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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.  

History

OUR

MISSION

The mission of Opening College Opportunities is to help at-risk and under served youth prepare

for a post-secondary education.

Mission

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

Board

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.

Workshops

“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).



HAPPENINGS
 



 

Happenings
Data

DONORS

We'd like to thank

our gracious donors

E.W. Williamson - Williamson Body Shop

Indianapolis Colts

Indiana Pacers

Support OCO

by giving now

Donors

CONTACT

US

WE LOOK FORWARD

TO HEARING FROM YOU!

Contact us via email

education@ocoindy.org

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