OUR
HISTORY
Opening College Opportunities (OCO) as a 501(c)3 is dedicated to providing economically disadvantaged students with workshops to investigate and successfully navigate the college search and selection process. We believe that every student who has the academic preparation should be able to attend colleges, universities or vocational programs regardless of economic circumstances.
OUR
MISSION
The mission of Opening College Opportunities is to help at-risk and under served youth prepare
for a post-secondary education.
OUR
BOARD
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR & CO-FOUNDER
Norma Dartis
BOARD OF MANAGERS & CO-FOUNDERS
Carrie Morris
Deloris Rochester
BOARD OF MANAGERS
Daisy Davis
Donna Hayes
Kathy Wilson
ADVISORY BOARD
Crystal Allen
ADVISORY COUNCIL CONSULTANTS
Sydney Cox
Shakara Strayhorn
WORKSHOPS
What are your plans after high school graduation? College, a certificate program, or
you’re still undecided? Opening College Opportunities (OCO), in conjunction with the
MLK Center, invites all high school seniors (21 st Century Scholars and non-21 st Century
Scholars) and parents/guardians to attend the Preparing for a Post-Secondary
Education: 12 th Grade Series.
All workshops will be held at the MLK Center 40 W. 40 th Street, Indianapolis, Indiana. Please register by Friday, September 16, 2022.
Date: Wednesday, September 21, 2022 Time: 5 – 7 pm
Workshop topic: Federal Student Aid
Find out what you need to know about the Free Application for Federal Student Aid
(FAFSA). Topics will include but are not limited to, where to find form, important
changes and what happens after submission.
Date: Wednesday, October 26, 2022 Time: 5 – 7pm
Workshop topic: Don’t Just Attend-Graduate
Workshop will cover how to achieve the goal of completing your post-secondary
education. Topics will include step by step planning guides on how to obtain your degree
or certificate.
Date: Wednesday, November 30, 2022 Time: 5 – 7pm
Workshop topic: Your Entry Ticket
Workshop will cover how to complete an admissions application, including writing a
personal essay, to a post-secondary institution. The do’s and don’ts of completing an
application will be discussed as well as when, how and what to include with the
application.
“Time for Your Trip”
9th Grade Series
It’s All In The Preparation
Workshop will help students to explore their interests. Knowing what type of career preparation is needed begins with thinking about career goals. Topics will include identifying possible occupations, college versus vocational training, developing a plan of action
and student writing skills review.
Participation Is The Key
Workshop highlights the importance of extracurricular activities, job shadowing and community involvement. Topics will include exposure
to careers that interest you,
giving back to the community and skills needed for various careers.
Show Me The Money
Workshop will include strategies on how to pay for a post secondary education. Discussion will address concerns about options available if you have to depend on yourself to finance
your post secondary education.
“Start Your Checklist”
10th Grade Series
Previewing A Career
Workshop focus is on helping student to research careers of interest and educational requirements. Topics will include internships, part-time employment and volunteering.
Hands-On Experience
Workshop will offer guidance to the student and assist them
in making the connection
between the workplace
and the importance
of doing well in school.
Topics will include interviewing
skills, customer service, achieving and demonstrating professional leadership
skills and writing skills practice.
The Mind Boggling Costs
Workshop will cover the pros and cons of a post secondary education. Topics will include costs, salary differences and unemployment rates.
“Where Are
You Going?”
11th Grade Series
Schedule a Visit
Workshop will cover everything
to be considered
when planning a visit to a
post secondary institution.
Topics will include when to visit,
visit checklist
and questions to ask.
Know Your Tests
Workshop will cover the different types of entrance exams the student may encounter.
Topics will cover PSAT’s, SAT’s,
SAT IIs, PLAN and ACT.
Scholarships:
Not Just For Superstars
Workshop will teach the skills and provide resources on how to pay for a post secondary education. Topics will include strategies
for finding scholarships
and writing a resume.
"Time To Go!"
12th Grade Series
Your Entry Ticket
Workshop will cover how to complete an admissions application, including writing an essay, to a post-secondary institution. The do’s and don’ts of completing an application will
be discussed as well as when,
how and what to include
with the application.
Don’t Just Attend-Graduate
Workshop will cover how to achieve the goal of completing your post secondary education. Topics will include step by step planning guides on how to obtain your degree or certificate.
Federal Student Aid
Workshop will cover information about how to be considered for federal financial aid.
Topics will include general information about the
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
