CELEBRATE I'M GOING TO COLLEGE MONTH

Recognizing that early academic and financial preparation is essential for college-bound students and their families, The NHHEAF Network Organizations is coordinating a statewide campaign during the month of November. I'm Going To College Month was created to inspire New Hampshire's youngest students and provide support to their parents and teachers. One of the most powerful ways to send the message is to organize a I'm Going to College Day at your school.

Here are some ideas:
Invite community members into the classroom.

• Invite current high school students to talk about the importance of high school. It's never too early to begin the conversation about academic preparation.
• Invite college students to talk about their road to college and their high school experience. Hearing from current college students will inspire middle school students to achieve their dream.
• Coordinate visits from successful professionals or college graduates to talk about their high school and college experience and how education impacted their future.
• The College Planning Bear along with Center for College Planning's expert college counselors would be happy to visit your school and meet with students in a fun and exciting approach. To schedule a visit, simply email him at collegeplanning@nhheaf.org.

Promote early college awareness in the school.

• Organizing a "College Sweatshirt Day", which encourages faculty and staff to wear college sweatshirts and talk about what the college experience meant to them. Teachers in college logo-wear will engage students and inspire discussion about education in a casual setting.
• Creating an advisor/advisee mentoring program with area college students. Working directly with local college students will develop an early understanding of what it's like to be a college student.
• Schedule an early college planning presentation for parents. Center for College Planning college counselors will present information to encourage and support their children's educational aspirations. College counselors will address questions parents have about paying for college and will provide the facts about financial aid and saving for college.

Encourage parental involvement.

• Ask students to write a note to their parents inviting them to attend I'm Going To College Day at the school.
• Teachers can give out homework passes, bonus points or extra credit to students for participating in an early college awareness activity.
• Providing an early college planning presentation at your school.
• Encourage a visit to a college campus for athletic events, musical performances, camps or exhibits.

Visit our Calendar for a list of activities and presentations in your area!