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Options at Goddard Riverside Community Center The Options Center is one of 27 programs provided by Goddard Riverside Community Center. For 30 years, we have been working to increase the number of underrepresented young people who gain access to college and earn quality postsecondary degrees. Options College Counseling At the heart of the Options Center is our free one-to-one college access and success counseling service. Options supports New York City students through the whole college process, from identifying postsecondary options to choosing an academic and financial good-fit. Options serves over 250 high school juniors, seniors, and young adults yearly. Once in college the Options Center provides one-to-one advising through college graduation. Services include counseling on and off campus, college supplies, grants to pay for textbooks, and transportation to and from college. Options Institute The Options Institute has drawn on the experience and knowledge of the counseling program to offer training to school- and community-based professionals. In the late 1990s, the Options Center received funding to replicate its college access model at four NYC nonprofits. Informed by the needs of the staff at those new centers, the first Options Foundation for College Access Counseling Certificate Course was developed and offered publicly in 2005. Today, the hallmark program of the Institute continues to be the certificate Foundation Course. The course covers both the basic knowledge counselors need to help young people through the college process and fundamental counseling skills and youth development approaches to working with students. In addition, the Options Institute offers a variety of stand-alone seminars on related topics such as working with immigrant students and advanced financial aid workshops. Options Institute is New York City s leading provider of professional development in college access and success. Options Institute s Approach About the Options Center All Options Institute facilitators are also college access counselors who bring their own first-hand experience and knowledge to seminars. We train from a practical perspective, using thoughtfully crafted curricula to provide intensive, interactive learning experiences. Committed to adult learning theory, we help participants build on what they know and immediately apply what they learn. Participants leave every training with helpful resources to take their learning beyond the workshop. Since our inception, the Options Institute is proud to have served nearly 5,000 participants. Contact us at 646-758-6555 or optionsinstitute@goddard.org with questions. Contact us at 212-OPT-IONS or optionsinstitute@goddard.org with questions.
Table of Contents Seminars are designed for school and non-profit based staff as well as volunteers working with young people on college access and success offering a focus on specialized knowledge and skills for high quality advising. Table of Contents Seminar Calendar at a Glance 2 Seminar Descriptions 4 Good-Fit Colleges 4 Applications & Admissions 4 Financial Aid Counseling 5 Specific Populations 6 Counseling Skills 7 Program Structure 7 College Success 7 Foundation for College Access Counseling Certificate Course 8 DOE Workshops 11 Effective Postsecondary Planning Series 11 Individual Workshops for DOE staff 12 I thought this seminar was a helpful starting point because it started general then got more specific. I feel more adequately prepared to have preliminary conversations with my students. - 2016 Options Institute participant Institute was AWESOME! Every college point person should attend! - 2016 Options Institute participant To Register visit http://www.ssreg.com/goddard/ 1
Calendar At a Glance Fall Semester 2016 September 2016 20 Assessing Postsecondary Readiness p4 21 - Setting Up Your College Access Office p7 22 Assessing Postsecondary Readiness p4 27 Best Practices for Supporting Students on the SAT p4 October 2016 5 Advanced Financial Aid: Refresher and Updates p5 12 Financial Aid Application Process p5 13 TAP-SAP-POP: Assisting Students with Maintaining TAP p6 25 Matching Students to Postsecondary Opportunities p4 27 Matching Students to Postsecondary Opportunities p4 November 2016 1 Opportunity Programs p4 3 Counseling Skills p7 8 Strong College Applications p4 16 Immigrant Students and the College Process p6 17 Strong College Applications p4 December 2016 1 Advanced Financial Aid: Refresher and Updates p5 Do you work in a NYC DOE High School? There is a 6-session series and several one-day workshops specifically for you! They are available at no cost through a partnership with the NYC DOE Office of Postsecondary Readiness. See page 11 for details. 6 Financial Aid Application Process p5 8 Financial Aid Application Process p5 indicates a half-day seminar. Seminars are full-day unless noted. CANCELLATION POLICY: If you are unable to attend a workshop for which you have registered, e-mail optionsinstitute@goddard.org or call 646-758-6555 with at least 48 hours notice to receive a full refund or credit for future workshops. We cannot issue refunds or credit with less than 48 hours notice. INVOICING: If you would like to receive an invoice rather than paying by credit card, please create an account on our registration website and call 646-758-6555. Payment must be received before or on the day of the workshop. 1/2 TIME AND PLACE: Full-day seminars: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm; Half-day seminars: 9:00 am - 1:00pm Breakfast is available at all sessions at 8:30 am Seminars take place at 352 W 110th Street in Manhattan unless otherwise indicated 2 Contact us at 646-758-6555 or optionsinstitute@goddard.org with questions.
Calendar At a Glance Spring Semester 2017 January 2017 11 Educational and Work-Related Alternatives to College p4 17 ACT & SAT Prep: 10 Things an Advisor can do to Improve Scores p5 18 Financial Aid for Returning Students p5 24 TAP-SAP-POP: Assisting Students with Maintaining TAP p6 February 2017 2 Students with Disabilities and the College Process p6 14 Financial Aid Packages, Loans and Gap p5 16 Financial Aid Packages, Loans and Gap p5 March 2017 14 Transition to and Success in College p7 21 Counseling Skills p7 23 Immigrant students and the College Process p6 April 2017 4 Transition to and Success in College p7 20 Educational and Work-Related Alternatives to College p4 25 Foundations Course Counseling Series A p10 27 Foundations Course Counseling Series B p10 May 2017 2 Foundations Course Counseling Series A p10 4 Foundations Course Counseling Series B p10 9 Foundations Course Counseling Series A p10 11 Foundations Course Counseling Series B p10 16 Foundations Course Culmination A p10 18 Foundations Course Culmination B p10 TO REGISTER visit our website: http://www.ssreg.com/goddard/ indicates a half-day seminar. Seminars are full-day unless noted. 1/2 To Register visit http://www.ssreg.com/goddard/ 3
GF101 To better assist students with their postsecondary goals, effective college advisors must be able to evaluate students for postsecondary fit as well as assess their school or program s college-going culture. Skills, knowledge & attitudes students need to succeed National and NY State college outcome statistics Examining college going culture Assessing the whole student through diplomas, transcripts, test scores and finances Tue Sept 20, 2016 Full-day $100 Thurs Sept 22, 2016 GF201 One key skill of an effective college advisor is helping students find postsecondary opportunities that meet their needs and interests. Postsecondary landscape terminology Special admissions and support programs (including EOP, HEOP, SEEK, CD, and others) Matching students with quality programs Supporting students to have balanced lists of good-fit postsecondary options Pre-requisite: GF101 Assessing Postsecondary Readiness Tue Oct 25, 2016 Full-day $100 Wed Oct 27, 2016 GF102 When searching for a good-fit program for a student, a bachelor s or associate degree program is not always the right match. Matching students with quality alternatives to college Identifying options for a variety of students Postsecondary programs such as certificate and job or career development programs Helping students succeed in their chosen programs Wed Jan 11, 2017 Full-day $100 Thu Apr 20, 2017 GF202 For low-income students, opportunity programs are usually a great fit. They provide academic, social, and some financial support for students who would not otherwise be academically eligible to attend the college of their choice. Different types of opportunity programs including EOP, HEOP, SEEK, CD Resources that opportunity programs provide Eligibility requirements and application tips Tues Nov 1, 2016 Full-day $100 A101 Effective college access counselors must be skilled in helping students assemble and submit strong college applications. By comparing sample student applications, participants gain insight into an admission officer s perspective and the relative importance of each component of the application. Participants also explore the value of advocacy in the college admissions process. CUNY, SUNY, and Common applications Supporting students to write compelling college essays Elements of effective recommendation letters Advocating for students and supporting student selfadvocacy Tue Nov 8, 2016 & Thurs Nov 17, 2016 Full-day $100 AA103 This workshop will explore and discuss best practices for supporting NYC students on the SAT. Drawing on over 2 decades of test prep experience spanning more than 15 admissions tests, the presenter will answer all your questions about the revised SAT, SAT school day, and other initiatives impacting students preparing for college admissions tests. Resources available to students SEMINARS Strategies for minimizing challenges the test presents How to advise and support students preparing for the new SAT and other admissions exams SAT similarities and differences from the current SAT, the ACT, and statewide tests Tues Sept 27, 2016 Half-day $60 4 Contact us at 646-758-6555 or optionsinstitute@goddard.org with questions.
SEMINARS Drawing on decades of experience working with public schools, non-profit organizations and community based organizations to deliver test preparation courses, a test preparation expert will lead an interactive discussion about preparing for the new SAT and ACT and share strategies and tools that program directors, advisers and college counselors can effectively and easily implement to support their students on upcoming college entry tests. This session will focus on developing and maximizing preparation tools other than prep courses. Tue Jan 17, 2017 Half-day $60 Helping students apply for financial aid is an important first step, but college advisors play a critical role ensuring that young people can afford their postsecondary education without burdening their future with untenable debt. Sources of financial aid Analyzing & comparing financial aid packages Advising around sound financial decisions Understanding the federal loan process Complex case scenarios Tue Feb 14, 2017 Full-day $100 Wed Feb 16, 2017 Financial aid counseling is perhaps the most intimidating of the critical skills required of college advisors. Yet, our students must be able to complete the FAFSA and navigate the financial aid process to be able to attend and succeed in college. How financial aid is awarded Three critical questions in Financial Aid assessment FAFSA & TAP application details & tips PROFILE application tips Financial dependence & independence Dependency override Complex case scenarios Wed Oct 12, 2016 Full-day $100 Tue Dec 6, 2016 Thu Dec 8, 2016 Initially, I thought the financial aid piece would be a little intimidating. There s so many numbers, and you almost feel like an accountant, but they break it down for you so that it helps you gain your confidence and help you through it - 2016 Options Institute Participant Financial aid applications and processes change each year. To be able to assist our students most effectively, professionals must stay current. Updates on the 2017 financial aid applications & process Complicated student situations to explore in roundtable discussion with colleagues Wed Oct 5, 2016 Half-day $60 Thu Dec 1, 2016 The financial aid process does not stop with the first year of college. Returning college students must reapply annually by refiling the FAFSA and TAP and communicating with their college. College Success and financial aid Tips when filling out the FAFSA with returning college students Tips on maintaining TAP awards Wed Jan 18, 2017 Full-day $100 indicates a half-day seminar. Seminars are full-day unless noted. To Register visit http://www.ssreg.com/goddard/ 5
SEMINARS New! track and maintain their Tuition Assistant Program (TAP) grant. Participants will learn the ins -and-outs of Student Academic Progress (SAP) and Pursuit of Program (POP) in regards to students pursuing undergraduate degrees. Key Topics include: TAP-able credits How declaration of majors/changing majors can effect TAP How to advocate in the case of TAP being lost Complex case scenarios *It is recommended that participants attend Financial Aid Counseling before attending this session. Thurs Oct 13, 2016 Half-day $60 Tues Jan 24, 2017 Students with disabilities may face additional barriers in applying and transitioning to college. Participants learn about different college policies and supports, general resources for students with disabilities and their families, and the laws protecting students with disabilities. Assisting students with disabilities in selecting where to apply to college Supporting student applications Helping students successfully transition Tue Feb 2, 2017 Full-day $100 Don t be disappointed! Register early. The program of your choice could fill early or be canceled due to enrollment requirements. To register visit: http://www.ssreg.com/ goddard/ Undocumented students, permanent residents, refugees and asylees all face different challenges in applying to, getting in to, and paying for college. Guided by both legal and college access professionals, participants examine strategies and resources to help immigrant students through the college application and financial aid processes. Identifying & understanding immigration status Adjustment of immigration status Impact of residency status on college admission and financial aid Counseling undocumented students and students with undocumented parents through the college process Presented in collaboration with a Legal Aid Society attorney. Wed Nov 16, 2016 Full-day $100 Thu Mar 23, 2017 NYC College Line is a online resource that supports advisors, students, and families to prepare for, get in to, and complete college by connecting them to NYC-based programs and web-based resources. Check it out at: www.nyccollegeline.org The fact that they brought in an outside speaker from the Legal Aid Society to break it down and explain to us what citizens rights are, what residents rights are, what people on visas rights are that was very helpful to me as a counselor because I have all those types of students. - 2016 Options Institute Participant 6 Contact us at 646-758-6555 or optionsinstitute@goddard.org with questions.
SEMINARS Effective college access counseling requires strong counseling and communication skills. Participants explore research-based techniques for one-to-one counseling with young people around college access. Student-centered counseling Common counseling responses Practice counseling and assessment of own counseling skills Thur Nov 3, 2016 Full-day $100 Tues Mar 21, 2017 A variety of support systems exist to help students succeed in college. Effective college advisors must be able to refer their students wisely. Participants consider the challenges of settling into college. Challenges that arise in the summer between high school and college Addressing homesickness or the challenges of commuting to college Helping students adapt to new social and cultural environments Key academic, social/emotional and financial college success milestones Tue Mar 14, 2017 Full-day $100 Tue Apr 4, 2017 College access offices should provide students with information about the college application process, postsecondary opportunities, and resources to help them on their journey. To be effective, the resources available should be clearly displayed, engaging, and not overwhelming. This workshop is for counselors and supervisors new to the field of college access and for long time counselors looking for updated tips and resources. Materials to include in your office Timelines for making resources available How to make the office an engaging space for young people Wed Sep 21, 2016 Half-day $60 Workshop details: Full-day seminars: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm; Half-day seminars: 9:00 am - 1:00pm Seminars take place at 352 W 110th Street in Manhattan unless otherwise indicated. Sign up for our mailing list! To receive regular updates from the Options Institute including information about new and upcoming workshops, email optionsinstitute@goddard.org with your name and organization. If you have any questions: Call 646-758-6555 or email optionsinstitute@goddard.org indicates a half-day seminar. Seminars are full-day unless noted. To Register visit http://www.ssreg.com/goddard/ 7
Foundation Course Foundation Course for College Access Counseling Certificate Course The Foundation Course is an opportunity for college counselors and advisors to further develop their skill and capacity to effectively counsel students and ensure that youth development best practices are incorporated into their schools and programs. The course provides detailed exploration of relevant issues, ample time for discussion, hands-on practice, and concrete planning in nine workshops scheduled over a nine month period. The nine sessions of the Foundation course The five core content seminars focus on supporting students to explore the college landscape, develop well balanced college lists, submit strong college applications and access the best possible financial aid package. One elective allows for concentration on a particular student population or topic. The final three sessions, the counseling series, focus on effective counseling and program approaches. Student Case Portfolio Each course participant is required to produce a 5-part portfolio in which they apply the knowledge gained from the core content seminars to a real student case demonstrating mastery The portfolio is a 5-part student case assignment for which participants apply the information and techniques learned in each core content seminar to a real student case. If participants do not have an appropriate student case to work with, a sample student will be provided. Assignments include: Assessing a student for postsecondary readiness Creating a balanced list of good-fit colleges Writing a recommendation letter Providing feedback on a college essay Completing a financial assessment Portfolio submission is required in order to earn the Course certificate. Requirements To receive the certificate for completing the Foundation Course, participants must attend all sessions and submit a satisfactory portfolio. In the case of extenuating circumstances, one absence may be excused. Cost The maximum cost for the Foundation Course is $750. Actual costs will vary, depending on previous coursework. See FAQ on page 10 for more information. Registration Please register for the Foundation Course by August 29, 2016. Register online at: http://www.ssreg.com/goddard/ 8 Contact us at 646-758-6555 or optionsinstitute@goddard.org with questions.
Foundation Course Foundation Course for College Access Counseling Certificate Course Core Content Seminars SCHEDULE AND REQUIREMENTS AT A GLANCE Dates Assessing Postsecondary Readiness (see p. 4) Sept 20 or 22 - Course Orientation follows both Assessing Postsecondary Readiness workshops (4:00-5:00 pm) Matching Students to Postsecondary Opportunities (see p. 4) Oct 25 or Oct 27 Strong College Applications (see p. 4) Nov 8 or Nov 17 Financial Aid Application Process (see p. 5) Oct 12, Dec 6, or Dec 8 Financial Aid Packages, Loans and Gap (see p. 5) Feb 14 or Feb 16 Elective Workshop Participants must attend one additional workshop of their choosing below: Immigrant Students and the College Process (see p. 6) Nov 16 or March 23 Students with Disabilities and the College Process (see p. 6) Feb 2 Educational and Work-Related Alternatives to College (see p.4) Jan 11 or Apr 20 Transition to and Success in College (see p.7) March 14 or April 4 Portfolio Assignments The assignments are due on Feb 28, 2017 2017 Counseling Series (9:00 a.m. 4:00 p.m.) Participants must commit to all the dates in one series. See pg. 10 for details Spring Series A Spring Series B Youth Development in College Access April 25 April 27 College Access Counseling Skills May 2 May 4 Common Counseling Challenges Practicum May 9 May 11 Culmination and Evaluation Meeting (8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.) May 16 May 18 All workshops are 9:00am-4:00pm unless otherwise noted. Breakfast is available at 8:30am. Really enjoyed the networking opportunity and having a group of professionals I will continue to see here. - 2016 Options Institute participant I thought this seminar was an outstanding series because the speaker and teachers were excellent! - 2016 Options Institute Participant To Register visit http://www.ssreg.com/goddard/ 9
Foundation Course Foundation Course for College Access Counseling Counseling Series WEEK ONE: APRIL 2017 May 2017 Participants are introduced to the theoretical and practical underpinnings of strong college access programs. Participants examine their own program components to determine if they follow youth development best practice including aspects of resources, space and processes. Through group discussion and example scenarios, participants identify tools and opportunities to strengthen their college access programs. WEEK TWO: Effective college access work requires strong counseling and communication skills. Participants explore the active listening, probing and informing skills needed to work with young people on the college process. Participants learn an approach that puts the young person at the center, examine a range of common counseling responses and practice using effective skills in a range of situations. Participants engage in mock college counseling sessions and assess their own counseling skills and next steps. WEEK THREE: Building on College Access Counseling Skills, participants spend the day practicing skills, giving feedback and discussing strategies in response to a variety of case scenarios concerning the college and financial aid processes. Drawn from real life situations, scenario topics include but are not limited to: students who consistently miss appointments or fail to do follow-up, students whose academic performance will not allow them to get into their dream college or pursue their dream career and disagreements between parents and students about where the student should attend college. Don t be disappointed! Register early. The program of your choice could fill early or be canceled due to enrollment requirements. To register visit: http://www.ssreg.com/ goddard/ WEEK FOUR: 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Supervisors are invited to attend : 8:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. We will reflect on and share what has been learned over the Foundation Course for College Access Counseling, discuss college access and programming challenges, and award certificates. Indicates a half-day seminar. Seminars are full-day unless noted. 10 Contact us at 646-758-6555 or optionsinstitute@goddard.org with questions.
DOE Series From helping families decipher financial aid packages to helping students make good-fit postsecondary choices, this series provides participants with the knowledge and resources to meet the postsecondary advising needs of their students. THE SIX SESSIONS OF THE EFFECTIVE POSTSECONDARY PLANNING SERIES ARE: Matching Students to Postsecondary Opportunities Strong College Applications Financial Aid Application Process Immigrant Students and the College Process Financial Aid Packages, Loans and Gap Assessing Postsecondary Readiness Sept 27 Sept 28 Sept 29 Oct 18 Oct 19 Oct 20 Nov 15 Nov 9 Nov 10 Dec 13 Dec 14 Dec 15 Feb 7 Feb 8 Feb 9 Mar 7 Mar 8 Mar 9 To Register visit http://www.ssreg.com/goddard/ 11 V.08.16
DOE Series ONE-DAY WORKSHOPS FOR NYC DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION STAFF The Options Institute is partnering with the NYC DOE Office of Postsecondary Readiness to offer one-day workshops free of charge for DOE staff. The workshops are: Nov 2 For low-income students, opportunity programs are usually a great fit. They provide academic, social, and some financial support for students who would not otherwise be academically eligible to attend the college of their choice. Key topics include: Different types of opportunity programs including EOP, HEOP, SEEK, CD Resources that opportunity programs provide Eligibility requirements and application tips. Oct 6, Dec 7 and Jan 19 Financial aid applications and processes change each year. To be able to assist our students most effectively, professionals must stay current. Refresher on the financial aid application process Updates on the 2016 financial aid applications & process Complicated student situations Jan 10 When searching for a good-fit program for a student, a bachelor s or associate degree program is not always the right match. Matching students with quality alternatives to college Identifying options for a variety of students Postsecondary programs such as certificate and job or career development programs Helping students succeed in their chosen programs Mar 16 Students with disabilities may face additional barriers in applying and transitioning to college. Participants learn about different college policies and supports, general resources for students with disabilities and their families, and the laws protecting students with disabilities. Assisting students with disabilities in selecting where to apply to college Supporting student applications Helping students successfully transition Mar 29 A great way to distribute information to students and families on this complex process is to host a workshop. Key topics include: Observing an Options Financial Aid Workshop Strategies for adapting the material for other populations Answering difficult questions *These sessions cover advanced financial aid topics. They are intended for participants who have attended the Financial Aid Application Process and Financial Aid Packages, Loans and Gap workshops, which are a part of the Effective Postsecondary Planning Series. 12 APPLICATIONS DUE September 19th, 2012. Contact us at 646-758-6555 or optionsinstitute@goddard.org with questions. APPLY ONLINE AT www.goddard.org/ V.08.16
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs) Who should attend this course? The course is designed for both new and experienced counselors working directly with students around college access. Past participants have included guidance counselors, college counselors, youth advocates, advisory teachers, and volunteers from non-profit organizations and schools. Participants with experience ranging from zero to more than 10 years in the field have found the course valuable. Are there any discounts? Yes, the total will range between $250 and $750: Participants who have already attended one or more core content seminars may deduct the cost of those sessions. Organizations sending multiple staff or with an operating budget under $2 million are eligible for a discount. Will there be opportunity for networking? Making connections with colleagues is one of the benefits of the course. You will meet other participants in the fall core content seminars. In the April counseling series, you will have a consistent class of peers. How do I register for the course? You can register for the course online by visiting http://www.ssreg.com/goddard/ Please be sure to register for all required components including the 5 core content days, 1 elective, and the counseling series. Each must be added to the shopping cart individually before checking out. If I start the course and something changes, can I finish next year? Yes. You can apply your participation in the core content days towards completion of the course for up to two years. I came to an Options seminar last year on a topic covered in the course. Do I have to attend again this year to get the certificate? Contact us for confirmation, but if you have taken a core content seminar in the past two years you may not have to repeat that session. I am participating in the DOE Series, can I also take the course? Yes, in most cases the DOE series can substitute for the core content days and elective. You would need to register and pay $250 for the counseling series. Contact the Options Institute at 646-758- 6555 to register. I have more questions. Who can I ask? Contact the Options Institute at 646-758- 6555 or optionsinstitute@goddard.org.