Baldwin Promise Authority Board Deborah Smith-Olson Chair Paul Bigford Vice-Chair Vedra Gant Secretary Jay Barnhart Treasurer Jane Allison Sandy Clarke Judy Eversole Ellen Kerans Eric Lewis Dennis Robinson Ernest Wenger Ayana N. Richardson Executive Director Summer 2014 Edition PROMISE COLLEGE TUITION & FEES FUNDING Class of 2010: 2010-2011 $ 17, 768.80 2011-2012 $ 10, 905.33 2012-2013 $ 10, 765.52 2013-2014 $ 10, 935.25 Total for Class of 2010 $ 50, 374.90 Class of 2011: 2011-2012 $ 16, 155.00 2012-2013 $ 16, 385.00 2013-2014 $ 9, 655.30 Total for Class of 2011 $ 42, 195.30 Class of 2012: 2012-2013 $ 13, 366.10 2013-2014 $ 12, 669.05 Total for Class of 2012 $ 26, 035.15 Class of 2013: 2013-2014 $ 3, 750.00 Total for Class of 2013 $ 3, 750.00 Total Tuition Cost $ 122, 355.35 Totals as of June 2014
Jay Barnhart Treasurer Jane Allison Sandy Clarke Judy Eversole Ellen Kerans Eric Lewis Dennis Robinson Ernest Wenger Ayana N. Richardson Executive Director
Summer 2014 Edition
PROMISE COLLEGE TUITION & FEES FUNDING
Class of 2010: 2010-2011 $ 17, 768.80 2011-2012 $ 10, 905.33 2012-2013 $ 10, 765.52 2013-2014 $ 10, 935.25 Total for Class of 2010 $ 50, 374.90 Class of 2011: 2011-2012 $ 16, 155.00 2012-2013 $ 16, 385.00 2013-2014 $ 9, 655.30 Total for Class of 2011 $ 42, 195.30 Class of 2012: 2012-2013 $ 13, 366.10 2013-2014 $ 12, 669.05 Total for Class of 2012 $ 26, 035.15 Class of 2013: 2013-2014 $ 3, 750.00 Total for Class of 2013 $ 3, 750.00 Total Tuition Cost $ 122, 355.35
Totals as of June 2014
Dear Baldwin Promise Donors and Friends: Your Baldwin Promise Authority Board continues to marvel at the difference this initia-tive has made in the lives of so many of our students. With our FIFTH class of seniors graduating this year, and some of our initial BP students graduating from college, we continue to see the influence the Baldwin Promise has in “encouraging” students to con-sider post secondary opportunities. College readiness and creating a “college-going” culture in our community has become very important. Beyond the funding for college when students graduate from Baldwin, current students are allowed opportunities to participate in programming and initiative to help strengthen the college readiness and the environment of a “college-going” culture. Students in the elementary grades have career fairs and even poster contests, telling what they may wish to be when they grow up……which is then connected to the fact that you
need additional education beyond high school. The upper elementary students begin college tours, spending the day on a campus and eating lunch in the college cafeteria; they come home with t-shirts and smiles and dreams of “what will be” in their eyes. Of course, the junior high and high school students take multiple trips, culminating in a South-eastern Michigan tour for some lucky high school students. These are just a few examples of the programs offered to the students of Baldwin.
A local vendor has a jar outside their business for anyone who wishes to give a dollar or two to the Baldwin
Promise. Recently, one of the donors said she was a student who had received funding for college from the Baldwin Promise, and was “giving back” because the Baldwin Promise was a big help and she wanted to say thank you! The private funds that were so generously donated by former Baldwin graduates, Baldwin staffers, concerned citizens, civic and church organizations, and so many others have proudly sustained the program’s initial years. The state, as a condition of designating Baldwin one of ten “Promise Zones” across the state, agreed, once the private dollars were raised, to commit some tax capture dollars from property values to assist in sustaining the Baldwin Promise for perpe-tuity. Unfortunately, due to the prison being reassessed, the taxes have not been what were expected, so seeking out other funding prospects until the tax capture dollars are in alignment again has been very essential.
Ayana N. Richardson, ED of the Baldwin Promise and the College Access Center, received some supplemen-
tal grants from Michigan College Access Network ($20,000), from the Lake County Community Foundation ($5,000), and from the Kresge readiness endowment fund which will be vital in the coming year. The late Rick Simonson, the Baldwin native who was instrumental in the development of the Baldwin Promise, had a deep passion for education. He left a substantial gift to the Lake County Community Foundation and the earnings from which are also being used as a supplement to the BPA original funds. In addition to this support, the Big Star Lake Association held a golf tour-nament in honor of Rick Simonson and half the proceeds will be donated to the Baldwin Promise. While we continue to pursue grants and other funding sources, we are continuously appreciative of the financial support from donors like you and hope you will continue your generosity.
Baldwin is recognized across Michigan, and now across the nation, for its leadership in both the Promise and
College Access Center efforts. It is a source of pride for the community and, we trust, for all of you as well. Thank you for your involvement and your caring…..you have made a difference in so many lives!!!
Deborah Smith-Olson BPA Chairperson
Fall 2013 College Week for High School Students (October 1st- October 7th) October 1st-Saginaw Valley State University Visit-10th grade October 2nd- Ask an Expert: College Panel, 9th-12th grade October 3rd-Know How to Go: The Seven “A” Values Presentation-11th grade October 4th -College Spirit Day; Northern Michigan University Admissions Rep Visit October 7th- Central Michigan University Visit-9th grade October 7th- College Night at WSCC-All Grades
College Week for Junior High School Students (October 21st-25th) October 21st- Ask an Expert: Career Panel-7th grade October 22nd- Western Michigan University Visit-7th grade October 23rd- Ask an Expert: Career Panel-8th grade October 24th- Grand Valley State University Visit-8th grade October 25th- College Spirit Day College Application Week Preparation Days (October 29th, 30th & 31st) October 29th-Pre MI College Application Week Advising Appointments-12th grade October 30th-Grand Valley State University Admissions Rep Visit October 30th-College Essays, Resume Writing, & Personal Statements-12th grade October 31st-Saginaw Valley State University Admissions Rep Visit Michigan College Application Week (November 4th-8th) November 4th- MI College Access Portal Session/ACT Retake Sign Up-12th grade November 5th- College Application Day/ACT Retake Sign Up-12th grade November 6th- State of Michigan Office of Student Scholarships & Grants Presentation-12th grade November 7th - College Application Make-Up Day November 8th - College Application Make-Up Day
Michigan Technological University Admissions Rep Visit November 19th Ferris State University Visit: Day as a College Student December 4th- 12th grade Ask an Expert: College Planning Night presented by Aquinas College December 9th -9th-12th grade ACT Retake (ACT Ride) December 14th 2014 Ferris State University Admissions Rep Visit February 4th
EduCash: Financial Aid Night March 6th College Week for Elementary School Students (March 17th-March 21st) March 17th-Ferris State University Visit-6th grade March 18th– KnowHow2Go:College Knowledge presented by Northern Michigan University March 19th- Muskegon Community College Visit-5th grade March 20th- College Spirit Day March 21st– College Essay and Poster Contest and Career Rotation Day
Southeastern Michigan College Tour March 24th-March 26th -9th-12th grade
Deciding to attend college after high school is a major decision for a high
school student as young as the age of fourteen. With that decision becoming a reality
within four years after starting high school, students are making such a decision as
early as their ninth-grade year. The process of the unknown and even the lack of
awareness can often create confusion and a road of mystery. While the unknown can
be scary, some students find the mystery of the path to be a challenging journey wait-
ing to be conquered. Baldwin’s Senior High School’s student Reese Drilling (Class of
2017) knew since grade school that travelling the college pathway would be the right decision for his goals and dreams.
“College is something that I know is my future, my life, and dream. I feel that college will make me a better and more suc-cessful person. I believe that by going to college a multitude of doors will open to lead me to my dreams, goals, and expec-tations in life. Throughout my grade school career, I have had an idea of which fields I would like to earn college degrees. My dreams of becoming someone successful can only be accomplished by two things: the drive to go to college and by pre-paring for my future (Drilling).”
Creating a college-going culture through awareness and knowledge is very vital in the direction of the
programming and resources offered by the College Access Center located in Baldwin’s Secondary
School’s library. Programs dedicated to assisting students in selecting the college pathway have been es-
sential to decreasing anxiety and providing expectation as well as creating college knowledge. The impact
of the programming and services available through the College Access Center has had a profound effect
on students Brittney Grant (Class of 2014), Alec Wroblewski (Class of 2015) and MaKayla George
(Class of 2016).
“The College Access Center has assisted me in deciding what college I plan to attend as well as the majors and minors I would like to pursue. If there is not a program that I am interested in provided at a certain school, I will cross that school off my list. Going on college visits and seeing the college environment and learning about the courses provided, has helped me with making decisions. (George).” “During my past two years at Baldwin High School, the College Access Center has been a huge eye-opener for me, regard-ing college. I have learned about the challenges of college, and I have also learned about the rewards that you get from go-ing to college. Most of all, I have learned what I need to do to enroll in college. The College Access Center has taught me responsibility, and has given me knowledge that has been important to me in deciding what I want to do after high school, and begin my career (Wroblewski).” “As a senior, I am almost off on my way to college. I have a good idea on what to expect when I leave for college. Without the College Access Center, I would be clueless on what is going to happen. I am a step ahead than some people because I have the opportunity to have the experiences that will help me. There is always something going on for the students at our school to do (Grant).”
Support systems are essential to dreams being obtainable and accomplished. Students at Baldwin Community Schools understand
how important encouragement and influences drive their desire in selecting a college pathway.
“These two essential components to go to college have been instilled in me by three major groups of people in my life in-cluding members of my family, my school teachers, and Ms. Ayana and the College Access Center School Programs. All these groups of people have influenced me in their own special way to prepare me to go to college and succeed. My family has influenced me to achieve my dreams in life. My school teachers have provided my foundation in education, and lit the fire in me that moved me to want to always learn and develop my education. Finally, Ms. Ayana, probably one of the most, if not the most influential person in my college future has provided me with what I need to know about college. She has given me the knowledge of what going to college takes, the life long memories and experiences, through the C.A.C.’s pro-grams, educational fieldtrips, her advice about what I should look for when selecting colleges, and how to find the college that will best serve my needs (Drilling).”
Opening the eyes and extending opportunities to students through the College Access Center has given students a great vision of
what their future can hold. The visions of students DeOndra McDonald (class of 2017) and Alex Wroblewski has been overwhelmed
with experiences and opportunities.
“As a 9th grader with aspirations of becoming a doctor, I have many questions about the college life. Such questions include, ‘What is college life like?’ or ‘What schools are the best for one of the two professions that I would like to go into?’ The college readiness program is a great program for any-one who has dreams of going to college. The College Access Center not only gives you a better view of the college life, but encourages you to get on the track of going to college, and to stay on the right path. From the moment I decided I wanted to attend a medical school the advisor gave me tips on what it would take to make it there and the realistic view of my chances of actually sticking with that career choice and making it my profession (McDonald).” “The College Access Center has introduced me to many programs that can help with my future. The one program was the Southeastern Michigan College Tour. This tour introduced me to nine colleges and universities. Listing a few would be; Oakland Community College, Eastern Michigan Univer-sity, University of Michigan, Wayne State University, and Michigan State University. On this tour, we were given tours of all the campuses of the colleges, and information we might need if we wanted
to attend. I think that for many students, including myself, it helped give us a bigger view of what's out there for us. I look forward to participating in the next college tour coming up this year (Wroblewski).”
Maneuvering the college pathway indeed is exciting and at times can be a bit daunting, but with programs and services offered to students at Baldwin Community Schools through the College Access Center such task can be less overwhelming. Each students’ pathway might be different along the road, however, the influence and impact of programming and services are working together to assure each student’s road is headed in the direction of post-secondary education.
May 1st is a big day across the state and nation in the college admissions process. It’s the day by which seniors nationwide declare what they want to do with their futures and de-cide where they will go after high school. Baldwin High School hosted its second Decision Day Bash to celebrate the Senior Class of 2014 making this important decision to achieve greatness by either attending college, trade school or enlisting in the armed services. 95% of the graduating class of 2014 has made a commitment to higher education or the armed services after high school comple-tion. Students have been accepted to Western Michigan University, Oakland University, Madonna University, Saginaw Valley State University, Northern Michigan University, Ferris State University, Grand Valley State University, West Shore Community College, Lansing Community College, Oakland Community College, Northwestern Michigan College, Grand Rapids Community College, Muskegon Community College, Macomb Community College, Michigan Career and Technical Institute, U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force. This celebration continues to create a college-going culture within Baldwin High School, as well as within the Lake County community. In November, we helped our seniors ap-ply to post-secondary opportunities during College Application Week and on May 1st their efforts were celebrated.
“I have really enjoyed my experiences within the GEMS program. I have learned a lot, both academically and socially, I have met many people and they have all been very intelligent and welcoming. I participated in a chemistry class that prepared me for that same class in the following school year, it taught me many of the formulas and general ideas I would need to know to help me get ahead. I took an ACT prep class as well and I feel this was one of the most beneficial classes for me, it helped increase my understanding of the content and how I would need to prepare for the ACT. I think that this class helped me achieve my score of a 27 on the ACT. While on campus I made many new friends and strengthened my bond with existing ones. I also loved being able to experience life on a college campus, I feel that it prepared me well for the real thing.” ~Tyler Hecksel Class of 2015
“For the last two years, 12 students were hand-selected from our small school to be able to go to Grand Valley State University and live the life as a college student staying on campus over the summer. I was one of the people selected to go from my small Baldwin High school. I jumped at the opportu-
nity because chances like such do not happen every day, but the more I thought about it the more hesi-tant I grew. I was afraid I wouldn't like it or meet any friends and it'll just be a waste of my summer. By the time it was ready to turn the papers in to go I let the GEMS program leaders talk me into at least
trying it, which I am now very grateful for. The whole experience changed my view on college and the real world. It wasn't all about playing around and having more freedom because we had more responsi-bility. We didn't have our parents to remind us to study and do homework, but thankfully the staff did.
We had study tables to do our homework from our four classes we took. The work was challenging but wasn't impossible, the teachers were more understanding and helpful than I expected. I loved the
GVSU program because it helped me grow as a person, and helped my mind to open up to bigger things that I expected I couldn't do. I understand my high school classes better than before. I enjoyed meeting new people and having a new feeling of freedom that I don't get in high school. Now when I
graduate and go off to college I won’t be so nervous. I hope this opportunity is opened to more schools. I know I’m going to love college more than high school thanks to my Grand Valley State Uni-
versity experience.” ~Miranda Roberts Class of 2015
GEMS Program Overview
Reside on campus of GVSU Take college preparatory courses Meet students from Grand Rapids
and Muskegon area Prepare for next year of high
school, and ultimately college Increase the number of underrepre-
The College Access Center, part of the Baldwin Promise program, has been operating since March 2011, under the direction of Ayana Richardson. This center provides services to current and former students (specifically for Baldwin HS students, but is also open to students throughout Lake County), parents/guardians and other community members. The impact of the Center, combined with the financial guarantee of the Baldwin Promise, allowed the Classes of 2010 2011, 2012, and 2013 to encourage 52 of its 94 high school graduates to attend post-secondary institutions. The Bald-win Promise, the College Access Center, and the college-going culture activities are starting to fulfill their prom-ises…….in a big way! After graduation, the College Access Center continues to provide services to individuals and their families when re-quested. The Baldwin Promise Authority’s guidelines requires minimum grades (gpa), and that progress be monitored, which Ms. Richardson does. This is in anticipation that the students will complete the required credentials at whatever educational institution they choose. Currently, The College Access Center is open for the usage of students, parents, and community members within the entire county. Services that are provided include the following: College Selection Advising Essay Writing Assistance Scholarship Assistance and Advising College Application Assistance ACT Prep FAFSA Completion Assistance College Pathway Advising College Campus Experiences KnowHow2Go Programs Ask an Expert Series Career Fairs College Fairs Also, as a member of MCAN (Michigan College Access Network), programs, events, and initiatives are developed and created for the school district’s population focusing on the goal of increasing the proportion of Michigan residents with college degrees or high-quality credentials to 60% by the year 2025. Implementing a college going culture includes promoting the KnowHow2Go initiatives, organizing trips to Michigan colleges and universities, having job fairs with actual employers present to answer questions, hosting college fairs with higher education institutions’ representatives, and presenting seminars about college, college life, and expectations therein. Both the Baldwin Promise dollars and the presence of The College Access Center are resources that have impacted students and created opportunities and possibilities for all students!
