Recognition Underscores Importance of Promoting College Access at Low-income High Schools

Madison, Wis. - Educators who help high school students in low-income Wisconsin communities see that college is within their reach received College Access Champion Awards earlier this month from Great Lakes Higher Education Guaranty Corporation.

Great Lakes recognized thirty teachers, administrators, and counselors for supporting and enhancing college access initiatives at high schools designated by the U.S. Department of Education as having a high number of students from low-income families. Great Lakes awarded the educators nearly $150,000, up to $5,000 each to apply toward their own federal student loan debts.

Students from low-income communities often do not set their sights on college. The students may come from families that do not view higher education as a realistic option. Great Lakes created the College Access Champion Award program to recognize educators who make a difference in these students' lives by guiding them on the path toward a college degree.

"The College Access Champion Award recognizes that promoting college access and building awareness of available resources is especially vital at low-income high schools," said Richard D. George, President and Chief Executive Officer of Great Lakes. "We created the award to pay tribute to educators who demonstrate a passion for helping students in low-income communities understand that college is an attainable dream. This is the message of the Wisconsin Covenant, which we support statewide. The educators who received the award share a commitment to help students embrace that message and overcome obstacles."

"Many students believe that college is out of their reach because of their financial situations," said award-recipient Carla Kuffel, math and science teacher at Cameron High School. "I know that coming from a low-income school is a hurdle in itself. I can sympathize with their situation and provide encouragement, support, and advice," she said. "I talk to students about the importance of education and help them realize that they are capable of attending a post-secondary school. I want to see my students be successful and have a fulfilling life."

A science teacher at Adams-Friendship High School in Adams, College Access Champion Kevin Moore makes stressing the importance of a college education a priority in his classroom. "I work in a district that has a very high rate of poverty," he said. "In order to break that cycle of poverty, students need to not only research the option of attending college, they need the proper guidance from teachers and other school officials."

As part of his lesson plan to teach students that a college degree is within their reach, Kevin connects with students by telling them about his own college experiences. "I needed to borrow money for my education. Students need to know that resources are there for them." Sharing his story has a positive effect on students who initially do not plan to attend college.

Joel Hornby, a science teacher at Eau Claire North High School, focuses on helping students discover the motivation and resources necessary to pursue a college education. Along with many other College Access Champion Award winners, he connects with students through story telling and sharing personal college experiences.

"Everybody loves a good story, and when students can relate, they can see the possibility for themselves," he said.

A Spanish teacher at Green Bay West High School, Sharin Landry knows from personal experience that high school students are too often not aware of resources available to help them attend college. She is the first person in her family to receive a college degree.

"I'm a living role model for some kids who don't have a support system to gear them for what lies ahead," Sharin said. "I feel it is my duty to share my own experiences of pushing myself. Many of my students don't come from families with college-educated backgrounds. They need educators to help set their sights on attending college and succeeding."

Many of the College Access Champion Award winners plan to take advantage of their reduced student loan debts by furthering their own educations. The true reward of their efforts, however, is the difference these educators make for their students.

"I continually feel uplifted when I feel I have reached a student and made a difference for that student," Carla said. "It is pure joy when I can see a change in a student who finally realizes the importance of a higher education." For more information about the College Access Champion Award program or about Great Lakes' outreach initiatives, please contact Amy Kerwin at 608-246-1785.

About Great Lakes
Great Lakes Higher Education Corporation and Affiliates works with schools, lenders, and community organizations to change lives for the better through higher education. Great Lakes supports these partners with financial, educational, and operational resources that help students and families pay for college and build bright futures. As a leading guarantor, originator, and servicer of student loans for over forty years, Great Lakes serves more than 2,700 schools and 1,400 lenders across the nation. One of the nation's largest integrated providers of student loan services, Great Lakes services student loans for more than two million borrowers and holds guarantees on more than $43 billion in FFELP loans. Great Lakes serves as the designated guarantor for Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands under the Higher Education Act. Great Lakes is headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin, with operating centers in Ohio, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. For additional information, visit mygreatlakes.org.

Posted 03/25/08 to www.NASFAA.org. Posting of press releases is done as a service to Members and does not imply endorsement or support by NASFAA. NASFAA does not review this information for content or accuracy.