Computer Camp
For a high school student in poverty, the logistics of selecting and applying for a college and completing financial aid paperwork can be serious barriers to college entrance – especially because many students are the first in their family to attend college. Many of the students enrolled are facing serious barriers.
Computer Camp is a unique, innovative program that coaches, directs and funds low-income high school students on their journey to successful college entrance, while also providing basic training for finding and winning sustainable jobs.
Last year was the third year for Computer Camp at Community Action Partnership, and we served 13 low-income students on their quest to college entrance and quality jobs. Our goal for the 2008-09 school year is to place 15 low-income students into the Computer Camp experience. Partners include the St. Joseph School District and Missouri Western State University.
Not only will this program help end the cycle of poverty, it is our hope that college students who have participated in the computer Camp will have the opportunity to mentor their peers who are embarking on their college journey. Combined with the intensive, year-round services of the Youth Program, our goal for Computer Camp is to provide low-income, at-risk youth with the tools that will ensure their post-secondary educational success.
What does Computer Camp involve?
- Students must apply from the Youth Program and be selected for admission.
- During the two week program, professional instructors teach employability skills, including both hard and soft workplace skills, and the Microsoft Office system in a college environment.
- Resumes, cover letters and interviewing skills are mastered; mock interviews are held with team members from local employers. (A great chance to practice skills and be critiqued.)
- Everything from a good handshake to attendance, flexibility, dependability and commitment to the workplace are featured in the curriculum.
- Each student must prepare and present a professional Powerpoint presentation to the group and invited guests from the community.
- Students’ work is prepared for placement into a portfolio.
Why does Computer Camp matter?
- According to the St. Joseph Public School District, 840 seniors graduated from high school in 2007.
- More than 37% of the total 2007 graduates were low-income (313 students out of the 840 graduates). However, only 166 of the low-income students furthered their education, or 53%.
- In comparison, nearly 70% of the non low-income graduates enrolled in post-secondary educational opportunities. Clearly a deficit exists in the numbers of low-income students who enroll in college.
- Many students who will enroll in Computer Camp are the first in their family to attend college.
- Computer Camp attendees can earn a free laptop computer – essential for building and submitting an online application, a resume, or a portfolio of accomplishments. Even a basic college homework assignment is extremely difficult without a computer. Many of our students need access to a computer at odd hours due to circumstances surrounding poverty – such as the need to care for younger siblings, or their own child, or shift-based work.
- According to the U. S. Census Bureau, a college graduate with a bachelor’s degree earns $40,166 annually. A student with only a high school-level education earns $21,079 annually – a wage classified as poverty level if the individual has a family. Opening the door for low-income students to attend college will impact an entire family’s future.
It works! Computer Camp graduates include RNs, pharmacy students and AmeriCorp volunteers. Last year, 11 out of 13 attendees completed every requirement for earning a computer and are on successful paths today to college, further education or gainful employment.
Real Story: Attendance at Computer Camp can change the course of a student’s life immeasurably.
Jessica became pregnant as a sophomore in high school and used the youth program at Community Action Partnership to help pay for childcare and transportation. READ MORE
Want to get involved with Computer Camp?
Community Action Partnership is offering a corporate sponsorship opportunity for the 2009 Computer Camp program– an excellent opportunity to help break the cycle of poverty for 15 at-risk youth. The agency is also seeking professionals who will volunteer to conduct mock job interviews with participants, and critique their performance. Contact Lynette Saxton, Director, Missouri Career Center, by email at lsaxton@endpov.com, or by phone at (816) 387-9765.
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