By Lori Riegel, MJEd
In August 2015 three parents of TUSD graduates, united for a cause, approached TUSD leadership with the idea of expanding a program from one high school to a citywide initiative. Started by Wendy Wurr and Bonnie Klahr while their students were at University High School as a program called “Family University,” the one-day event helps students and families navigate the college admissions process. I got involved after attending the program with my daughter, having seen the impact of what being informed about financial aid and college choice options could do.
When my daughter and I attended the program, we learned that choosing a state or public university might not be the most affordable option. Often times smaller, private schools, which at first look seem well beyond affordability, could be the better choice, as they have more funds to give in scholarships and less students to spread those funds out amongst. We also learned how to customize college search options, which saved us money in the long run, as there is an application cost for many schools.
Knowing how helpful the information we learned was, and how much money it saved us with the financial aid packages Logan was offered, I reached out to Wendy and Bonnie and asked if I could work with them on expanding Family University to reach more students. We met with TUSD leadership to share our vision of expanding this program, offering it on a large scale to students and families city-wide. We also needed a community partner, to allow for sponsorships to cover expenses. The Metropolitan Education Commission Regional College Access Center, under the leadership of Dr. June Webb-Vignery, agreed that the expanded program, rebranded as “Focus on the Future: A Project of Family University,” fit the organization’s mission of increasing access for students to higher education.
The information presented at Focus on the Future is based on the idea of empowerment, both for students and families. As much as it is frustrating for parents, students ultimately must take the initiative on their college applications and materials, which can include deciding which school feels like the right fit. This was my experience, when Logan had two good options to choose from. One had a slightly better financial package, so as the parent I would have preferred that school, but Logan knew that wasn’t the right fit for her, and in the end, she was right about that decision. Breakout sessions include panels with both students and parents presenting information, so that attendees benefit from both perspectives. Panelists also include college recruiters, guidance and career counselors and experts at financial aid.
Attendance at the September 10, 2016 Focus on the Future event reached nearly 600 participants, with students from all TUSD high schools attending, as well as students from Sunnyside, Marana, Catalina Foothills, Sahuarita, Flowing Wells and Vail School Districts. All attendees received an informational book with links to resources and a planning guide for the 11th and 12th grades of high school. The closing session included keynote speaker Morgan Loew, an investigative reporter formerly with KOLD Channel, 13, now with CBS 5 in Phoenix.
Lori Riegel is the chair of the TUSD Technology Oversight Committee. She is also a candidate for TUSD Governing Board.