocumented scholars.

Speaking of financial support from IDEA, The Give Me 5 Scholarship allowed me to go to college to study mathematics. Without the Give Me 5 scholarship, college would not have been a reality for me.

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HEAR FROM IDEA ALUMNI: LIFE AFTER IDEA

This will be you in a few short years!

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Leah Cabrera Marquez IDEA Quest Alumna, Class of 2011

COLLEGE: Rice University GRADUATED: May 2015 MAJOR: Political Science; Study of Women, Gender, and Sexuality "As an IDEA scholar, don’t underestimate how important it is to prepare for college. College gives scholars access to opportunities and ideas that they are not exposed to in their home communities, and develop their own passions. For me, my passion is getting more Latino scholars in higher education so that they can have access to political and educational arenas that are inaccessible right now. You need to find yours."

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Carlos Grosso

IDEA Mission Alumni, Class of 2015 COLLEGE: University of Notre Dame EXPECTED GRADUATION: May 2019 MAJOR: Information Technology “I struggled in school, English was my second language, and I was a stutterer with little reading fluency and a severe lack of confidence. IDEA worked with me and saw me through each gain that I fought my way through. It was not easy, but IDEA classroom teachers, counselors, and administrators alike never gave up on struggling scholars like myself.”

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Magdalena Banda

IDEA San Juan Alumna, Class of 2014 COLLEGE: St. Mary’s University GRADUATED: May 2018 MAJOR: Psychology "My advice to soon-to-be college scholars: don't let all the challenges you went through at IDEA be in vain as you transition into college. You worked hard for this. Make sure you stay enrolled in college, because it gives you the opportunity to craft your own future and make your own decisions. It will be hard at first, but you will get the hang of it."

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“It’s all true. I am working towards a bachelor’s degree in mathematics at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley with a 4.0 GPA. You, too, will be on the road to and through college towards a great career soon.

I encourage you to contact me or any of my friends in this book.”

- Arturo Torres, IDEA Alumnus

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