Increasing Awareness and Access: Human Relations Highlights

March 15, 2012
2011-2012

The 2011-2012 academic year has been a busy one for the Human Relations Committee and we would like to share a few of the highlights.

NACAC’s Step by Step and Families, Counselors and Communities Together (FCCT) Manual

In the summer of 2011, HRC co-chair Kari Garcia and past co-chair DeEnna Holohan, trained 20 Chicago Area Regional Representatives (CARR) on using NACAC’s Step by Step Manual as a means to promote college awareness and planning. CARR members were then charged with the goal of putting their newly acquired knowledge to work by providing outreach to at least one high school or community organization during 2011-2012 and we are excited to share that a number of presentations have already taken place. Counselors interested in having a CARR member present to a group of students can submit an email request at the CARR website. The guides are a fantastic resource and include college preparation and college search presentations for middle school, early high school, late high school, and parents. If you are interested in using the guides, you can download a copy of the Step by Step/FCCT Manual from NACAC.

College Advising Guide for Undocumented Students

Last fall, HRC launched the new College Advising Guide for Undocumented Students which provides undocumented students and counselors with admission, financial aid and scholarship information for an ever growing list of colleges and universities. In addition, the site links to a variety of student and counselor guides published by immigrant aid organizations including the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR) and Educations for Fair Consideration (E4FC), as well as a comprehensive list of scholarships developed by ICIRR specifically for students in Illinois. The website is updated regularly with new colleges and resource information such as the newly posted Life After College Guide. Colleges not represented in the College Advising Guide, especially those in Illinois, are asked to submit their information as soon as possible. It is the committee’s goal to include every college and university within the U.S. that welcomes undocumented students. Through outreach and greater access to accurate information, we can ensure that college is possible for all who want to attend.

HRC Reception at Annual Conference: Access and Success Stories

Conference reception We are excited to announce that the HRC Reception held annually at the IACAC Conference has undergone a face lift. IACAC members concerned with issues of post-secondary access for underserved students are encouraged to join us on Thursday, May 3 at 4:45 pm in the Carlyle Room. Attendees will not only have the opportunity to learn more about our work but will also be entered in the HRC raffle to win a bound edition of the Step by Step/FCCT Manual or a copy of Teaching for Diversity and Social Justice. We hope to see you there. Snacks will be provided!