School System Encourages More Hispanic Students To Attend College

By Melissa J. Brachfeld

Sentinel Staff Writer

As many Prince George's County students are eagerly awaiting college acceptance letters, the county's school system is working with local educational institutions to encourage and prepare the area's Hispanic population for college.

"Hispanic students make up the second largest population among our more than 133,000 students and we can play a critical role in their academic success," Prince George's County Public Schools Interim Chief Executive Officer Howard A. Burnett said. "The school system has increased its outreach to Spanish-speaking parents to ensure equal access to the information and many resources available to guide families through the college admissions process."

Twelve percent of students are Hispanic in PGCPS. According to the U.S. Census Bureau's National Center for Education Statistics, many Latinos lack the necessary information on student aid and college preparedness. In fact, 62 percent of Hispanic parents said they did not have enough information about paying for college. To address this need, the International Student Guidance Office is collaborating with local colleges to encourage and prepare Hispanic students and their families to successfully complete the college application process and financial aid procedures.

On Saturday, Feb. 4 at 9 a.m., PGCPS will hold its 10th Annual "Estudios Universitarios a su Alcance- College is Within Your Reach" workshop and college fair at Northwestern High School in Hyattsville. ISGO counselors are collaborating with staff from the Educational Opportunity Center at the University of Maryland in College Park, bilingual college admission representatives from Prince George's Community College and several other colleges to provide information and explain the college admissions process to Hispanic students of all ages and their families.

The February workshop targets students in grade 8-12, but is open to all family members. In October 2005, the ISGO held meetings in Spanish with high school seniors and their parents to explain the college application process, timelines, testing requirements and other information needed to qualify for financial aid.

The ISGO provides specialized services to U.S. citizen English Language Learners, U.S. students who have studied in schools abroad, and international newcomer students and their families. The office is open year-round to assist families with school placement and registration, in addition to providing a variety of services, including "Newcomer Groups" for students as a follow-up to registration.

ISGO staff provides resources and referral information to international students and English Language Learners and their families regarding Head Start, Adult Education, and opportunities at PGCC, and other institutions outside the school system. The office also serves as a liaison between the school system and community organizations, such as the Health Department, Department of Social Services, Department of Protective Services, Refugee Services and others.

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