alpha kappa alpha sorority, inc. l aunching n ew d imensions of s ervice soror dorothy buckhanan...

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.


Launching New Dimensions of

ServiceSoror Dorothy Buckhanan

WilsonSupreme BasileusSoror Jasmine D. Adkins, International

Program Chairman


ASCEND Lead Coach Training

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated

ASCEND Signature Program2014 - 2018


Agenda

• ASCEND Program Overview

• Roles and Responsibilities

• Implementation

• Documentation

• Q&A


ASCEND Program Overview

ASCEND The 2014 – 2018 Signature Program

focusing on high school students (male and female)

Achievement

Self-Awareness

Communication

Engagement

Networking

Developmental

Emphasis on SMART (Science, Math and Related Technologies)


Vision and GoalsVision

• ASCEND Students will have an opportunity to receive academic enrichment and life skills training leading to meaningful employment and careers

Goals• Prepare 5,000 ASCEND Students per year to transition from high school

to college, vocational/technical schools or work• Provide college preparatory workshops focusing on desired college

major/career choices• Promote positive self-esteem and confidence• Provide study and test preparation skills• Provide opportunities for cultural awareness and community

engagement• Provide global citizenship skills


Program Components

1. Team Building

2. Enrichment Workshops

3. Career Exploration

4. College Exploration

5. Model UN Mini Simulation

6. Community Service

7. STEM/SMART Expo

8. Cultural/Arts Enrichment


Roles and Responsibilities

1. Members will engage in the sorority’s signature youth enrichment program, ASCEND, with efforts designed to motivate, engage and assist high school students in reaching their maximum potential

2. Members will serve as coaches and engage with students to enhance academic enrichment and life skills leading to meaningful post-secondary work and college careers

3. Coaches will provide academic and emotional support through group and one-on-one activities


Roles and ResponsibilitiesUndergraduate Chapter Support

Collaborate with your supervising undergraduate chapter to help plan and prepare the ASCEND Program which includes many activities, including but not limited to: • Providing input during the planning phases of the ASCEND program

• Facilitating UN Model Classroom mini-simulations

• Serving as peer mentors to students during select ascend activities

• Attending cultural outings with ASCEND Students and Graduate Sorors

• Assisting with SMART/STEM Expo activities

• Assisting in facilitating the UN classroom activity

• Planning On-Campus tours and events

• Participating in the college exploration activities and panel discussions


ASCEND Recommended Committee Structure

ASCEND Committee

Career Exploration Sub-Committee

College Exploration Sub-Committee

Civic Engagement Sub-Committee

Skills Enrichment Sub-Committee

ASCEND Lead Coach

Student Recruitment Sub-Committee

STEM/SMART ExpoSub-Committee

UN Classroom Sub-Committee


ASCEND Lead Coach

The ASCEND Lead Coach will help guide the chapter through the planning and implementation of the ASCEND Program. Her primary focus will be gaining a deep understanding of the program and sharing this information with her chapter.

• Train chapter members on the ASCEND Program

• Serve as an advisor to ASCEND Committee in developing activities for the ASCEND sessions.

• Oversee the participation of the undergraduate chapter in the ASCEND Program


ASCEND Student Recruitment Sub-committee

1. Recruit students

2. Distribute Applications

3. Screen & select participants

4. Maintain student and parent roster

5. Send communications to students, parents and chapter

6. Maintain attendance records

7. Plan Kick-off and ASCEND Graduation Celebration

8. Capture Program Metrics

9. Plan team building activities

10. Provide refreshments at monthly sessions

11. Prepare student binders


ASCEND Program Component Sub-committees

Skills Enrichment Career and College Exploration

Model UN Classroom & STEM/SMART Expo

1. Plan activities to support monthly calendar

2. Secure presenters for topics

3. Ensure materials for monthly topics are prepared and distributed to students

4. Send out reminders to Presenters

5. Provide certificates of appreciation and thank-you notes for presenters


ASCEND Program Component Sub-committees

Civic Engagement Sub-Committee

1. Plan community service activities and cultural outings to support monthly calendar

2. Coordinate arrangements for student attendance and transportation

3. Provide chaperones for activities


ASCEND Program Implementation

Program Rollout Timing Planning Budget

Session Guidelines

Student Recruitment

Coach/Mentoring

What, When and How?



Program Rollout

Planning Kickoff Sessions

Cycle 1 Sept. 2014 – Dec. 2014

Cycles 2 – Cycle 4Apr. - Aug. Annually

Cycle 1 Jan. 2015

Cycles 2 – Cycle 4Sept. Annually

Cycle 1 Jan. – Jun.

Cycles 2 – Cycle 4Sept. -Jun. Annually


ASCEND Program Implementation Program Rollout - Planning

1. Appoint ASCEND Committee Chairman and sub-committee leads

2. Conduct ASCEND Coach Training

3. Develop ASCEND Program Calendar

4. Create Budget

5. Identify Funding Sources

6. Recruit Students

7. Prepare for Kick-off and Monthly ASCEND Sessions



September - October

Attend Pre-Launch Program TrainingAttend Cluster TrainingDevelop CalendarPrepare BudgetChapter Program chairman will present ASCEND program to chapter membersSecure Committee Members

November Attend ASCEND TrainingConduct ASCEND Training for Chapter Committee MembersHold Kick-off Committee MeetingPrepare Student Recruitment PackageDistribute Applications in local community



December Secure location for ASCEND SessionsPlan workshop sessions by identifying facilitators, preparing materials and agendas, and arranging AV (if applicable) Screen and select studentsSend letters of acceptanceFinalize kick-off meeting arrangements

January Finalize Calendar for January - JuneConfirm Student ParticipationPrepare Student Binders



Program Rollout – Planning - Budget1. Funding Sources

A. Chapter Monetary ContributionsB. SponsorshipC. Donated goods and ServicesD. Student Participation fees (nominal)

2. ExpensesA. Student materials (shirt, binder, materials, supplies, certificates) B. Session materials , supplies and field tripsC. Room RentalD. RefreshmentsE. Courtesies (volunteers, awards, community presenters)F. Administrative costs (printing, mailings, contingency)



Program Rollout – Planning – Program Calendar

1. The ASCEND Program Calendar is listed in the Program Resource Guide.

2. It lists the sessions and activities for each month.

3. Each Chapter will tailor the schedule based upon its scheduled dates.

Chapters are encouraged to follow the established Sorority Program so that we can implement ASCEND consistently across the globe.

Suggested Timing (3 hour

session) January February March

Theme Program Kick-off Test Preparation CommunicationIntroduction 5 Agenda Overview Agenda Overview Agenda Overview

Teambuilding Activity 15 Icebreaker Teambuilding Activity Teambuilding Activity

Workshop 30None

Tips to Test Taking (Skills Development) - PSAT, SAT or

ACT & General Study SkillsWriting a Resume, Cover

Letter or Scholarship Essay

Career Exploration Activity 15

Overview of the 16 Career Clusters / Skills assessment

Highlight STEM, Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources and Architecture & Construction

Careers; Dressing for Success – Conduct a Mini-Fashion Show

(attire / hygiene / personal grooming)

Highlight Arts, A/V Technology &

Communications Business, Management & Administration Careers;

Branding Yourself – How to Prepare to Rock the Interview

and Get the Job or Second Interview

College Exploration Activity 15Overview of the types of

colleges available after high school (4-year, 2-year, technical

/ vocational colleges, etc.)

Highlight HBCUs (history, needs, statistics, scholarhips,

graduate school opportunities, etc.)

Highlight local area colleges (in your town, county, state); highlight the advantages of in-

state schools, scholarhsips, etc.

UN Classroom Activity 45Introduction of the UN Project

Module UN Module 1 NONE

Civic Engagement Activity 15Overview / selection of

community service activity Community Service Activity Community Service ActivitySTEM Smart Expo Activity 40 Overview of Smart Camp Smart Camp Team Prep Smart Camp Team Prep

Cultural / Arts ActivityOverview of two field trips

during the program NONE Cultural / Arts outing #1

Celebration

Suggested Timing (3 hour

session) April May June

Theme Applications / Interviews Budgeting / Finance Program Conclusion CelebrationIntroduction 5 Agenda Overview Agenda Overview Agenda Overview

Teambuilding Activity 15 Teambuilding Activity Teambuilding Activity Teambuilding Activity

Workshop 30 Presentation and Speech Writing Skills

Fiscal Fitness activities / building your first budget

Post-AssessmentRevised Goal Setting

Career Exploration Activity 15

Highlight Manufacturing and Marketing Careers; Highlight

Government & Public Administration Planning and

Health Science Careers; walking through job

applications

Highlight Information Technology and Law, Public

Safety, Corrections & Security Careers; Career Round Tables – Speed Date w/ Your Career

Interest

NONE

College Exploration Activity 15

Walking through college and scholarship applications

Review Keys to College Success – Time Management NONE

UN Classroom Activity 45UN Module 2 NONE UN Module 3

Civic Engagement Activity 15Community Service Activity Community Service Activity Community Service Activity

STEM Smart Expo Activity 40 Smart Camp Team Prep Smart Camp Team Prep STEM PRESENTATIONS

Cultural / Arts Activity NONE Cultural / Arts outing #2 NONE

Celebration Program Conclusion Celebration / Graduation



Program Rollout – Session Guidelines1. Each session is 3 hours per month.

2. There will be three types of interaction:

A. Classroom sessions – facilitated by chapter sorors and designated experts from your local community

B. Hands –on activities – STEM/SMART Expo and Community Service Projects supervised by chapter sorors

C. Off-site events – Cultural outings and Community Service activities facilitated by chapter sorors

3. Each session contains the ASCEND Program components.

4. The time allotment for each component is outlined in the sample agenda. Additional time may be added if necessary.



Program Rollout – Session Guidelines

1. The designated sub-committees are responsible for planning the session activities.

2. Planning for the monthly workshops and activities should be done at least 60 days in advance.

3. Utilize the Program Resource Guide and reference materials to assist with preparing for the monthly workshops.

4. Utilize chapter members, community experts and professionals to present workshops.

Chapters are encouraged to follow the ASCEND Session Guidelines so that we can implement ASCEND consistently across the globe.



Student Recruitment Process

1. Review Program Criteria

2. Prepare Recruitment Package

3. Distribute Recruitment Package

4. Screen and Select ASCEND Students



Student Recruitment Process – Program Criteria

1. Open to high school students in grades 9 – 12 grades.

2. Applicant must be currently enrolled in 9th, 10th, 11th or 12th grade and in good-standing.

3. Applicant must maintain a C (2.0) grade point average.

4. Applicant must submit his/her most recent report card.

5. Letter of recommendation from counselor, teacher or community leader.



Student Recruitment Process – Program Criteria

6. Applicant must agree to follow the guidelines outlined in the Code of Conduct while participating in the program.

7. Applicant must submit a completed parental consent form, signed by the parent/ legal guardian and student.

8. Applicant should submit a typed personal statement (not to exceed 500 words) which articulates why he/she wants to join the ASCEND Program. (optional)



Student Recruitment Process – Recruitment Package1. Cover Letter

A. Program Goals C. DeadlinesB. Program Criteria D. Application Submission Instructions

2. Application

3. Student Code of ConductA. Outlines Parent expectations and supportB. Must be signed by student and parent/guardian

4. Parental Consent FormA. Outlines Parent’s responsibility and Chapter authoritiesB. Includes authorization of the student to participate in program C. Must be signed by student and parent/guardian



Student Recruitment Process – Recruitment

Recruit ASCEND Students

1. Recruit males and females enrolled in the 9th – 12th grade.

2. Invite students from prior chapter programs who fit in the targeted age category.

3. Collaborate with local high schools, churches, recreational centers, Boys & Girls Club, and youth groups to recruit students.

4. Allow students to participate in the ASCEND program more than one year.



Student Recruitment Process – Selection

Screen and Select Students

1. Each graduate chapter is asked to meet their annual targets:

• Small – 10 new students per year

• Medium – 15 new students per year

• Large – 20 new students per year

2. Determine the number of Students based upon chapter resources.

3. Develop essay evaluation criteria and other acceptance criteria.

4. Send acceptance or rejection letters.



Kick-off

1. Invite the selected ASCEND Students to the Kick-off meeting.

2. Make sure your Kick-off letter includes important information:

• Date• Location fees• Length of program• Request to confirm participation

3. Follow ASCEND Session Guidelines for Kick-off Meeting.



Engaging ASCEND Students

1. Maintain attendance records.

2. Follow-up with Students who have poor attendance.

3. Ensure that activities are engaging, interactive and designed at the appropriate age-level.

4. Make time for team building activities between ASCEND Students as well as with sorors.

5. Mentor the ASCEND Students.



Coaching

1. Sorors will serve as ASCEND Coaches.

2. All sorors working with the ASCEND Students should attend the ASCEND Program Training led by the Chapter ASCEND Lead Coach.

3. The ASCEND Coaches should be visible at monthly sessions.

4. Pair ASCEND Coaches with Students for one-on-one or small group mentoring opportunities.



CoachingHere are some tips for working with high school students:

☺ Each student is unique and different, along with each situation.

☺ Each student is capable of learning.

☺ Each student learns at a different rate and in different ways.

☺ Set and keep realistic yet high expectations for work and behavior.

☺ Never use words that shame, blame, ridicule or threaten.

☺ Keep your promises or don’t make them at all.

☺ Plant constructive ideas.

☺ Smile often, but be real.Taken from University of Washington, High School Tutor/Mentoring Program, http://depts.washington.edu/uwtutors/



Coaching

☺ Set and keep high standards for work and behavior.

☺ Be yourself.

☺ Be polite to your students, you are the example.

☺ Encourage students to be independent, never make comparisons.

☺ Use the student’s name often.

☺ Talk with the student about things around them, be informal and interested.

HAVE FUN WITH YOUR ASCEND STUDENTSIf you are enjoying this time together, the student will too!

Taken from University of Washington, High School Tutor/Mentoring Program, http://depts.washington.edu/uwtutors/


ASCEND Program Documentation

Metrics(ASCEND Student & Soror Participation)

Reporting

ASCEND Student Assessment

How are we doing?



Chapter Level Metrics

ASCEND Student Participation

1. Track the participation of the students in ASCEND activities throughout the program cycle.

2. Track the number of Students who join, return and complete the program annually.

3. Track the total number of Students participating over 4 years.

4. Track the matriculation of each 12th grade student after high-school (i.e. workforce, vocational / technical school, 2-year college, 4-year college, HBCU, military etc.)



Chapter Level MetricsParticipation

Track participation in ASCEND program annually.

1. NUMBER OF TRAINED ASCEND COACHES

2. NUMBER OF ASCEND COACHES PARTICIPATED IN 4 OR MORE EVENTS

3. NUMBER OF SORORS PARTICIPATED

4. NUMBER OF UNDERGRADUATE CHAPTER PARTICIPANTS

5. NUMBER OF NON-SORORS PARTICIPATED

6. NUMBER OF COLLABORATIVE PARTNERSHIPS



Reporting

1. Compile and report metrics to the International Program Committee at the conclusion of each cycle.

2. Maintain ASCEND Student and Soror participation on a monthly basis.

3. Share success stories with Regional and/or International Program Committee.

4. Work with your Chapter Ivy Leaf Reporter to write articles for the local media outlets, IVY Leaf and Regional Director Newsletter.



Student Assessment

1. Students will complete the pre/post assessment for each session.

2. The purpose of the assessment is to measure their understanding of each session.

3. The ASCEND Student will complete a program evaluation at the end of each cycle.

4. ASCEND Students graduating from high school will be surveyed in May to capture their post-secondary plans.


Launching New Dimensions of Service

alpha kappa alpha sorority, inc. l aunching n ew d imensions of s ervice soror dorothy buckhanan...

Documents

program overviewroles

sororitys signature

program willprepare

program overviewascend

male students

high school students

goalsvisionascend students

career readiness program