Innovation Proposal

This Innovation Proposal is my pitch to local school districts to adopt a pilot of my program. I address the concerns that my plan addresses, a brief summary of how I want to implement the plan, and the benefits that this could result in for students and the school districts alike.

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Dear Northeast ISD and Northside ISD leadership,

There exists a lack of community and direction amongst students applying for college, especially emergent bilingual and first generation students. There is a veil over the college application process and availability of financial aid for students attending college, and I am proposing a potential solution that would draw back the curtain. Students would have the opportunity to connect with other college applicants, receive guidance, and develop personal ePortfolios that they will utilize for the process of applying to and attending college.

Students will be provided with information regarding colleges and universities across Texas to include tuition, rankings, scholarship/grant availability, etc. as well as how to prepare for the college application process. Information on resource gathering and building will be provided such as resume building, recommendation letter requests, effective essay writing, and more.

I am proposing the pilot of the QUICK (Quest to Unite and Impact Collegebound Kids) program to high school students across Texas. Students will be able to:

• Create their own personal ePortfolio where they may keep their personal application materials and reflections,
• Access virtual lessons for both students and their parents and families on effective practices for choosing colleges to apply to, gathering and producing important application materials, determining financial aid, and building a community to promote success,
• Make connections with other students applying for college to share their experiences, advice, and ask each other questions, and
• Take ownership of their learning and reflect on their growth throughout the program through pre and post reflection pieces.

Program participants will find solace in a community of their peers and the support system that will be established. Additionally, parents and families will feel more confident in aiding their student(s) as they embark on this previously harrowing journey. Both will be better informed and have a transparent understanding of the college application process, obtaining financial aid, and conquering college.

In conclusion, the QUICK program could be a game-changer for students across the state. This program offers participants a chance to take control of the college application process and gain confidence in themselves as a student about to take on the next big step in their academic journey. I am asking for the opportunity to pilot the QUICK program at a few high schools in the San Antonio area through a Google Classroom format administered by teachers during students’ advisory time. I aim for the participants, along with their teachers and families, to engage fully and gain helpful experience and knowledge that will propel them to their desired success.

Eventually, I aspire for this program to be made available state-wide for all students seeking guidance in the college application process. With the QUICK program, we can transform the college application and transition process from painstaking and intimidating, to QUICK and easy.

Respectfully,

Madison Perez

Specialist, Research and Development

Education Service Center Region 20