A movement to prepare first-generation students for college success is underway. Many charter schools across the country are building a pipeline and they need more innovative university partners like USC. Only 9% of first-gen students complete college. Academic readiness, personal confidence and financial capacity are significant hurdles that require sustained and differentiated support for students. Thanks for bringing this program to our attention so that we can learn from its successes.
5
This is the primary reason Time/Princeton Review chose USC as College of the Year in 1999. Sadly, almost 20 years later, USC is still one of the only elite universities offering this kind of outreach and development for underserved K-12 students. I'm very proud of my alma mater.
5
Now they can just move to New York, where college will be free.
:-)
4
As someone who has spend a lifetime in education :
The most destructive aspect of US K 12 is that is funded by school taxes.
The result is that students are educated according to the ability of their parents to pay. It is morally repulsive.
I just went through this with my daughter, a committed person to help other.
When it came to her own children, with a very guilty conscience, she eventually bought a house in a "good" school district. She still wrestles with it. It was instinct to do what is best for her children versus what was best for community.
A system as in Europe where all schools are funded equally by the State Ministry of Education, and teachers are assigned by the State Ministry of Education such all schools have about equal quality, would have eliminated all that moral agony.
And would sent more kids deserving a college education to college.
The most destructive aspect of US K 12 is that is funded by school taxes.
The result is that students are educated according to the ability of their parents to pay. It is morally repulsive.
I just went through this with my daughter, a committed person to help other.
When it came to her own children, with a very guilty conscience, she eventually bought a house in a "good" school district. She still wrestles with it. It was instinct to do what is best for her children versus what was best for community.
A system as in Europe where all schools are funded equally by the State Ministry of Education, and teachers are assigned by the State Ministry of Education such all schools have about equal quality, would have eliminated all that moral agony.
And would sent more kids deserving a college education to college.
8
Mr. Bruni makes a good point, but an obvious one, that college is good for everyone. Believe that even Hemingway, who went to work at the Kansas City Star straight out of h.s., would have benefitted enormously from 3 to 4 year stint at a university, and since Northwestern was almost within walking distance of the upper middle class neighborhood in Oak Park where he grew up, EH should have availed himself of the op[portunity. What happens with a lot of these writers who do not attend college is that they spend the rest of their professional lives trying to catch up, voraciously reading all the classic works that they would have been exposed to if they had attended university.They feel guilty, acutely aware of the lacunae in their trivium and quadrivium, "los artes liberales, " and feel inferior to those who have been to university, and spend the rest of their lives compensating. However, Mr. BRUNI only features people of color in his well written piece. How about an effort to encourage children of "petits blancs" to do likewise?If there is one segment of the population that has been ignored and maligned over the past 2 generations or so, it's us. Fair is fair, Mr. Bruni, and its not just the progeny of parents of color who deserve to be helped.
8
I have taught in universities almost my entire adult life. There is no shortage of opportunities for poor or working class white students. Often they are mentored by white faculty who are first generation college graduates themselves. I feel that many who claim poor whites are ignored simply resent that any help at all is given to Black or other minority students. As Frank Bruni noted, programs like the NAI at USC are rare, and give opportunities to hundreds of students, although tens of thousands are worthy of attention.
8
Kudos to Ms Williams' sister for attaining her two-year associate degree. That is a wonderful achievement; there is no "only" about it.
23
Maybe some traditional aged college students are not ready to attend yet because their brains are not yet fully formed. This notion seems to be gathering momentum amongst criminal justice experts.
2
This is a perfect example of how colleges, at all levels, can, and should, get involved in education at all levels. We cannot be so foolish as to think that only from the small pool of rich kids can we find the best brains in the country. We're wasting our potential with our poor education levels in public schools, especially those in poorer neighborhoods. We do it for football, basketball or baseball players, why in god's name can't we do it for those who have brains and talent in other fields?
5
While university can be a wonderful experience both academically and socially, too many of its programs lead to no relevant job and a mountain of debt. Yes, the world benefits from universities and their medical research; they bestow us with marvellous doctors, engineers, accountants, architects and information technologists.
But these same institutions also deceive millions of youth into investing time and money for the sake of obtaining Bachelor's or Master's degrees in the Arts which lead nowhere but the poor house.
Buyer beware...
But these same institutions also deceive millions of youth into investing time and money for the sake of obtaining Bachelor's or Master's degrees in the Arts which lead nowhere but the poor house.
Buyer beware...
3
A university education is not only for a job -- it's for a lifetime of learning.
13
My take: I don't disagree with your statement. There are many intrinsic benefits to having a university education. However, I know many people (good students) who became disillusioned from having invested so much of their life to obtaining one, and afterwards, finding themselves with nothing but debt.
If you're looking for the "experience" of going to university, then good on you. But if you want a better chance at a good paying job, then I would recommend looking at trades - plumber, electrician...
If you're looking for the "experience" of going to university, then good on you. But if you want a better chance at a good paying job, then I would recommend looking at trades - plumber, electrician...
6
Sorry, I firmly believe that higher education is for enrichment of the mind and development of a broader world view. Then again, we desperately need competent English teachers, musicians, historians (or history/civics teachers) so that the arts are passed on through generations.
Education enriches ones life---not necessarily one's pocket. We study what is of interest to us; what captivates our imaginations, fulfills our thirst for knowledge.
And the poor house is not a bad place to be when a university education hones one's skills at problem solving, creative repurposing of goods, and frugal living without feeling "poor."
I am a retired teacher....What is meant by "wealth"? I am not poor, although my income is low enough that this former teacher/ed administrator qualifies for free medical care. Poverty is a state of mind. We study about and work at what we love.............peace of mind through an enjoyable career track is one of the greatest forms of good health.
Education enriches ones life---not necessarily one's pocket. We study what is of interest to us; what captivates our imaginations, fulfills our thirst for knowledge.
And the poor house is not a bad place to be when a university education hones one's skills at problem solving, creative repurposing of goods, and frugal living without feeling "poor."
I am a retired teacher....What is meant by "wealth"? I am not poor, although my income is low enough that this former teacher/ed administrator qualifies for free medical care. Poverty is a state of mind. We study about and work at what we love.............peace of mind through an enjoyable career track is one of the greatest forms of good health.
4
Frank,
There is a bigger problem with college education in the U.S. than admissions and that is the purpose or goal of a college education and the method of achieving that goal. I was the lucky recipent of a first class undergraduate education right here in New York: The New School (The New School for Social Research) in the mid-1960s. The emphasis was on self-growth and self discovery and I know that sounds fuzzy, but it was rigorous including an undergraduate thesis. Our classes were usually 8 students and a professor and we sat around a table read our reports and critiqued each other. There were no letter grades, instead the professor had to write up an evaluation of each student using criteria that we were informed of. Beginning with our junior year there were no textbooks; we had had enough input and now was the time for output (we did have readings, but these were minimized so we could explore our individual interests). Don't go to the New School unless you like to write. Within the curriculum there was a great deal of flexibility and we were encouraged to approach the subject from a different perspective. Originality was encouraged, no rote learning here. In my senior year I had a required course Joyce's "Ulysses", Still eight students, but two professors simultaneously! There were no lectures (but lots of guidance) and no rules. I could go on and on, but I've run out of space. (Tuition $800 per year.)
There is a bigger problem with college education in the U.S. than admissions and that is the purpose or goal of a college education and the method of achieving that goal. I was the lucky recipent of a first class undergraduate education right here in New York: The New School (The New School for Social Research) in the mid-1960s. The emphasis was on self-growth and self discovery and I know that sounds fuzzy, but it was rigorous including an undergraduate thesis. Our classes were usually 8 students and a professor and we sat around a table read our reports and critiqued each other. There were no letter grades, instead the professor had to write up an evaluation of each student using criteria that we were informed of. Beginning with our junior year there were no textbooks; we had had enough input and now was the time for output (we did have readings, but these were minimized so we could explore our individual interests). Don't go to the New School unless you like to write. Within the curriculum there was a great deal of flexibility and we were encouraged to approach the subject from a different perspective. Originality was encouraged, no rote learning here. In my senior year I had a required course Joyce's "Ulysses", Still eight students, but two professors simultaneously! There were no lectures (but lots of guidance) and no rules. I could go on and on, but I've run out of space. (Tuition $800 per year.)
5
Nowhere in this article did I read what a College Degree involves. Most likely only a Bachelor degree thus being laughed at by immigrants who won't leave home without a Masters Degree - which explains why companies here in the US prefer foreigners. America just doesn't get it; to be smart takes hard work.
5
It's true that colleges need to help with the K-12 pipeline especially in the light of the funding issues that school districts across the country face. I would also add that they need to do a good job of career-counseling students from low-income backgrounds. A student from a disadvantaged background may not know about his/her options even after arriving at college, or have any network to leverage for that crucial first "real" job or internship. Students from such backgrounds may not understand how to build relationships with professors, who may seem intimidating to them (high school teachers spend more time with students and may be easier to approach.) Speaking from experience as a low-income student who attended an elite college and received very little guidance that I really could have used.
2
"38 of America’s top colleges...had more students from families in the top 1 percent of income earners than from those in the bottom 60 percent ...There are many reasons, principally a failure to identify and recruit disadvantaged kids."
How does Bruni know this is the principal reason? Not to goes all Charles Murray on him, but isn't it logical that, in general, the top earners pass on smarter genes to their kids? Or are all equally endowed with intelligence at birth?
How does Bruni know this is the principal reason? Not to goes all Charles Murray on him, but isn't it logical that, in general, the top earners pass on smarter genes to their kids? Or are all equally endowed with intelligence at birth?
5
Do tell us about how these folks worked out after school, in the real world.
9
Most poor, particularly working poor are white. Are there any programs to lift them up? The photographs acompanying this article suggest not.
15
All 31 students were minorities. Guess whites aren't poor there.
If they lived in the neighborhood around USC, yes, they could attend. Not many white residents there....
3
As a graduate of U.S.C. from about 20 years ago, I took a course where my fellow students and I were to teach what we learned to an elementary class of underprivileged kids from a school near the 'SC campus. We started out as four student teachers and somehow I ended up being the only person left.
It was heartbreaking to watch as the black teacher in a classroom of predominantly black children called them "dummies" and "stupid"- there was nothing I learned in my class that could help me fight against prejudice coming from the teacher. I did my best to teach the students what I was learning and to encourage them.
I'm pleased to see that 'SC is doing so much more these days for the neighborhood, especially in light of the blowback from the university's development in the area. But development and gentrification of inner city neighborhoods will always engender some animosity from residents. It's hard to deal with change on such a scale.
I was the first in my family to attend college on my dad's side. We were immigrants from Hong Kong and spoke no English when we arrived in the States. Education was always emphasized and prioritized in my family. I was lucky enough to get into the colleges of my choice and to consider getting a Master's Degree (which I did at NYU, another great school).
It was heartbreaking to watch as the black teacher in a classroom of predominantly black children called them "dummies" and "stupid"- there was nothing I learned in my class that could help me fight against prejudice coming from the teacher. I did my best to teach the students what I was learning and to encourage them.
I'm pleased to see that 'SC is doing so much more these days for the neighborhood, especially in light of the blowback from the university's development in the area. But development and gentrification of inner city neighborhoods will always engender some animosity from residents. It's hard to deal with change on such a scale.
I was the first in my family to attend college on my dad's side. We were immigrants from Hong Kong and spoke no English when we arrived in the States. Education was always emphasized and prioritized in my family. I was lucky enough to get into the colleges of my choice and to consider getting a Master's Degree (which I did at NYU, another great school).
6
The answer to the college affordability problem is blindingly obvious. The federal government should create a free online university as a public good with exit exams at the end to grant degrees. Students can work at their own pace, on their own schedule, and mix in family and work experiences.
With brick-and-mortar colleges we are throwing money down an endless rathole. Except for 100 or so research universities and a network of community colleges for hands-on experience, the vast majority of existing colleges simply need to go away, and take their endless expenses with them.
With brick-and-mortar colleges we are throwing money down an endless rathole. Except for 100 or so research universities and a network of community colleges for hands-on experience, the vast majority of existing colleges simply need to go away, and take their endless expenses with them.
2
I'd like to point out that education is not just an economic ticket. As John Dewey argues, it's about the preservation and progression of democracy. It's about becoming truly a citizen.
9
What Frank Bruni writes about stands elemental to our nation's well.
YES, it is fair to say that the USC initiative known as NAI is
v-e-r-y expensive.
YES, as well, its NAI is making an affirming impact that enables undergraduates whom represent the first-generation to attend college/university.
YES it is elemental to contemporary American society need to lift up undergraduates who would otherwise fall through the cracks.
So the task is challenging and the costs are overwhelming.
Where does the money come from for initiatives such as NAI?
My answer is that it comes from the leaders of colleges and universities to pursue philanthropic support from individuals as well as foundations.
There are great philanthropic institutions -- Ford, Mellon, and Rockefeller -- to name just one handful -- that recognize the need to increase college matriculation and then fulfill their degree requirements.
What the need, of course, is a benevolent institutional hand extended to them as they pursue their college/university degrees.
Where such initiatives exist there are great success stories to behold.
The challenge is for our college and universities to emulate what transpires at USC for their own campuses.
YES, it is fair to say that the USC initiative known as NAI is
v-e-r-y expensive.
YES, as well, its NAI is making an affirming impact that enables undergraduates whom represent the first-generation to attend college/university.
YES it is elemental to contemporary American society need to lift up undergraduates who would otherwise fall through the cracks.
So the task is challenging and the costs are overwhelming.
Where does the money come from for initiatives such as NAI?
My answer is that it comes from the leaders of colleges and universities to pursue philanthropic support from individuals as well as foundations.
There are great philanthropic institutions -- Ford, Mellon, and Rockefeller -- to name just one handful -- that recognize the need to increase college matriculation and then fulfill their degree requirements.
What the need, of course, is a benevolent institutional hand extended to them as they pursue their college/university degrees.
Where such initiatives exist there are great success stories to behold.
The challenge is for our college and universities to emulate what transpires at USC for their own campuses.
1
I live in a small sized Capital city on Canada's East Coast. I've had two children go through the public school system here, as probably 95% of all the city's children do. I've been to schools all over the city and I can honestly say that I see little apparent difference in the infrastructure, funding, class sizes and teacher qualifications, regardless of the economic strata of the surrounding neighbourhoods. The principal means of support for the schools is through the urban tax base paid by all property owners and funding from the Provincial Government.
In order to teach in our schools teachers must, at a minimum, have an undergraduate degree as well as a Bachelor's of Education. Some schools teach only in French, although enrollment in these "French Immersion" schools is open to all. One of my children did this and finished High School fully Bilingual in French and English.
I would expect these similar systems in every Canadian province with similar requirements and outcomes.
Students can enroll in post secondary education (we have Trade Schools/Community Colleges as well as a plethora of good Universities (my city has 7) where a student can graduate with a total debt equal to the cost of a new Honda Civic or less. As a consequence, 53% of all adult Canadians have a post-secondary education, over 90% have a secondary diploma.
The US can do this too, all it takes is a will for the common good. In the end, everyone is a winner.
In order to teach in our schools teachers must, at a minimum, have an undergraduate degree as well as a Bachelor's of Education. Some schools teach only in French, although enrollment in these "French Immersion" schools is open to all. One of my children did this and finished High School fully Bilingual in French and English.
I would expect these similar systems in every Canadian province with similar requirements and outcomes.
Students can enroll in post secondary education (we have Trade Schools/Community Colleges as well as a plethora of good Universities (my city has 7) where a student can graduate with a total debt equal to the cost of a new Honda Civic or less. As a consequence, 53% of all adult Canadians have a post-secondary education, over 90% have a secondary diploma.
The US can do this too, all it takes is a will for the common good. In the end, everyone is a winner.
16
What USC is doing is wonderful. I thought you might light to know about another program that is working with a similar population. Summer Search, located in five cities, finds high school sophomores who are not succeeding academically, but have a spark. Between sophomore and junior year, then between junior and senior year, the students go to summer programs that challenge them and show them activities and places they've never experienced before. During their junior and senior years at school, they receive extensive mentoring. 90% of the students graduate from high school and go on to colleges ranging from community colleges to Ivy League. Summer Search helps find financial aid for the students and keeps in touch during their college years as well. It is truly a life changing program.
3
Why don't you write about who is actually paying for all of this "feelgood" stuff? The demographic having the hardest time is Asian and White males from middle class families. If you are Asian male with perfect grades and test scores you have a very high chance of not only not getting into top 20 schools but also not into top 20-40 schools. LAC's and top Unis are looking for any reason to not accept you if you are in the wrong demographics/income group.
11
I believe 100% in supporting women and minorities to advance in higher education and everything else. However, high-performing white male students do seem to pay a disproportionate price currently for our past mistreatment of women and minorities. Take a look at the higher education funding sources, such as the NSF fellowships and the Hertz award and similar others. Maybe Mr. Bruni could get a copy of the point scoring rubrics for these and talk to some of the people who decide which students get funded. It would be nice if more money was available to advance additional students rather than making it impossible for white males to get enough points no matter how high their accomplishments.
4
And if schools only accepted people based on grades, there would be far more Asians in school than whites. Funny how that works.
Being white -- particularly a white man -- is its own reward far more valuable than any education program. Don't believe me? Then ask yourself if a black man like Obama would be anywhere near the White House if he was like Donald Trump -- 5 kids by 3 women, crude, anti-intellectual, bombastic, a sexual deviant, and with the vocabulary of a small child.
Whites who don't realize their inherent advantages are like the fish who do not realize they are wet.
Whites who don't realize their inherent advantages are like the fish who do not realize they are wet.
8
Education at any level is never a waste. The return is many times more.
We as a nation have failed to make investment in education a priority. We can see the result in having a large segment of the population incapable of clear thinking, always voting against their own self interest.
If we can find billions for our bloated defense budget, we surely should be able to find funds for investing in education. This is for our survival in this competitive world.
We as a nation have failed to make investment in education a priority. We can see the result in having a large segment of the population incapable of clear thinking, always voting against their own self interest.
If we can find billions for our bloated defense budget, we surely should be able to find funds for investing in education. This is for our survival in this competitive world.
7
A big problem as well is schools don't explain the nuances of financial aid to kids until after they are admitted. My niece didn't apply to many top toer schools she would have likely been admitted to because she was scared off by the "sticker price". As a first generation college student she didn't have anyone tell her otherwise until it was to late to apply.
5
Thanks for writing about this valuable program. I'm a mentor in a program that in part has a similar mission -- Girls Write Now in NYC. We work with inner city high school girls who show exceptional writing talent and academic achievement, and help them develop their talent and apply to colleges. There's a 100% college acceptance rate within the organization. But these girl are already exceptions. The kind of mentoring most economically disadvantaged kids need should start in pre-K. Poverty is rooted in a lack of certain life skills. Republicans say pull yourselves up by the bootstraps, but they don't want to fund the resources that would teach those who grow up in poverty to do that.
2
Yay yay yay for ourselves, blah blah blah for the same old snake oil palliatives to a broken system and culture. From the time I entered undergrad in 1981 and for some time before that I am sure, to today, the well intentioned, and I am sure sincere, social engineers of the left have made Herculean efforts to attract and admit low income and underserved populations to higher education. Problem is, as much as they try, only a tiny infinitesimal number of these students do enter and even fewer succeed in that hoary environment. I have seen it first hand. But for every marginal success story that the engineers manage to drag through the system, and maybe a few who succeed on their own, there are literally millions of underserved low performing young people who cant even read when they graduate from diploma mill high schools and have no chance of success in modern society. Will more feel good White Tower programs like these help them? Doubt it. What will help is an insistence that parents and society demand of them the same commitment to education and study and academic discipline from age 1 that other more successful student cultures embrace. Sorry but that is the reality.
11
Whine, whine, whine. My parents emigrated to NYC, with me in utero. They spoke maybe ten words in English and had nothing of value in their suitcase but for a typewriter. I was given absolutely no special treatment in school - on the first day of kindergarten, my teacher told my grandmother that I would never amount to anything. (My mother could not bring me to school since she worked two jobs.) Ended up with three post-HS degrees, worked like a dog and am solidly in the top 0.1% in income and wealth. In my lifetime I have paid well over $20 million in US taxes. No special treatment required.
12
While nobody in my family was especially wealthy....my mother was born to immigrant parents. She was raised by my Great Nana (while her parents toiled in sweatshops) who spoke NO English at all. Therefore, mom did not speak English until she entered a HUGE public elementary school at age six -- no kindergarten back then! let alone pre school, day care, Head Start -- and was simply thrown in with hundreds of other kids, many of them also immigrants with little or no English. (And yes, if you wondered -- a far number of black kids.)
There was no "special snowflake" treatment in 1932, for a little Jewish child who spoke no English -- no bilingual education -- NOTHING. It was sink or swim.
In six months, my mom spoke perfect English and was always a straight "A" student, graduating near the top of her class.
And this was 85 years ago, folks. The real question has to be: what has changed in schools and the teaching profession, that they could once take kids who did not speak English and had illiterate parents, and them into successful citizens? what was it that we HAVE LOST in those 85 years? and why?
There was no "special snowflake" treatment in 1932, for a little Jewish child who spoke no English -- no bilingual education -- NOTHING. It was sink or swim.
In six months, my mom spoke perfect English and was always a straight "A" student, graduating near the top of her class.
And this was 85 years ago, folks. The real question has to be: what has changed in schools and the teaching profession, that they could once take kids who did not speak English and had illiterate parents, and them into successful citizens? what was it that we HAVE LOST in those 85 years? and why?
11
The world of college academia needs more campus Presidents like Max Nikias. My son is a freshman at USC. If you ask the President or anyone of his staff about the school, you don't hear about the high number of applicants, low acceptance rates or the school's latest ranking on US New & World Report. Max Nikias genuinely views USC as more than a four-year academic experience and wants the University and every student at the school to understand their larger place and responsibility in the world.
4
Yes---USC is a wonderful school. Yes it is great that children who have come from disadvantage are given that secular best that is America---a shot at something better. That well endowed universities are making commitments to what were once identified "minority students" speaks highly for them.
What tears at my sixty eight year old soul is the substructure of the thinking that rich institutions should do more. The guiding assumption somehow is that children who are Cinderellas or Horatio Alger's will be spotted early and lifted out of the crowd.
My parents did not go to college. Nor did my wife's parents. She got a shot at something better because of loving, supportive parents and a Catholic School system that was simultaneously supportive and demanding. I got a shot at something better because I grew up in what was once a supportive California. Because of our access to higher education our children have
have gone on to first rate institutions. My point is that the rungs in the ascent up the middle class ladder were there for us.
I look around now and find those rungs missing.Tax payers began major cuts to higher academic learning in the 1970's. The University of California now sells seats to China so it can fund access for what is a relative scattering of seats for low income students.
My children will contribute significantly. Their contributions will be built on the efforts of the Greatest Generation. Should we not do the same for this and the next generation?
What tears at my sixty eight year old soul is the substructure of the thinking that rich institutions should do more. The guiding assumption somehow is that children who are Cinderellas or Horatio Alger's will be spotted early and lifted out of the crowd.
My parents did not go to college. Nor did my wife's parents. She got a shot at something better because of loving, supportive parents and a Catholic School system that was simultaneously supportive and demanding. I got a shot at something better because I grew up in what was once a supportive California. Because of our access to higher education our children have
have gone on to first rate institutions. My point is that the rungs in the ascent up the middle class ladder were there for us.
I look around now and find those rungs missing.Tax payers began major cuts to higher academic learning in the 1970's. The University of California now sells seats to China so it can fund access for what is a relative scattering of seats for low income students.
My children will contribute significantly. Their contributions will be built on the efforts of the Greatest Generation. Should we not do the same for this and the next generation?
7
As a former coordinator of a pre-college summer academic program on a university campus, I have worked with a number of community-based organizations focused on college access for disadvantaged students, but few were sponsored by a specific university. The most successful ones consistently do two things that the NAI program emphasizes. First, they identify the students in middle school and second, they involve the parents throughout the program. Bravo to USC. May NAI enjoy many more decades of success.
25
As a parent who paid full freight for our two sons to attend USC (one had a small merit scholarship), this column is so gratifying. We have been very pleased with the quality of the education and the outstanding internship and job opportunities each of our guys received. I am very happy to read about USC's efforts to reach out to communities and families who need help in navigating the difficult path to college. Hopefully some of the substantial amounts we paid helped educate not just our sons but others with far fewer resources. Fight On!
6
This is a really positive and uplifting story about a terrific program that seems built to succeed. Thanks to Frank Bruni for shining some light on this. I expected to read a lot of positive comments. However it seems that too many local residents of the NYT comments section are miserable and negative people who always see the glass 1/2 empty or worse. I guess they are so used to the opinion pages being a section of nonstop criticism and personal attack that they can not react positively no matter how good the news is. I feel sorry for them and there friends (if they have any), family, and co-workers.
7
When I was still faculty at Florida Atlantic I invited a group of kids that I was mentoring at Kids in Disress to visit our David campus. They were all between 10 and 14. I proclaimed them students for a day. We visited a classroom and they sat in and were asked to participate. I took them to the library and invited them to lunch. We even talked with student finance. They were very excited. After that their grades in school improved.
1
“The pipeline is not there” is key. I don’t know how we could expect the average kid in a below-average school to reach college. There are always talented and driven exceptions, but they’re not the rule. Charter schools can be the only way out.
2
Perhaps he is missing an obvious point here. USC is a Catholic school, which draws largely though not exclusively from the Catholic feeder system, which in turn has a long-time reputation for insisting on both a quality education and good behavior. It's always been striking that although Catholics are statistically a minority among African-Americans they are over-represented among black professionals. The Catholic educational system would appear to be doing something correctly.
1
It's not a Catholic school. Private but not Catholic.
1
USC is secular and has been for a very long time. Besides that, it was founded as a Methodist school not catholic.
4
USC is not a Catholic school. No Catholic institution would call itself The Trojans! It's strictly a private university. Its only religious affiliation is to football. But its commitment to students from the struggling central Los Angeles community is admirable.
5
USC is also known as the University of Successful Chican@s!! This program sounds fantastic; however, I have five best friend Trojan alums who grew up in and around the SC South Central neighborhoods back in the 60s and 70s who have achieved remarkable success: Dr. Joe Conner, Marine Biologist, Dr. Brian Delahousaye, a leading physiatrist, attorney J Micheal Declues, former IBM engineer, James Cunningham, and Larry Burton, a noontime financial adviser. It's good to see SC getting more involved I the community. Fight On!!
2
What a great program! I hope this can be a model for other universities and colleges and other communities. Thanks Frank Bruni.
Good for USC. The City University of New York has been doing the same thing since its inception 150 years ago.
16
Read Martin Ford's "Rise of the Robots" then follow up on his observations
that education is no longer a panacea or a ticket to a better life. Elite education will always take care of itself, but what about the vast majority of young people who do not understand the basic concepts of supply and demand as it applies to the workforce? Education has become just another industrial complex that has become self-sustaining, but at the expense of the of all future generations. Being honest and truthful about what challenges the future holds for all mankind would stimulate thinking about the value of education as it declines. Good article, but what is it's value if it can't look
realistically at the bigger picture ? Young people are mortgaging their future
on the belief that more education is always better. Symbolic logic (Math) can
show them The Truth, and that is what education should be all about.
that education is no longer a panacea or a ticket to a better life. Elite education will always take care of itself, but what about the vast majority of young people who do not understand the basic concepts of supply and demand as it applies to the workforce? Education has become just another industrial complex that has become self-sustaining, but at the expense of the of all future generations. Being honest and truthful about what challenges the future holds for all mankind would stimulate thinking about the value of education as it declines. Good article, but what is it's value if it can't look
realistically at the bigger picture ? Young people are mortgaging their future
on the belief that more education is always better. Symbolic logic (Math) can
show them The Truth, and that is what education should be all about.
5
We went backward with the No Child Left Behind Program which forgot about the other side of the Bell Curve which is those kids who are gifted and talented. We forgot they need just as much nurturing and attention because that is the group that often becomes bored easily and is prone to get into trouble and drop out of school completely. They are our next wave of great leaders. I feel like a lot of that has been stifled in our country and it's hard to know if it happened in a planned way, or, rather was the result of poor planning as to the importance of these kids when it comes to keeping America great. My guess is that it is the result of huge racial and ethnic bias in order to keep the current power structure in place, but that is a whole other discussion in itself.
4
it is exactly the discussion.
and evenmore than what you learn or the thinking skills you develop, the contacts you make in school are invaluable for later success.
always handy to have spent a Thansgiving or two with your roommate 's family... when daddy is a top exec of Union Oil or Paramount. that's how you can get the choice internships or answered calls.
and evenmore than what you learn or the thinking skills you develop, the contacts you make in school are invaluable for later success.
always handy to have spent a Thansgiving or two with your roommate 's family... when daddy is a top exec of Union Oil or Paramount. that's how you can get the choice internships or answered calls.
Next week, Bruni will be savaging Betsy DeVos, Trump and the charter school movement for attempting to undermine the public school industry in this country. The public school industry in the State of California that can be proud that it bottoms the rankings of the percentage of students who graduate from high school. #50! Mississippi is #49.
9
ca was #1 prior to Jarvis and Prop 13,when low taxes on appreciating real estate trumped everything else. especially frills like public education when everyone who was worth anything sent the kids to choice private schools... in large measure so they wouldn't risk being "brought down" by integrating with minority kids.
none of this is secret, or a surprise.
none of this is secret, or a surprise.
Tuition at USC is over $50,000/year. This is unaffordable for the bottom 60%. A Pell Grant pays only about $,6000. Are these kids given scholarships or do they and their families end up with huge loans at the end of their education that they can't pay?
6
NAI students who enroll at USC are granted full tuition for 4.5 years of study.
5
My son is a freshman at USC. As a moderate income parent, I can tell you that the school works very hard and responsibly with each student and is generous with their financial aid across the entire student body.
3
Uplifting feature - thank you!
I do this work in NYC and the impact is real and tangible for the young people being supported.
If reading about this work inspires you, I recommend finding a similar program in your community and becoming a regular contributor - either financially or through your time. A key takeaway is that young people from low income areas lack the web of networks that continually propel the middle class and beyond. Imagine inserting yourself as a mentor or contact that could potentially help land a paid internship or first year out of college job for a young person needing the recommendation or good word? So impactful.
I also agree with the previous commenter about the dismissive remark about 2 year community colleges. Many of my students matriculate to CUNY 2 year schools and it means a lot! CUNY has a remarkable menu of programs and services to help support first generation to college students achieve success bird by bird. I think the savior syndrome loves the narrative of the poor kid who wins a full ride to Harvard but if we really and truly want to disrupt the systemic cycle of poverty, we roll up our sleeves and say to all students, not just the against the odds exceptional ones, "What do you need and how can I help?"
I do this work in NYC and the impact is real and tangible for the young people being supported.
If reading about this work inspires you, I recommend finding a similar program in your community and becoming a regular contributor - either financially or through your time. A key takeaway is that young people from low income areas lack the web of networks that continually propel the middle class and beyond. Imagine inserting yourself as a mentor or contact that could potentially help land a paid internship or first year out of college job for a young person needing the recommendation or good word? So impactful.
I also agree with the previous commenter about the dismissive remark about 2 year community colleges. Many of my students matriculate to CUNY 2 year schools and it means a lot! CUNY has a remarkable menu of programs and services to help support first generation to college students achieve success bird by bird. I think the savior syndrome loves the narrative of the poor kid who wins a full ride to Harvard but if we really and truly want to disrupt the systemic cycle of poverty, we roll up our sleeves and say to all students, not just the against the odds exceptional ones, "What do you need and how can I help?"
13
every once in awhile, a feel good story would come out of usc, about the neighborhood academic initiative. just in time when the usc village opens, which has displaced hundreds of residents who are mostly latino and black and under privileged. the usc master plan has gentrified the neighborhood so much so that many of families have moved changing the character and the history of the neighborhood. many of these students who usc is helping will not be able to afford to live around usc. usc will continue to be the university of spoiled children and peppering stories about the nai is the university's attempt to feel good about itself while deconstructing neighborhoods.
2
Uhhh no, USC village did not displace a single person, they are building on what used to be a shopping center, not a singe residence was removed. In fact USC is adding considerable student housing stock when the village opens, which should open up housing supply in the immediate neighborhood and have a downward effect on rental prices.
Fact is the area around USC is gentrifying because it's one of the last affordable places in LA to live. Why is that? Because NIMBY's and the liberal LA city government has made development very difficult to pencil out financially, leading to a shortage of housing units.
Fact is the area around USC is gentrifying because it's one of the last affordable places in LA to live. Why is that? Because NIMBY's and the liberal LA city government has made development very difficult to pencil out financially, leading to a shortage of housing units.
3
This program is a step in the right direction. I am happy for the students helped by it. But let's not lose sight of the systemic racism and white privilege infecting the entire scenario. Kids in wealthy neighborhoods im good public or private schools don't need to show early promise. They can be late bloomers and still get into good colleges and top graduate schools. No one should need to be a childhood standout as a precondition for a having good education and a good life. We wouldn't accept such a scenario for our own kids, so why should we treat it as a big success story for other people's kids?
5
These kinds of outreach programs are always celebrated and portrayed as some kind of altruistic act done unto society by Higher Ed. Why not call a spade a spade? These programs are paid for and we need to see results. Higher education, both public and private institutions, consume unfathomable amounts of material and financial assistance. Despite the increasing amount of public assistance and philanthropic contributions hitting all time highs- the cost of attendance is increasing at an astronomical rate. This is burdening the middle class in ways we've never seen before. These institutions have promised that they hold the solutions so they owe it to us all to make a measurable impact on the historically underrepresented, underprivileged, and lower class. Don't pat them on the back for a job well done because it ain't done yet. Vassar College has the correct model. They don't deserve praise for delivering on their duties. I believe we need to be reading articles that focus on excoriating the institutions that are falling short. Malcolm Gladwell's podcast "A Revisionist History" hits on this topic several times but sadly holds a minority opinion on the matter.
Every American is entitled to a decent education, that does not include incredible debt. Betsy DeVos is dedicated to denying quality education to all but the well-to-do, and and those who subscribe to her fractured religious philosophy. This is how Republicans will turn our country into a one party plutocracy, which will be empowered to grant "favors," like education, to the "lesser members" of our citizenry.
5
I agree with Gerard. Just look at what we have in the White House. Wealthy children of wealth who got where they are because of money. Jared's father donated $5,000,000 to get him into Harvard. Colleges have a duty to educate the best of us not the wealthiest. We are missing out on the best, most ethical and brightest of a generation because of this and our country is seeing the effects.
3
Were you opposed to Malia's legacy acceptance by Harvard?
8
or W's to Yale?
all legacy admissions are evil and take places for qualified students out of play.
but that's how you build new dorms and gyms at private schools... state schools used ato be able to issue muni bonds for things like this, freeing them from the cycle of bribes leading to the cycle of boobs.
all legacy admissions are evil and take places for qualified students out of play.
but that's how you build new dorms and gyms at private schools... state schools used ato be able to issue muni bonds for things like this, freeing them from the cycle of bribes leading to the cycle of boobs.
1
Are there no disadvantaged white students who need a hand up?
21
The establishment of programs like NAI is a perfect example of the work that AmeriCorps VISTA is intended to do... eliminate poverty through increasing educational opportunities for disadvantaged youth.
The Campus Compact is a similar program that has received a wealth of assistance from AmeriCorps VISTA; "Campus Compact of Oregon convenes and supports the work of educational institutions individually and collectively to improve their practice around institutional equity, collaborative learning, and community engagement to respond effectively to a racially diverse and changing Oregon."
AmeriCorps VISTA is another pathway to college or career for some, as well, as it provides a nearly $6000 scholarship for each year of service, up to two years. (This amount can also be used to pay back Stafford student loans; my award is making my monthly payment and establishing my credit.) Additionally, this program assists recent undergrads to develop their professional skills and network within communities while serving their country at nonprofit and government institutions (such as higher ed.)
Unfortunately, President Trump's budget priorities tragically eliminates AmeriCorps (with it's many programs of National Service for young and old.) While NAI is a boon for these few kids, I'd like to please see at least one column talking about the more than 75,000 PEOPLE EACH YEAR who serve in, and are served by AmeriCorps.
The Campus Compact is a similar program that has received a wealth of assistance from AmeriCorps VISTA; "Campus Compact of Oregon convenes and supports the work of educational institutions individually and collectively to improve their practice around institutional equity, collaborative learning, and community engagement to respond effectively to a racially diverse and changing Oregon."
AmeriCorps VISTA is another pathway to college or career for some, as well, as it provides a nearly $6000 scholarship for each year of service, up to two years. (This amount can also be used to pay back Stafford student loans; my award is making my monthly payment and establishing my credit.) Additionally, this program assists recent undergrads to develop their professional skills and network within communities while serving their country at nonprofit and government institutions (such as higher ed.)
Unfortunately, President Trump's budget priorities tragically eliminates AmeriCorps (with it's many programs of National Service for young and old.) While NAI is a boon for these few kids, I'd like to please see at least one column talking about the more than 75,000 PEOPLE EACH YEAR who serve in, and are served by AmeriCorps.
8
how about we back up from ivy league largess, a good thing to be sure, to the real thing, the kind if effort represented in ms williams' case, by making all schools at all levels N.A.I. schools
...even privileged kids who can get by are victims of a dumbed down k-12 that puts graduation rates above rigor in actual education...the costs would be slight in comparison to the costs of wasted or under-served potential, (potential being the one thing that all kids have, no matter how easily it emerges or how difficult it is to identify and nurture.
if we know how to serve potential, we should be able to offer it to all our our kids, the wager here is that so many more are capable of BA work in grades 11 an 12, if properly prepared, and MA work in years 13 and 14...exceptional talents like ms williams might have their phds by year 15 even if the present decline in the rigor of those program was reversed...you could look all this up in current learning and cognition research, not to mention the literature on brain development...the failure to heed and serve is at least an embarrassment, or, more appropriately, a dereliction.
...even privileged kids who can get by are victims of a dumbed down k-12 that puts graduation rates above rigor in actual education...the costs would be slight in comparison to the costs of wasted or under-served potential, (potential being the one thing that all kids have, no matter how easily it emerges or how difficult it is to identify and nurture.
if we know how to serve potential, we should be able to offer it to all our our kids, the wager here is that so many more are capable of BA work in grades 11 an 12, if properly prepared, and MA work in years 13 and 14...exceptional talents like ms williams might have their phds by year 15 even if the present decline in the rigor of those program was reversed...you could look all this up in current learning and cognition research, not to mention the literature on brain development...the failure to heed and serve is at least an embarrassment, or, more appropriately, a dereliction.
7
If you've will, intelligence and grades, you should be able to go to college no matter what your financial circumstances. We shouldn't just allow rich, below average children to be the only graduates of higher education. Poor, smart kids deserve the chance as well. If we don't tap our greatest natural resource, our children's brains, we will lose out.
21
Thank you Mr. Bruni for highlighting the USC program. As a former UCLA Bruin, it is hard for me to cheer for the Trojans, but kudos to them for being All In when it comes to doing badly needed work serving underserved students.
3
There is no such thing as a "former Bruin". Once a Bruin, always a Bruin!
The fact that this program requires parental committment means that it's missing a huge block of kids whose parents just don't care.
Helping smart kids with involved parents is what colleges already do. It's not newsworthy just because they're applying their existing ideas of how to help kids prep for college to low-income students.
Helping smart kids with involved parents is what colleges already do. It's not newsworthy just because they're applying their existing ideas of how to help kids prep for college to low-income students.
3
". . . when Sierra was in the sixth grade, teachers spotted her potential and enrolled her in the Neighborhood Academic Initiative, or N.A.I., . . . her mother, like the parents or guardians of all students in the N.A.I., got counseling on turning college into a reality for her child."
I think there are three key elements to this scenario that created these positive results. A student with potential, teachers who noticed this potential and enrolled the student, and bringing the family into the picture to help with the process to ensure success. It's similar to that saying, "the sum is greater than the parts".
I didn't like school and didn't do well because I found it boring and often times difficult. But one day, ONE teacher took an interest and helped find a path that worked for me. I will never forget her. She knew I had the smarts, I just needed someone to help me with my focus and someone who believed in me. That's really a huge factor in most stories like these - a teacher or counselor giving a student hope, a belief that he or she is worthy, and an opportunity for that student to grow and succeed.
Hopefully USC will continue to be a role model for other schools and communities to learn from. This is a wonderful article Mr. Bruni. Great job and continued much success USC and to all students you help along the way!
18
Our son graduates from USC next month. Frank, thank you so much for this in-depth look at the university's efforts to bring opportunity to disadvantaged kids and economic diversity to campus. People in the Midwest love to intone, "Oh, he's at the University of Spoiled Children" when they hear where he's studying, and we're always trying to shine a light on the wonderful example this university is setting.
14
I am an SC alum. I get so irritated by ignorant people's snide remarks about a private university that took me in, gave me financial aid and then 17 years later, took me in again and allowed me to earn an MFA, again with grants and scholarships. When I wanted to return to school, I went to the admissions office and asked what hoops I had to jump through, what papers I had to fill out, their answer was : "You don't need to apply for admission or fill out any forms. Register for classes. To us, it's as if you never left. " Your son will find out that the Trojan Family exists and will always be there for him. The loyalty is unbelievable. I had the most diverse education and the most diverse living environment imaginable. I have been comfortable anywhere in the world after living on campus at USC. Kudos to you and your son for looking beyond your region and being open minded to the urban, enriching education one gets at USC.
2
Frank, take a look at Matriculate.
http://www.matriculate.org/about-matriculate/
Matriculate is a non-profit organization that strives to help thousands of incredibly talented and high-achieving, low-income high school students who miss the chance to attend some of the top colleges simply because they do not apply. This lost opportunity means that these top students may attend colleges where they ultimately pay more and do not receive the support that they deserve, leading to lower grades and graduation rates, as well as more debt.
This is a problem that Matriculate seeks to solve–but only with the help of our college student Advising Fellows. We're at seven colleges and universities and the list is growing! Columbia, Franklin and Marshall, Howard, Princeton, Notre Dame, William and Yale.
http://www.matriculate.org/about-matriculate/
Matriculate is a non-profit organization that strives to help thousands of incredibly talented and high-achieving, low-income high school students who miss the chance to attend some of the top colleges simply because they do not apply. This lost opportunity means that these top students may attend colleges where they ultimately pay more and do not receive the support that they deserve, leading to lower grades and graduation rates, as well as more debt.
This is a problem that Matriculate seeks to solve–but only with the help of our college student Advising Fellows. We're at seven colleges and universities and the list is growing! Columbia, Franklin and Marshall, Howard, Princeton, Notre Dame, William and Yale.
2
My son who is a high school teacher in NYC, in the poorest section of the city, is busy writing college recommendation letters for his students. He and his students know, its tough, they don't stand a chance, that only public colleges or community colleges will accept them, but many of these students are kids of immigrants, hoping they will be the first ones in their families to attend college in America. They are just happy they can get a good education in NYC and my son lifts their spirits, giving them hope, to dare to dream.
5
". . . when Sierra was in the sixth grade, teachers spotted her potential and enrolled her in the Neighborhood Academic Initiative, or N.A.I., . . . her mother, like the parents or guardians of all students in the N.A.I., got counseling on turning college into a reality for her child."
I think there are three key elements to this scenario that created these positive results. A student with potential, teachers who noticed this potential and enrolled the student, and bringing the family into the picture to help with the process to ensure success. It's similar to that saying, "the sum is greater than the parts".
I didn't like school and didn't do well because I found it boring and often times difficult. But one day, ONE teacher took an interest and helped find a path that worked for me. I will never forget her. She knew I had the smarts, I just needed someone to help me with my focus and someone who believed in me. That's really a huge factor in most stories like these - a teacher or counselor giving a student hope, a belief that he or she is worthy, and an opportunity for that student to grow and succeed. Hopefully USC will continue to be a role model for other schools and communities to learn from.
Wonderful article Mr. Bruni. Great job and continued much success USC and to all students you help along the way!
1
College is a joke I have a masters in finance and a masters in engineering and CPA, CIA and CISA certifications. I could do my job and pass these certification test with my high school diploma. EDUCATION IS BIG BUSINESS AND A WASTE OF TIME. You should go to college to broaden your horizons, it should not be a job requirement, in speaking with my well educated friends they all agree that they could do their job with a high school diploma
3
herbie212, that may be true for the jobs you and your friends have. However, there really are jobs that require the Ph.D, the Post Doctorate. Your job is at the Masters Level, not at the Doctorate Level. To compete at the Top of the BusinessWorld, at the Top of the University System: Doctorate Degree Level is Required.
2
"University administrators figure that they can’t just wait for public education to improve and should use some of their considerable resources to chip in themselves somehow." That's a pretty depressing diagnosis. We hear the same thing from corporations. How many times are we going to hear “We’re not doing a good job in K-12 schools”??
1
The bottom line is that each person has to take responsibility for one's own life. As long as a person can keep getting up, do so. Humiliation hurts but never kills. Seize the next moment that comes and don't look back.
2
I am a retired teacher and administrator. It pains me greatly that I have "seen it all," meaning that I have observed lazy teachers handing out "worksheets," demanding silence, and telling students, "No questions. Read the directions!"
That is not "education" by any stretch of the imagination. Unfortunately, it seems to be the norm in what we call "failing schools." The children learn nothing from worksheets they don't understand.
My classrooms were so noisy and full of collaborative activities that principals hated my style and transferred me around to various schools. In each school, though I was not welcomed to stay, my students' state assessment scores were consistently much higher than the scores of students I had not taught...86-100% as compared with school-wide 20% pass rates.
Education is, first, socialization and cooperation; second, appreciation for and facility in reading and exchange of ideas; third, assimilation of facts and procedures so as to generate a basis for working with "the world as we know it;" fourth, education is sharing and deepening one's understanding of why and how we can integrate new information into creative ideas through collaborative efforts.
And, yes, my classes were under my control. We had "my turn" for lecture and demonstration, and "your turn" for collaborative practice of newly learned material. When students are truly engaged in learning, they do learn. Only true professionals can accomplish that.
That is not "education" by any stretch of the imagination. Unfortunately, it seems to be the norm in what we call "failing schools." The children learn nothing from worksheets they don't understand.
My classrooms were so noisy and full of collaborative activities that principals hated my style and transferred me around to various schools. In each school, though I was not welcomed to stay, my students' state assessment scores were consistently much higher than the scores of students I had not taught...86-100% as compared with school-wide 20% pass rates.
Education is, first, socialization and cooperation; second, appreciation for and facility in reading and exchange of ideas; third, assimilation of facts and procedures so as to generate a basis for working with "the world as we know it;" fourth, education is sharing and deepening one's understanding of why and how we can integrate new information into creative ideas through collaborative efforts.
And, yes, my classes were under my control. We had "my turn" for lecture and demonstration, and "your turn" for collaborative practice of newly learned material. When students are truly engaged in learning, they do learn. Only true professionals can accomplish that.
12
You epitomized Gresham's Law of Teaching - Bad Teachers (and Administrators) drive out Good Teachers. There is nothing more threatening to the deadwood of academia that real teachers. Your story reminds me of Jaime Escalante and the movie "Stand and Deliver".
3
Stand and Deliver...one of my favorite teacher films, along with The Dead Poets Society and Mr Holland's Opus.
I was a Stand and Deliver type, with a lot of the "Dead Poets" personality. Remember the boys standing on their desks as a farewell salute?
I've had students clap after a lecture/demonstration in my math classes. I used street vernacular to explain math terms, then let kids explain them back in their words.
Best thing that ever happened was when a student asked, "Could you please do one more example?" How many kids will ask a teacher to reteach? It was awesome.
I was a Stand and Deliver type, with a lot of the "Dead Poets" personality. Remember the boys standing on their desks as a farewell salute?
I've had students clap after a lecture/demonstration in my math classes. I used street vernacular to explain math terms, then let kids explain them back in their words.
Best thing that ever happened was when a student asked, "Could you please do one more example?" How many kids will ask a teacher to reteach? It was awesome.
2
Mr. Bruni, Exemplary piece. Our oldest daughter attended USC as did my husband & my son-in-law. We are HUGE Trojan fans & this confirms are belief that SC successfully adds diverse students from East LA families. May this program prosper & grow.
3
This is community in action, something the trumps of the world do not understand and do not foster. Where is the profit in it for themselves.
If the community were in action, USC would not need to establish a remedial program to overcome the massive shortcomings of the California K-12 educational system. The trumps of the world had nothing to do with creating this vacuum, it was the liberalism that dominated California for decades. Not that USC has three charter schools, a decidedly illiberal tactic.
2
No, it was that misguided conservative idea, prop 13
Finally!
This is the way to do it people. equality of opportunity not equality of outcome. Make sure the kids have the skills and work ethic necessary to succeed in college by helping then succeed in high school and middle school. Turn them into strong students that don't need affirmative action because they are every bit as qualified as any other applicant.
This is a program that can be sold to republicans and democrats alike. It focuses on personal responsibility and ability while providing help when needed. It doesn't seem to give any individual race an advantage like affirmative action does. Absolutely excellent.
This is the way to do it people. equality of opportunity not equality of outcome. Make sure the kids have the skills and work ethic necessary to succeed in college by helping then succeed in high school and middle school. Turn them into strong students that don't need affirmative action because they are every bit as qualified as any other applicant.
This is a program that can be sold to republicans and democrats alike. It focuses on personal responsibility and ability while providing help when needed. It doesn't seem to give any individual race an advantage like affirmative action does. Absolutely excellent.
7
Kudos to USC for opening college-going pathways to underprivileged students in their community! It's a step in the right direction to producing more graduates who are ready to compete globally - which we need desperately. In this same vein, ASU and ASU Preparatory Academy in Arizona are also making big strides in terms of expanding college-going opportunities to all communities. As a country, we need more universities to start thinking in broader terms of inclusivity to help communities achieve educational success. The more educated our country is the better off we will all be.
1
Positive expectations, mentoring, encouragement, and showing a student how the process works. What could be simpler? Seems a no brainer.
Well, being born with a platinum spoon or handed a real estate empire, being born privileged and it helps to be more than a little rich, being born of educated parents with the luxury of time to motivate their children. That's the reality.
It's not getting sick. Or sucked into a gang. Or shot. Or malnourished. Or abandoned. Or homeless.
Isn't American culture and society failing us all when it is an exception for children to seek, and be qualified for, higher education?
Aren't American politicians failing us all when they give so little priority to education? Isn't a president failing when he gives the top job to a clueless billionaire with only privatization on her mind?
The answer, boys and girls, is yes. That's sad and that's the no brainer.
Well, being born with a platinum spoon or handed a real estate empire, being born privileged and it helps to be more than a little rich, being born of educated parents with the luxury of time to motivate their children. That's the reality.
It's not getting sick. Or sucked into a gang. Or shot. Or malnourished. Or abandoned. Or homeless.
Isn't American culture and society failing us all when it is an exception for children to seek, and be qualified for, higher education?
Aren't American politicians failing us all when they give so little priority to education? Isn't a president failing when he gives the top job to a clueless billionaire with only privatization on her mind?
The answer, boys and girls, is yes. That's sad and that's the no brainer.
37
Being born white like Ivanka and Melania helps too.
3
Mr. Bruni, thank you for this article---I needed a story like this after weeks of watching a White House filled with entitled white men working on policies that would place more money into their already stuffed pockets. I wish the media would focus more on stories, like this, describing problem solving models that work in the real world. I am exhausted by the constant drumbeat of negativity coming from the White House and policies/executive orders whose sole objective is to punish, punish, punish.
6
Hear, hear
1
almost everyone agrees on the problem. 1st and formost is non parental involvement. that may be due to a non educated mother or father. after that, the problem is 30 to 40 kids in a class with 1 teacher and maybe I aid. almost nothing good can come out of that. a teacher with that many kids cant notice individual potential. not possible. class size is so important. 15 to 20 is optimal. thats where the money meeds to in my opinion
"...teachers spotted her potential and enrolled her in ... a program through which U.S.C. prepares underprivileged kids who live relatively near its South Los Angeles campus for higher education. "
1. Parents cannot be trusted to educate their kids or broker education--select and/or buy it. Obviously kids cannot be trusted to educate themselves.
2. Wasted potential is a community waste.
3. In hunter-gather economies education was easier--no need for professionals. Well qualified and well paid professionals.
4. Equal opportunity to realize potential is the main goal of democratic, civilized polities.
5. This has important implications for reproductive rights.
6. Also implications for political infections by god-story mythologies.
1. Parents cannot be trusted to educate their kids or broker education--select and/or buy it. Obviously kids cannot be trusted to educate themselves.
2. Wasted potential is a community waste.
3. In hunter-gather economies education was easier--no need for professionals. Well qualified and well paid professionals.
4. Equal opportunity to realize potential is the main goal of democratic, civilized polities.
5. This has important implications for reproductive rights.
6. Also implications for political infections by god-story mythologies.
Frank Bruni is channeling his internal David Brooks: forget about increasing government support for poor schools, forget about providing decent wages for students' families to provide decent food and housing for these young people. No, to conservative pundit Frank Bruni, the responsibility lies with wealthy private universities.
Developed nations around the globe provide free tuition to all of their citizens, and many others provide university educations with low tuition and fees. But to Bruni, it's the responsibility of the wealthy through their noblesse oblige.
Sad that this is one of what The Times passes off as its "liberal voices."
Developed nations around the globe provide free tuition to all of their citizens, and many others provide university educations with low tuition and fees. But to Bruni, it's the responsibility of the wealthy through their noblesse oblige.
Sad that this is one of what The Times passes off as its "liberal voices."
2
In Europe free university education is not available to all. Usually, students have to meet academic standards.
10
My immigrant 4th grade dad, Teamster worked 30 years on a loading platform enabling my stay at home mom--equally hard working-- the time, tools, enabling their six siblings, including me, to graduate college.
6
Typo: 4th grade educated dad.
3
At the risk of being accused of being a racist, I have a very simple question.
In the absence of a 2 parent family, the chances of any educational program succeeding goes way down. If the parent is a young teenager ( that statement in itself is a contradiction), then the chance of a great educational program succeeding is even less.
Why is it that everyone avoids the elephant in the room? Teenage pregnancy in low income populations, white or black is at the core of the failure of our educational system
In the absence of a 2 parent family, the chances of any educational program succeeding goes way down. If the parent is a young teenager ( that statement in itself is a contradiction), then the chance of a great educational program succeeding is even less.
Why is it that everyone avoids the elephant in the room? Teenage pregnancy in low income populations, white or black is at the core of the failure of our educational system
5
Free and freely available contraception for all would mitigate this problem.
8
A couple of observations: first, these students are well behaved and cooperative. That their parents or a guardian is required to attend counseling is very important. Many parents are clueless regarding what is needed for their child to make it to and through college. What would be very helpful to children is to have parents attend early childhood education classes when they become parents if not sooner.
7
Let's hope this isn't one program DeVos or Trump can cut.
2
Wonderful report Mr. Bruni - my two boys live in California, two grandchildren approaching college age. This made my heart feel a tad better about our world. A thrill in the sentence describing the AP English class, and the contrast of the two books - Their Eyes Watching God and MIDDLEMARCH. Gives one hope for others and our own in the mix. Care in education, the only choice, hope DeVos reads YOU.
1
Thank you for this optimistic story. We need to be hearing more uplifting stories in these tumultuous times.
From which foundation(s) is the N.A.I. at USC getting its funding? A follow-up story by you, Frank, on this issue would be of interest to me, and perhaps other writers. I ask this question because the initiative needs to be copied by other universities. The Gates Foundation comes to mind as a source of potential income...
From which foundation(s) is the N.A.I. at USC getting its funding? A follow-up story by you, Frank, on this issue would be of interest to me, and perhaps other writers. I ask this question because the initiative needs to be copied by other universities. The Gates Foundation comes to mind as a source of potential income...
2
Academic achievement is closely related to IQ. The average IQ of college graduates since the 1950's is 115. Unless these children have IQ's in that neighborhood, they will not be able to understand the abstract concepts they will be expected to master in many college classes. Telling a young person she has what it takes when she really does not is just plain cruel.
3
Why would your reaction to this story be that the students it is focused on --poor kids and kids of color--are too dumb to succeed in a top college? You might want to think about your assumptions.
4
Why do people always think working class people are not intelligent?
3
Ayecaramba: newest reasearch in neuroplasticity has allowed us to understand better how people learn. We are now privileged to the growth mindset. Set IQ no longer determines that people either fail nor succeed." The harder you work the smarter you get"Any work that support all children getting a chance at college is good work. Assuming good intention on your part, I hope I enlightened you.
4
My daughter attends the University of Arizona in Tucson. When we went to visit during admitted students day, I noticed a far more diverse campus than the other PAC-12 and private schools we had previously seen. Our tour guide was a young Latina woman, a sophomore, who was telling us about a U of A program in which she participated that was essentially a pre-orientation summer "boot camp" of sorts for students like her--the first in her family to attend college. The two-week session was an immersion in the resources available at the university, as well as a how-to in terms of navigating life on campus. The students who participated are still in touch with one another, giving them a built-in support network of friends who are dealing with similar issues. It's working. The graduation rate for these students has gone up, the campus is more diverse, and the university is helping these kids get to where they are going. Obviously, a public university doesn't have the same resources as a private school like USC and would be unlikely to charter feeder schools. But even the summer program they can commit too goes a long way toward giving low-income students the confidence they need to perservere. I think it's high time the Ivies and others did the same, and not just rely on students of color from toney prep schools--a very small pool--to diversify.
33
Arizona used to be part of Mexico. Arizona used to be the home of the Apache. Arizona used to be part of ancient Native civilizations. White Hispanic Cubans like Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio are not people of color. Hispanic is not a racial nor a color nor a national origin marker.
1
My tour guide happened to be Hispanic. But the diversity I speak of included a much larger percentage of African-Americans than at other campuses. My point was that they have taken it on as their mission to be inclusive of everyone, not just rich white kids from the suburbs.
1
The Ivies do have pre-orientation "boot camps," and they've been around for decades. I remember hearing about my school's program in 1981.
1
“It got comfortable,” he said, adding that an N.A.I.-assigned mentor at U.S.C. has given him tips on how best to study: Ditch the dorm for the library, which has fewer distractions. I would underline the last sentence and underline it in bold. The excellent advice given by the mentor should be given to all first-year students and those struggling in the upper years of college or university.
Barbara Michel Ph.D.
Barbara Michel Ph.D.
2
That these kids are in their own school makes the difference. They are all headed in the same direction, even the "cool" kids. They are surrounded by discipline, grit and high expectations. They get help when circumstances within their families are distracting.
This is not a magic formula. All it takes is money and dedicated leadership.
This is not a magic formula. All it takes is money and dedicated leadership.
45
HCBU's are the own schools for the heirs of Africans in America by enslavement.
1
Sounds like charter schools are reshaping the lives of inner city kids. Frank you are off script with your liberal comrades.
5
Hmmm...it's public school teachers who spotted these children and directed them towards a merit based program that worked for them. Tell that to your right wing "comrades." Please.
7
From what I can tell, I don't think this is a charter school, but a USC program that supplements a child's schooling.
"Before school each day throughout the academic year, NAI scholars meet on the University Park campus from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. for enhanced classes taught by teachers from their home schools." "The academy offers enhanced classes at USC on weekday mornings, the Saturday Academy, after-school tutoring, remedial and enrichment sessions, workshops on time management and study skills, PSAT and SAT1 preparation, cultural field trips and recreational activities."
https://communities.usc.edu/college-access/nai/
"Before school each day throughout the academic year, NAI scholars meet on the University Park campus from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. for enhanced classes taught by teachers from their home schools." "The academy offers enhanced classes at USC on weekday mornings, the Saturday Academy, after-school tutoring, remedial and enrichment sessions, workshops on time management and study skills, PSAT and SAT1 preparation, cultural field trips and recreational activities."
https://communities.usc.edu/college-access/nai/
4
great program! t
4
I'll become a first-generation college student this fall and the chance to cultivate a comfort level on a university campus has been pivotal. I'm deeply appreciative of the outreach programs offered to me by the University of Michigan, the first of which, at age 14, marked my first time *ever* on a real college campus.
Students like me don't have parents who take us to their homecomings or art exhibits or concerts or day camps at their alma mater. Lacking that exposure, "college" is just a word, not a given. We can't process what college looks and feels like, or how inspiring and enchanting the experience will be.
Dylan Hernandez
Powers Catholic High School
Class of 2017
Students like me don't have parents who take us to their homecomings or art exhibits or concerts or day camps at their alma mater. Lacking that exposure, "college" is just a word, not a given. We can't process what college looks and feels like, or how inspiring and enchanting the experience will be.
Dylan Hernandez
Powers Catholic High School
Class of 2017
222
Congratulations - and good luck at college!
11
Based on the eloquence of your comment, I can already see that you are going to do well in college. Keep it up.
3
with all of the negative crap coming from the White House, and Congress, this has given me hope for today. Thank you.
10
Lifting kids to college through meritocratic system by eliminating race as a factor in college acceptance. This should be the only standard! To be accurate, the term "minorities" you used should really be "under-representative minorities" (a.k.a less NE Asian kids especially Chinese American kids). While you feel good by celebrating your "diversity", you should know this. There are many Chinese American kids excluded because of their race! Legacy programs are for rich white kids. Affirmative action are for "under-representative minorities". College entrance in this country is the best example of institutional racism. And liberals are celebrating it! Most Asian kids are not from rich families. Many of their parents work day and night in restaurant business for the hope that their kids will get in a good college. The insensitivity of white liberals is insulting to say the least. It is the very reason that they are no difference from the white extremists from the other end of the spectrum. Sad!
President Trump, this is another area for disruption. Asian Americans will be firmly on your side. You will have my vote with no doubt!
President Trump, this is another area for disruption. Asian Americans will be firmly on your side. You will have my vote with no doubt!
10
Did you contact Betsy DeVos for a comment on this story?
5
"Her sister has ONLY a two-year associate degree."
How totally degrading. That sister has successfully completed high school and indeed accomplished a higher degree. Good for the sister. She had the same disadvantage as her sister WITHOUT the aid of N.A.I. The sister did it by herself. Good for the sister.
Two year associate degrees lead to jobs. Two year associate degrees lead to other degrees.
This writer has a two year college degree. She also has a BS, MS, and MA. And she is fully employed (before she got the advanced degrees).
For shame on Frank.
How totally degrading. That sister has successfully completed high school and indeed accomplished a higher degree. Good for the sister. She had the same disadvantage as her sister WITHOUT the aid of N.A.I. The sister did it by herself. Good for the sister.
Two year associate degrees lead to jobs. Two year associate degrees lead to other degrees.
This writer has a two year college degree. She also has a BS, MS, and MA. And she is fully employed (before she got the advanced degrees).
For shame on Frank.
114
ESP-- I am a proud UC grad-- 2 majors in 4 years-- but I completely agree with your comment. Our JC system in CA is accessible, inspirational, and practical too. Not to be put down.
5
As a 40 year teaching veteran, with 23 of those at a community college, I was a little offended by that crack as well. Two year schools fill a huge chasm in the education system. And, in truth, many of them do a better job of TEACHING than large prestigious universities, and provide many opportunities for activities and leadership. I say that as one with degrees from a top 25 private college and a large public university.
19
For the love of political correctness! There was no slight intended, but you managed to get to "...totally degrading" and of course, followed it up with shaming. But you couldn't possibly be a bully, your a liberal!!
on-ly
ˈōnlē/Submit
adverb
1.
and no one or nothing more besides; solely or exclusively.
"there are only a limited number of tickets available"
synonyms: at most, at best, (only) just, no/not more than
on-ly
ˈōnlē/Submit
adverb
1.
and no one or nothing more besides; solely or exclusively.
"there are only a limited number of tickets available"
synonyms: at most, at best, (only) just, no/not more than
1
Thank you for this article. Good news that SCU is reaching out to these kids. But please don't disparage a two year degree. "Her sister has ONLY a two year degree". This is a huge achievement for low income, and two year degrees should be promoted not disdained.
53
A lot of Secretary jobs require a bachelors today. An associate degree is basically useless
2
Parents do not need to be materially endowed in order to foster their children's aspirations. Environment is invaluable, good parenting is beyond that. Good article but nothing new. Some Universities do recognize their responsibilities.
3
The best way to ensure that kids from poor families have spots at elite colleges is simple. End the practice of recruiting half of the class at elite colleges from elite boarding schools in hopes of getting daddy to make a donation.
I went to SC and I can assure you it is not a "highly selective school" if you have the money for tuition.
11
Given the Leftie mindset of virtually every college, and certainly every "elite" university, it is appalling that more universities don't follow USC's example of nurturing local kids towards a successful college experience. There is no reason why colleges everywhere can't put their money where their mouth is to grow local academic talent.
3
your comment, "leftie mindset" is why many scratch head about Ann Coulter, there are plenty of Liberty colleges about but she insist upon wasting money at UCB.
Students of this story would never be a Liberty cohort, unless they are willing to trade in their spiritual beliefs.
Ann has a message, it is hubris; her willingness to have a financially waste resources dilutes her views.
Students of this story would never be a Liberty cohort, unless they are willing to trade in their spiritual beliefs.
Ann has a message, it is hubris; her willingness to have a financially waste resources dilutes her views.
3
Here's the truth.
The elite private colleges - including USC and the Ivys- are for the lower classes who attend at little cost, and for the rich who can afford to pay $70,000 a year.
And perhaps those families in the middle class willing and able to delay retirement for many years.
The rest of us go to public colleges.
The elite private colleges - including USC and the Ivys- are for the lower classes who attend at little cost, and for the rich who can afford to pay $70,000 a year.
And perhaps those families in the middle class willing and able to delay retirement for many years.
The rest of us go to public colleges.
34
So very true.
3
During the eras of Reconstruction and Jim Crow lifting black kids to college was the original purpose of the historic black colleges and universities aka HBCU's.
One of my paternal great grandfather's was born enslaved in Georgia to enslaved parents who sent him to Atlanta Baptist College aka Morehouse. Where he would be the first in my black family line to graduate from college. His eldest child was my paternal grandfather. His dad sent him to Shaw where he graduated with honors with a double major in math and philosophy. Although he was twice accepted at Meharry Medical School a serious chronic illness prevented him from ever obtaining an M.D.
My paternal grandmother was the youngest of five daughters born to enslaved Georgia parents. All five graduated from Atlanta University. My great grandfather paid for her education by offering his services as a painter and carpenter for her four year matriculation.
My maternal great grandfather was born a free person of color in South Carolina. After Civil War service on both sides he finished his education at an HBCU.
For six generations an undergraduate college education has been the minimal expectation in my black family. But the HBCU's were rarely the choice. And postgraduate degrees became the norm.
When enslaved and free person's of color like those in my family could climb the educational mountain I am baffled and disappointed by the current state of affairs. Particularly for black males. Why not HCBU?
One of my paternal great grandfather's was born enslaved in Georgia to enslaved parents who sent him to Atlanta Baptist College aka Morehouse. Where he would be the first in my black family line to graduate from college. His eldest child was my paternal grandfather. His dad sent him to Shaw where he graduated with honors with a double major in math and philosophy. Although he was twice accepted at Meharry Medical School a serious chronic illness prevented him from ever obtaining an M.D.
My paternal grandmother was the youngest of five daughters born to enslaved Georgia parents. All five graduated from Atlanta University. My great grandfather paid for her education by offering his services as a painter and carpenter for her four year matriculation.
My maternal great grandfather was born a free person of color in South Carolina. After Civil War service on both sides he finished his education at an HBCU.
For six generations an undergraduate college education has been the minimal expectation in my black family. But the HBCU's were rarely the choice. And postgraduate degrees became the norm.
When enslaved and free person's of color like those in my family could climb the educational mountain I am baffled and disappointed by the current state of affairs. Particularly for black males. Why not HCBU?
A great article, Frank. about aspiration and hope.
2
This is a great start. How many of those NAI students graduate from college? It's great to get them there, but that's just part of the story.
I'm not trying to be cynical, just want to know the rest of the story.
I'm not trying to be cynical, just want to know the rest of the story.
8
These are achieving kids, appropriately admitted. Not to be confused with High School "graduates" who read at 8th grade level. Colleges make money on these ill prepared kids who never graduate. This article is about college freshman who disavow the false impressions of many. Ethnic and economic hurdles, when decreased, open many good pathways.
2
Re: published study on students from top 1 percent of income earners attending 38 top colleges -- obviously, these institutions need the "full pay", top 1 percenters students and alumni to sustain their programs. At my son's liberal arts college in CT, next year's tuition will increase to approx $70,000. At the same time, the highest number of first generation students on financial will be attending. Ouch.
6
My mom is a retired teacher. Many years ago, she told me that there was a correlation between kids on free lunch and poor test scores. Our state had a standardized test at the time and the free lunch percentage was almost exactly the same as the poor test score percentage. My mom told me that the stresses of a family who needed a free lunch were likely the factor that kept kids from doing well in school. She used to tell me stories of kids in her class whose parents would leave them home for a few days alone without food. Or parents substance abuse and disinterest in their children's schooling. This lead to a lack of follow through on homework, and not showing up for conferences. Kids need a support of some kind to succeed. Some kids don't get that from their families. Blaming the education system is easy, but education alone will not make up for these things. Programs like the USC program help, but supporting poorer families will help more. I've always thought that a program to mentor poorer families would help the most.
27
Like USC, many colleges are located in the middle of economically challenged towns and cities. They have a vested interest in improving their neighborhoods, to provide the kind of safe, attractive environment parents and students seek.
But many of them have historically cut themselves of from the locals, often with walls, security perimeters, and other impediments to access. The old "town and gown" relationship has always been polarizing, but more so when the divide between the rich school and the poor surrounding is so pronounced.
So it behooves these colleges to partner with their local schools. Each student nurtured by a programs like NAI serves as an inspiration for other kids, and lifts the hopes of the whole school. The relationship can organically become broader, as the nonlocal students connect with the neighborhood, perhaps leading to more off-campus living, volunteering — or even just trying local restaurants.
So it's a win-win. Good for USC for developing this valuable program. One hopes it will serve as a model for other colleges and towns.
But many of them have historically cut themselves of from the locals, often with walls, security perimeters, and other impediments to access. The old "town and gown" relationship has always been polarizing, but more so when the divide between the rich school and the poor surrounding is so pronounced.
So it behooves these colleges to partner with their local schools. Each student nurtured by a programs like NAI serves as an inspiration for other kids, and lifts the hopes of the whole school. The relationship can organically become broader, as the nonlocal students connect with the neighborhood, perhaps leading to more off-campus living, volunteering — or even just trying local restaurants.
So it's a win-win. Good for USC for developing this valuable program. One hopes it will serve as a model for other colleges and towns.
35
Is "economically challenged" a euphemism for poor? Like urban is for black?
This is a wonderful article with the exception of your dismissive statement that the sister has only a two-year associates degree. Please know that community colleges are the key to lifting kids to college and to meaningful employment. Many students benefit greatly from two years in a supportive and nurturing environment, getting their basic courses prior to transferring to a university. Students can complete the first two years at a much lower cost for the same quality and rigor offered at the university. Community Colleges have democratized higher education and this contribution should not be dismissed.
203
Not every one is college material at any level. We need trained craftsmen and vocational workers.
4
They do that at CC also.
1
Why is it never pointed out, by anyone, that some states have very good public schools?
The difference between the blue states huddled at the top of the educational assessment rankings and the red states at the bottom is there for everyone to see - yet nobody ever mentions the elephant in the room.
States where education is respected have good results. States that view education as a liberal plot have predictable results.
The difference between the blue states huddled at the top of the educational assessment rankings and the red states at the bottom is there for everyone to see - yet nobody ever mentions the elephant in the room.
States where education is respected have good results. States that view education as a liberal plot have predictable results.
34
Hey, finally some good news. I will never refer to USC as the "university of spoiled children again."
3
Hooray for USC! I hope that we will all follow their example, because admitting disadvantaged kids without preparing them to take advantage of college is a PR and financial scam.
8
It is hard for most to get through college. Imagine what it must be like if you are poor and no one in your family has ever done it.
I study high schools like the ones featured in this article. We found that they require some autonomy from the local school district in order to innovate. They have rigorous college prep curricula for all students; tracking does not work because it let's too many students fall behind. The schools are smaller and have strong collaborative teaching staffs with teachers who can connect with students. Finally, these schools all offer myriad opportunities and supports to students, like spending time on college campuses, learning from professionals in the community, and accessing tutoring as they need it. Students make friends with similar goals and say that the schools feel like family.
Bottom line is that we need the space for more smart, careful educational experiiments like the high schools in this article if we are going to get more "first generation" students into college. From then on, it is the colleges that must pick up the efforts. USC has engineered a better way of doing things.
Kudoes to USC. More colleges should take this on.
I study high schools like the ones featured in this article. We found that they require some autonomy from the local school district in order to innovate. They have rigorous college prep curricula for all students; tracking does not work because it let's too many students fall behind. The schools are smaller and have strong collaborative teaching staffs with teachers who can connect with students. Finally, these schools all offer myriad opportunities and supports to students, like spending time on college campuses, learning from professionals in the community, and accessing tutoring as they need it. Students make friends with similar goals and say that the schools feel like family.
Bottom line is that we need the space for more smart, careful educational experiiments like the high schools in this article if we are going to get more "first generation" students into college. From then on, it is the colleges that must pick up the efforts. USC has engineered a better way of doing things.
Kudoes to USC. More colleges should take this on.
45
My enslaved African American great grandparents sent their kids and their heirs to black collegee. USC was no more welcoming to them than were Ole Miss or Roll Tide. USC liked black athletes.
1
George W. Bush did get one thing right when he mentioned the bigotry of low expectations. It's too easy to assume that a poor child will do poorly in academics and to overlook their promise when they don't exhibit "traditional" strengths in school. We focus too much on students sitting still, listening, and behaving while squashing behaviors that, while annoying, are also indicative of an active and curious mind. Intelligence comes in all shapes, sizes and colors: overlooking it or ignoring it does the person a disservice and is disrespectful.
As a side note: it's not just underprivileged children who need this. As an abused child who was told at every turn how stupid I was, how worthless I was (even though I was 7th in a class of 176 students), a program like that would have helped me. By the time I was in college I was so worn out from trying to survive that I wasn't able to do as well as I would have liked. Worrying about home while I wasn't there and other self destructive behaviors made college a huge challenge.
As a side note: it's not just underprivileged children who need this. As an abused child who was told at every turn how stupid I was, how worthless I was (even though I was 7th in a class of 176 students), a program like that would have helped me. By the time I was in college I was so worn out from trying to survive that I wasn't able to do as well as I would have liked. Worrying about home while I wasn't there and other self destructive behaviors made college a huge challenge.
41
I think you are a success. I always read your thoughtful comments!
What is needed is more public (tax) support for ordinary schools and colleges, not voluntary charity from elite institutions. Don't select a few kids from low-income groups, raise the whole level of education.
57
Here in the US, we spend more than any other country in the world on K-12 education. Our public school teachers have the highest pay when compared against every other developed country.
5
Jonathan, you are wrong. Here's a place where you can see where the US measures up on teachers pay: https://www.brookings.edu/blog/brown-center-chalkboard/2016/06/20/teache...
And here's another statement from another source: The U.S. also spent less of its total wealth on education than many of its counterparts. In terms of the percentage of the gross domestic product (GDP) spent on education, it trailed Denmark, Iceland, the Republic of Korea and Israel. This is the source: http://www.investopedia.com/ask/answers/020915/what-country-spends-most-...
And here's another statement from another source: The U.S. also spent less of its total wealth on education than many of its counterparts. In terms of the percentage of the gross domestic product (GDP) spent on education, it trailed Denmark, Iceland, the Republic of Korea and Israel. This is the source: http://www.investopedia.com/ask/answers/020915/what-country-spends-most-...
10
Not true. US teacher pay ranks #12 among OECD countries: https://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/sep/05/how...
5
These kids succeed because they are expected to do so, Teachers must , with the help of parents put this expectation onto their children.
We can't succeed by just doing this one child at a time.
The parents are the key. The success of schools lies in how much parental involvement there is.. This has long been the secret of success of Catholic Parochial schools.
Unfortunately school violence has made our public schools like jails. Doors locked and inaccessible to parents.
Thanks to our gun nuts this is the norm.
We need to get parents to the schools even if it is only in the evenings or weekends with their children.
We can't succeed by just doing this one child at a time.
The parents are the key. The success of schools lies in how much parental involvement there is.. This has long been the secret of success of Catholic Parochial schools.
Unfortunately school violence has made our public schools like jails. Doors locked and inaccessible to parents.
Thanks to our gun nuts this is the norm.
We need to get parents to the schools even if it is only in the evenings or weekends with their children.
6
The most recent figures I could find:
One year in prison costs taxpayers $31,000
One years tuition - in state public university $9,000
What's the better investment?
One year in prison costs taxpayers $31,000
One years tuition - in state public university $9,000
What's the better investment?
202
Is that really only two choices -- college or prison? Nothing in between? no military? no skilled trades? no two year community colleges?
Anyways: Florida must have real bargain rate schools. The state university in my area now charges over $18K tuition per year -- and that does not include books, fees, or dorm expenses.
In fact, it is SO POPULAR you need very good grades to have a shot at getting in -- and most average kids cannot get into the local state university! (which used to be a "safety school" that basically took everyone). They are FORCED into much more costly private schools (the 3rd and 4th ringers) and therefore, into borrowing three times as much money in NON DISCHARGEABLE student debt.
So a year at STATE UNIVERSITY today costs about $25,000 (with books, fees, room & board) -- only $6000 less than prison. I'd still rather see kids in college than prison (DUH!) but it's not a binary choice.
Anyways: Florida must have real bargain rate schools. The state university in my area now charges over $18K tuition per year -- and that does not include books, fees, or dorm expenses.
In fact, it is SO POPULAR you need very good grades to have a shot at getting in -- and most average kids cannot get into the local state university! (which used to be a "safety school" that basically took everyone). They are FORCED into much more costly private schools (the 3rd and 4th ringers) and therefore, into borrowing three times as much money in NON DISCHARGEABLE student debt.
So a year at STATE UNIVERSITY today costs about $25,000 (with books, fees, room & board) -- only $6000 less than prison. I'd still rather see kids in college than prison (DUH!) but it's not a binary choice.
5
that has NOTHING to do with money.that is bad decisions
I Think its so low life in parts of the country they may look at prison guard jobs as progress.I can refer to the California guards union pushing for more jail time. They got it and pay and pension That are killing the state financially.
1
This is an excellent idea; every college/university should be required to run such a program. The earlier a child can spend time in a milieu with intellctual peers (disadvantaged or not), the better for them and for society.
8
In just the beginning of DT`s Presidency of cutting funds in education, science and what not this is an uplifting story of positivity .
Thanks frank for bringing this to our attention, kudos to USC !
Thanks frank for bringing this to our attention, kudos to USC !
16
Thanks so much for this story. I wish there were something I could do in Alabama. These types of schools are what is needed, and proves that school choice is good.
4
Introduce a neighbor child, or one in your own family, to the public library or a museum. Can you do that where you are at?
Ask how they are doing in school. This emphasizes the importance of education. Don't value girls for their looks, and boys for their sports prowess alone.
Keep on telling the kids that the grades are their report card today will be directly related to the size of their paycheck tomorrow. Give them the incentive, and desire, to succeed.
Most of all: do NOT teach minority children that learning is a white thing for elites only. (Plus: do not denigrate the value of vocational schools, community colleges, or associates degrees. The world needs welders, dental hygienists, and smart practical people too, who can afford to take care of their own and dream their own dreams...)
Ask how they are doing in school. This emphasizes the importance of education. Don't value girls for their looks, and boys for their sports prowess alone.
Keep on telling the kids that the grades are their report card today will be directly related to the size of their paycheck tomorrow. Give them the incentive, and desire, to succeed.
Most of all: do NOT teach minority children that learning is a white thing for elites only. (Plus: do not denigrate the value of vocational schools, community colleges, or associates degrees. The world needs welders, dental hygienists, and smart practical people too, who can afford to take care of their own and dream their own dreams...)
10
Why not approach some of your good colleges and suggest this? Maybe you could even work on it-- IE as a paid employee. Somebody has to facilitate this!
1
Mr. Bruni's article opens with heartwarming descriptions of USC students who succeeded because they attended Forshay Learning Center, a PUBLIC school that partnered with USC. But, as is inevitably the case in Mr. Bruni's education articles, there is a slap at public education and an emphasis on how charters are the best way to help students succeed in the face of adversity. In the middle of the article, Mr. Bruni quotes USC's president:
“We’re not doing a good job in K-12 schools. The pipeline is not there. I feel that puts more responsibility on our shoulders to improve the raw material for us.”
And how does USC do that? By operating its own parallel system of charter schools that siphon the best and brightest students from the public school system. What I find sad is that partnerships have existed for decades between community colleges and public high schools long before NAI was on the map. Moreover, many elite colleges and universities have offered programs like NAI for decades, programs that help PUBLIC school students gain access to their programs.
I am glad Mr. Bruni "discovered" the importance of identifying prospective college students early and providing them support throughout their middle and high school years. The shame is that he didn't emphasize the many examples of where post-secondary schools work hand-in-hand with PUBLIC schools who are willing, able, and eager to help their best and brightest succeed in school.
“We’re not doing a good job in K-12 schools. The pipeline is not there. I feel that puts more responsibility on our shoulders to improve the raw material for us.”
And how does USC do that? By operating its own parallel system of charter schools that siphon the best and brightest students from the public school system. What I find sad is that partnerships have existed for decades between community colleges and public high schools long before NAI was on the map. Moreover, many elite colleges and universities have offered programs like NAI for decades, programs that help PUBLIC school students gain access to their programs.
I am glad Mr. Bruni "discovered" the importance of identifying prospective college students early and providing them support throughout their middle and high school years. The shame is that he didn't emphasize the many examples of where post-secondary schools work hand-in-hand with PUBLIC schools who are willing, able, and eager to help their best and brightest succeed in school.
47
This is exactly right. Thirty years from now we will realize that abandoning our public schools was just another instance of leaving kids behind who are not part of the "in-crowd" whose parents will gravitate to charter schools. The Republican majority is now rushing to allow states to bleed public school funding into charters and parochial schools, leading to the inevitable day when the public schools will be the hollowed out "inner cities" of education.
7
Foshay is not a charter school. It is a public school, a magnet school in the Los Angeles Unified School District. Like almost all LAUSD magnets, it holds a lottery for admissions. In my experience as an LAUSD parent, even highly competitive magnets have spots for anyone who actually shows up (since many admitted students do not actually enroll). It's hard to imaging a more accessible partner for USC's outreach. I'm surprised the article did not mention USC's work with the 32nd St School, the K-12 magnet on the other side of campus. It looks like USC is reaching out in every way, including helping set up charters.
11
California's public school funding model is broken. For kids in poor neighborhoods the funding is inadequate. So while I agree with you that poor neighborhoods should receive the funding their public schools need to address the services their kids need to succeed, it's just not there nor do we apparently have the political will to make it so.
I don't see this as any different than creating magnet schools within a public school district, like they do in NYC. And while there is truth to the fact that charters have more leeway in choosing who gets to attend, sometimes pulling kids out of a negative environment to be with other motivated kids is a good idea.
I don't see this as any different than creating magnet schools within a public school district, like they do in NYC. And while there is truth to the fact that charters have more leeway in choosing who gets to attend, sometimes pulling kids out of a negative environment to be with other motivated kids is a good idea.
Another great program doing similar work is Minds Matter (www.mindsmatter.org)
For funding, foundations like Posse and Bridgequest are invaluable -- they tackle the economic side of the problem, while NAI and Minds Matter tackle the academic challenge of getting into a good school
For funding, foundations like Posse and Bridgequest are invaluable -- they tackle the economic side of the problem, while NAI and Minds Matter tackle the academic challenge of getting into a good school
1
This is a truly uplifting initiative that deserves being copied. Perhaps Betsy deVoss should have a look at this and initiate a large-scale government supported program that could help educate the many talented kids from poor families.
3
When you think of all the brain power that goes to waste in this country due to lack of opportunity and discrimination it's horrifying. And it goes beyond college. If a young person has the desire and ability to be anything from a doctor to an aircraft mechanic to a real estate agent, they shouldn't be held back because of the straw they drew when they were born.
These programs make me long for Barack Obama's vision of hope and change. Well-intentioned and essential to the health of our country, but the backlash has given us Donald, with his fear-mongering, lies, and angry call for more prisons, expulsions, and a reinforcement of the white male elite. A tragedy.
These programs make me long for Barack Obama's vision of hope and change. Well-intentioned and essential to the health of our country, but the backlash has given us Donald, with his fear-mongering, lies, and angry call for more prisons, expulsions, and a reinforcement of the white male elite. A tragedy.
10
During the 8 years of the Obama Administration, college costs increased exponentially -- putting millions of young people into terrible. lifelong debt -- and totally discouraging OTHER kids from even trying college, as just a year could put you into five figure NON-DISCHARGEABLE debt lasting for a decade or more.
The problems got WORSE under your man-god messiah-savior -- not better.
The problems got WORSE under your man-god messiah-savior -- not better.
This piece fails to mention how this program is funded. Privately and publicly funded external grants? USC student tuition and fee revenue? Endowment spending?
Only a small fraction of the universities in the US have sufficient resources at their disposal to even consider implementing programming like this, so widespread replication of excellent like this programming is not even thinkable without external funding. The distribution of wealth in academia reflects the distribution of wealth of the overall US population - mostly concentrated in a small fraction of the overall population.
Only a small fraction of the universities in the US have sufficient resources at their disposal to even consider implementing programming like this, so widespread replication of excellent like this programming is not even thinkable without external funding. The distribution of wealth in academia reflects the distribution of wealth of the overall US population - mostly concentrated in a small fraction of the overall population.
Society needs to realize that ill-prepared students at colleges and universities would disappear if at the earliest stages of every child's education they all had the same opportunities.
6
Society needs to realize that ill-prepared students at colleges and universities would disappear if at the earliest stages of every child's education they all had the same opportunities.
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Sure. Just like if we offered every child the opportunity to be coached in sports, all of our children would be able to compete at the higher levels. Only the lack of a training program is holding them back.
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Sure. Just like if we offered every child the opportunity to be coached in sports, all of our children would be able to compete at the higher levels. Only the lack of a training program is holding them back.
2
I'm sure USC's program is helping those kids it decides have potential, but given that there are many who do not have this opportunity I'm offended by the remark that Sierra's sister "has only a two-year associate degree." I'm sure that for her this was a great achievement and probably, with out the help of USC, a more difficult path than that of her sister. She should be congratulated, not relegated to a demeaning afterthought.
All kids should have this opportunity!
1
The NAI-USC model exposes the artifice of fragmenting education into preschool, K-12, College, and Grad. School, and the assumption that one level of learning bears no responsibility for the levels that precede or follow it. Cognitive development is synthetic and seamless. There are enough barriers to education--poverty, racism, indifference. Good citizenship and long term stewardship of our children require each level of education to crackle with hope and energy for all other levels.
Thank you, Mr. Bruni, for a story about successful minorities and educators in our country. For a moment, you raised me out of the funk of the last 100 days.
1
Soon pre K thru college will be taxpayer funded and now 1-12 is. If a person does not finish school, they have no one to blame except their self (and not the government).
2
Flip this question over, please. Why is it that students in the top 1 percent of parental income earners are almost always qualified not just for college, but for colleges that are considered highly selective? The answer is not complicated. The system was built from the ground up for them.
Can you be brilliant and yet "not qualified" for college? The answer clearly is yes. Some of the most outstanding people, in terms of life accomplishment, skipped right over college or only dipped their toes in and moved on to immediately doing what their brains and life experiences told them they should do. For that few, college actually represents an interruption, an interference in moving forward.
When Stanford put some of its courses online, guess what happened: some of the unqualified, online students out scored the highly polished enrolled students. This should be considered stunning news, but it isn't. We are so socially committed to the idea that the way colleges judge their admission is right, acting as careful gatekeepers in deciding who gets to move up and who stays behind, that we don't want to hear of any contradictory evidence.
The biggest prior indicator of potential failure to complete a 4 yr. degree is a student whose parents did not go to college. There should be massive, sustained programs to help these kids, at least the ones who want to go and complete the process. Meanwhile, we need an inside out, outside in look at the system itself and its glaring flaws.
Can you be brilliant and yet "not qualified" for college? The answer clearly is yes. Some of the most outstanding people, in terms of life accomplishment, skipped right over college or only dipped their toes in and moved on to immediately doing what their brains and life experiences told them they should do. For that few, college actually represents an interruption, an interference in moving forward.
When Stanford put some of its courses online, guess what happened: some of the unqualified, online students out scored the highly polished enrolled students. This should be considered stunning news, but it isn't. We are so socially committed to the idea that the way colleges judge their admission is right, acting as careful gatekeepers in deciding who gets to move up and who stays behind, that we don't want to hear of any contradictory evidence.
The biggest prior indicator of potential failure to complete a 4 yr. degree is a student whose parents did not go to college. There should be massive, sustained programs to help these kids, at least the ones who want to go and complete the process. Meanwhile, we need an inside out, outside in look at the system itself and its glaring flaws.
8
Normalizing college attendance is not enough if you want young people from less affluent families to not only go to college, but be successful in college. Those first years in college are crucial for success. Yet, the professors that most young people have in the first years of college are cheap, unbeneifited, part time, adjunct labor. These highly educated professors don't have the time or resources to support the young and struggling student hoping to find a sense of place and community at college. You can't help the poor succeed in school if the people helping them are poor and poorly supported too.
2
I agree. Colleges and k-12 classes should colabe together so everyone gets a feel of all work even if they don't continue their education into college or even grad school. This country needs more students involved in school work because the streets are taking over nowadays. Students aren't taking school seriously and it all starts from how they are taught at school. LETS MAKE AMERICA ITS FINEST AGAIN !
2
A young man is running alone and swiftly, running in an inner-city through abandoned streets and wondering what is causing him to take flight. Occasionally this American checks in on her godson now past thirty, with a college degree, a full-time job, medical coverage and parents who love him. He is a rap musician with a talent, and a shining penny.
His mother tells me he does not care about money and we share a gentle laugh, while I venture that he may feel differently if he had to find a roof of his own and take flight from the nest and his family.
He keeps running until there is no place to run. Turning around he confronts his own image for his fear was himself that he is confronting. He is not allowing himself to get comfortable.
A friend from Africa with her husband attend the graduation of her eldest on scholarship, a brilliant young woman in the field of engineering from one of the most prestigious colleges in America. First-generation and first Ph.D in the family, she is working around the clock.
Eugene Lang died recently. Did you read of him, Mr. Bruni, in the News? He did more than give commencement addresses at colleges but promised a scholarship to 'Dreamers'. Let us appeal to The Rich among us to take up their cause. What is the secret and the solution? A counselor who they can relate to, and who forms family ties. The Rich will feel richer in the best of ways.
His mother tells me he does not care about money and we share a gentle laugh, while I venture that he may feel differently if he had to find a roof of his own and take flight from the nest and his family.
He keeps running until there is no place to run. Turning around he confronts his own image for his fear was himself that he is confronting. He is not allowing himself to get comfortable.
A friend from Africa with her husband attend the graduation of her eldest on scholarship, a brilliant young woman in the field of engineering from one of the most prestigious colleges in America. First-generation and first Ph.D in the family, she is working around the clock.
Eugene Lang died recently. Did you read of him, Mr. Bruni, in the News? He did more than give commencement addresses at colleges but promised a scholarship to 'Dreamers'. Let us appeal to The Rich among us to take up their cause. What is the secret and the solution? A counselor who they can relate to, and who forms family ties. The Rich will feel richer in the best of ways.
Completely agree with the approach of reaching into communities to encourage underprivileged kids to reach for the stars, and help them to reach their full potential. So much better than lowering standards to create artificial diversity. Also, it is not surprising. Why top schools have more kids from the top 1% of income than those in the bottom 60%. Let's not forget how the unacceptable cost of college hobbles those in the middle... Too wealthy for aid, and yet not able to foot the $250,000 bill for 4 year college. There needs to be reform on many fronts.
2
Our current Sec of Education isn't going to be of any help championing expansion of the NAI. This program sounds amazing and challenges those who could not see themselves going to college to succeed. A college degree, no matter what is said, materially enhances a young person's prospect and eventual opportunities and success. This kind of program is what should be on the agenda for current education programs.
2
The reason many highly selective schools enroll so many of America's economic elite is because of money. Their parents were alums and are donors and they are lily to be as well.
Simply put, wealth and alumni status, not race is the most active affirmative action program going on these days.
Simply put, wealth and alumni status, not race is the most active affirmative action program going on these days.
7
"Her sister only has a two-year associate degree."
Frank, do you realize how difficult it most likely was for her sister to achieve the two-year associate degree in the world she is a part of? How horrible that you so publicly put down her amazing achievement. Hopefully you will apologize.
Frank, do you realize how difficult it most likely was for her sister to achieve the two-year associate degree in the world she is a part of? How horrible that you so publicly put down her amazing achievement. Hopefully you will apologize.
128
Saying her sister "only" had a two-year associate degree stung to the core, pained my heart. Three cheers for the sister. Hers may be the greater accomplishment. Frank, please correct this hurtful characterization.
6
Yes, I caught that too. Shame on Mr. Bruni! her sister had NO help, no direction, NO MONEY and managed to get a very respectable Associate Degree, and probably a job. That is nothing to be ashamed of. She may very well go on to complete a four year degree later in life -- OR simply have a good career with an AA degree.
This is the kind of attitude that GOT US TO THIS POINT, where the "system" is corrupt and unfair, and where Coastal liberals sneer at anyone who doesn't have a four year Ivy League degree in a handful of "accepted majors" (AND a graduate degree!)....a little echo chamber of very similar thinking.
Frankly, since her sister got NO help, I consider HER achievement to be the greater of the two.
This is the kind of attitude that GOT US TO THIS POINT, where the "system" is corrupt and unfair, and where Coastal liberals sneer at anyone who doesn't have a four year Ivy League degree in a handful of "accepted majors" (AND a graduate degree!)....a little echo chamber of very similar thinking.
Frankly, since her sister got NO help, I consider HER achievement to be the greater of the two.
17
This is wonderful. But why is it unusual? What IS holding back our system from incorporating ideas like this as standard procedure in every college and K-12? Here is a program that can break the cycle of poverty - actually demonstrate how the American Dream of upward mobility can be put into effect.
One of the answers is that we educate in silos of prosperity and poverty. Give me one good reason why a kid born into a poor neighborhood should not get the same curriculum, same quality teachers, etc. as his rich neighbors. I'll answer for you. Schools are funded by property taxes and this creates a perpetual cycle of keeping poor kids poor. Rip control of education out of the hands of local school boards and local budgets. Fund and run schools on a state wide basis. That would be just the beginning.
Programs like N.A.I. and more exposure to job sites, internships, etc, could alter the education landscape in a revolutionary way. But they do just scratch the surface of the problem.
Great article, Frank.
One of the answers is that we educate in silos of prosperity and poverty. Give me one good reason why a kid born into a poor neighborhood should not get the same curriculum, same quality teachers, etc. as his rich neighbors. I'll answer for you. Schools are funded by property taxes and this creates a perpetual cycle of keeping poor kids poor. Rip control of education out of the hands of local school boards and local budgets. Fund and run schools on a state wide basis. That would be just the beginning.
Programs like N.A.I. and more exposure to job sites, internships, etc, could alter the education landscape in a revolutionary way. But they do just scratch the surface of the problem.
Great article, Frank.
86
BillyBob: in my state -- Ohio -- the Ohio Supreme Court has found that our system of funding education through property taxes is ILLEGAL -- not once, not twice, not three times, but FOUR TIMES.
The result has been....we still fund our schools through property taxes.
Why? this system greatly benefits the small numbers of very affluent people and their kids, giving them a very fine education and ensuring they get "first pick" at colleges. And very affluent people are very powerful in our society. They will not shrug this off, and let Junior go to Podunk State U. so that another kid can have his place at Harvard or Yale.
God knows local school boards are all corrupt, but the real powerbroker in this system are PUBLIC UNIONS, who also love love love this system.
NOTHING will EVER change -- nothing -- EVER -- until we break the unholy power of the immensely wealthy teacher unions. And end school funding by property taxation. (In case you want to know "then how"? Schools should be funded by INCOME taxes, that are progressive and fair, and increase the richer you are.)
The result has been....we still fund our schools through property taxes.
Why? this system greatly benefits the small numbers of very affluent people and their kids, giving them a very fine education and ensuring they get "first pick" at colleges. And very affluent people are very powerful in our society. They will not shrug this off, and let Junior go to Podunk State U. so that another kid can have his place at Harvard or Yale.
God knows local school boards are all corrupt, but the real powerbroker in this system are PUBLIC UNIONS, who also love love love this system.
NOTHING will EVER change -- nothing -- EVER -- until we break the unholy power of the immensely wealthy teacher unions. And end school funding by property taxation. (In case you want to know "then how"? Schools should be funded by INCOME taxes, that are progressive and fair, and increase the richer you are.)
2
- "Schools are funded by property taxes and this creates a perpetual cycle of keeping poor kids poor. Rip control of education out of the hands of local school boards and local budgets. Fund and run schools on a state wide basis."
Not a viable solution. Texas' Robin Hood prop tax redistribution scheme takes money from "wealthy" districts and gives to poor. But many "wealthy" districts actually have high % of low income kids. Austin ISD is perfect example. But $/pupil isn't only indicator anyway. Engagement by parents, businesses, and colleges, along with safe environment, and adequate nutrition are the solutions.
Not a viable solution. Texas' Robin Hood prop tax redistribution scheme takes money from "wealthy" districts and gives to poor. But many "wealthy" districts actually have high % of low income kids. Austin ISD is perfect example. But $/pupil isn't only indicator anyway. Engagement by parents, businesses, and colleges, along with safe environment, and adequate nutrition are the solutions.
2
I agree. The reactions parents in my district have when they hear about any funding being cut is amazing. We are a well-to-do area with a small school system yet we waste money on interscholastic athletics and complain about cuts in funding. Schooling in other countries does not include the costs of interscholastic athletic competition. Other countries view education of the young as an important part of national life. Teachers are respected, selected from the top of their college classes, mentored, and treated like professionals. In America the attitude is that anyone can teach which may explain why parents are so influential in school decisions.
Teaching is a hard job. Teaching in a school that is in poor condition, where there may be homeless children, children with unrecognized health problems, children who haven't received the informal education most middle class children get before they enter school is even more difficult. However, those issues are precisely why we need to put highly qualified, intelligent and dedicated teachers into schools whose majority population consists of students like this. They and their parents need support to survive. I'd rather see my tax dollars supporting programs to educate and keep children on track to become successful adults than to pick up the pieces if, as adults they fail because of a lack of education.
Spending the money earlier is much cheaper than doing so when they've failed. Their failure is our failure.
Teaching is a hard job. Teaching in a school that is in poor condition, where there may be homeless children, children with unrecognized health problems, children who haven't received the informal education most middle class children get before they enter school is even more difficult. However, those issues are precisely why we need to put highly qualified, intelligent and dedicated teachers into schools whose majority population consists of students like this. They and their parents need support to survive. I'd rather see my tax dollars supporting programs to educate and keep children on track to become successful adults than to pick up the pieces if, as adults they fail because of a lack of education.
Spending the money earlier is much cheaper than doing so when they've failed. Their failure is our failure.
2
Love, love, love what USC is doing! Thank you for writing about it.
Yes, immersing kids in college environments is the best way to encourage self-motivation. And extending that immersion to their parents/guardians is just what is required.
And this is true for adults as well. We need immersion programs to help folks in Appalachia and elsewhere become part of technologically advanced, multicultural networks.
Yes, immersing kids in college environments is the best way to encourage self-motivation. And extending that immersion to their parents/guardians is just what is required.
And this is true for adults as well. We need immersion programs to help folks in Appalachia and elsewhere become part of technologically advanced, multicultural networks.
100
Since my black African American enslaved and free persons of color great grandparents and grandparents managed to obtain college educations at historical black colleges and universities in Georgia, South Carolina and Virginia during Reconstruction and before World War I, I am underwhelmed by this article's extolling these kids being 'lifted.'
White supremacy and bigotry segregated colleges north and south. The notion that going to these traditional white schools is some notable advancement continues the myth of white supremacy while denying and diminishing the quality of education at the HBCU's.
Babe Ruth never played in the major leagues. Babe was merely a great white player who played great white baseball for a great white team in a great white league.
No white person who completed a college education during the eras of enslavement and Jim Crow received a major league education. They did okay for white folks in white majority country.
White supremacy and bigotry segregated colleges north and south. The notion that going to these traditional white schools is some notable advancement continues the myth of white supremacy while denying and diminishing the quality of education at the HBCU's.
Babe Ruth never played in the major leagues. Babe was merely a great white player who played great white baseball for a great white team in a great white league.
No white person who completed a college education during the eras of enslavement and Jim Crow received a major league education. They did okay for white folks in white majority country.
2
Appalachia? What about Boston?
1
Poor underprivileged whites from places like Appalachia are well taken care of. Both Bill Clinton and Mike Huckabee are exemplars of white hope from Hope Arkansas. But poor underprivileged blacks were not welcome in either Cambridge Massachusetts or South Boston. But for their fame Malia and Sasha Obama would be doubly burdened by their hue and gender in white supremacist America.
1
So one poor minority in 100,000 gets an education and goes to a top college - is that progress? Society would be better off if thousands of poor kids got some basic skills and became prosperous plumbers, electricians, and welders.
The NY Times is obsessed with Ivy League colleges because that's where the editors' kids go. But these schools train only a tiny fraction of the workforce, and are hardly the only route to success.
The NY Times is obsessed with Ivy League colleges because that's where the editors' kids go. But these schools train only a tiny fraction of the workforce, and are hardly the only route to success.
72
@Jonathan: what you said, 1000 times over.
I'm sure this is a nice program. But it doesn't touch the depth of the problem. One nice young lady, who is getting a doctorate in Engineering -- swell. But what about the other 3000 kids in her old high school? In this fashion, she gets a fantastic opportunity, but 2999 kids get bupkis.
As you correctly say....not everyone can OR SHOULD be a college graduate in an academic field. (Note that the nice young lady is getting an ACADEMIC Engineering degree -- to teach college -- and not going out into the world to invent stuff, or practice hands-on engineering.) We cannot have a WORLD entirely made up of college graduates, all keen on academia or entering high-falutin' professions.
We ALREADY have seen what has happened when far, far too many smart, hardworking, intelligent young people were DIVERTED into Law School -- we now have tens of thousands more lawyers than we can ever employ, and thousands of young people with a useless JD and $200,000 (!!!) in non-dischargeable debt, while they work as temps or legal secretaries or at Starbucks.
There is literally no source -- not even some private non-binding one -- that looks at the WHOLE economy and thinks about what jobs we need where -- how many lawyers? how many physicians? how many engineers & computer programmers? Instead, it's all left up to "follow your bliss". That is a recipe for disaster.
I'd be a lot happier if MOST people graduated high school able to read.
I'm sure this is a nice program. But it doesn't touch the depth of the problem. One nice young lady, who is getting a doctorate in Engineering -- swell. But what about the other 3000 kids in her old high school? In this fashion, she gets a fantastic opportunity, but 2999 kids get bupkis.
As you correctly say....not everyone can OR SHOULD be a college graduate in an academic field. (Note that the nice young lady is getting an ACADEMIC Engineering degree -- to teach college -- and not going out into the world to invent stuff, or practice hands-on engineering.) We cannot have a WORLD entirely made up of college graduates, all keen on academia or entering high-falutin' professions.
We ALREADY have seen what has happened when far, far too many smart, hardworking, intelligent young people were DIVERTED into Law School -- we now have tens of thousands more lawyers than we can ever employ, and thousands of young people with a useless JD and $200,000 (!!!) in non-dischargeable debt, while they work as temps or legal secretaries or at Starbucks.
There is literally no source -- not even some private non-binding one -- that looks at the WHOLE economy and thinks about what jobs we need where -- how many lawyers? how many physicians? how many engineers & computer programmers? Instead, it's all left up to "follow your bliss". That is a recipe for disaster.
I'd be a lot happier if MOST people graduated high school able to read.
3
I'd be a lot happier if MOST people graduated high school able to read.
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And balance a checkbook.
And understand how birth control products work, and don't.
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And balance a checkbook.
And understand how birth control products work, and don't.
3
Did you even read the article?
USC is an excellent college but it's not an Ivy League college.
Sierra Williams' story is not just about "one poor minority". It is obviously a case study. It says right in the article that "more than 900 kids have used the NAI" to go to college.
Furthermore, NAI is just one program, and part of the point of the article is to show how programs like NAI can have a real impact in getting students from the lowest income brackets to college across the country.
USC is an excellent college but it's not an Ivy League college.
Sierra Williams' story is not just about "one poor minority". It is obviously a case study. It says right in the article that "more than 900 kids have used the NAI" to go to college.
Furthermore, NAI is just one program, and part of the point of the article is to show how programs like NAI can have a real impact in getting students from the lowest income brackets to college across the country.
1
Ignore the philanthropy, look at the business case: the country needs the best and brightest minds it can find to retain its position in the world. If we do not draw in all the talent, we waste our natural resources and reduce our potential as a nation. These programs are an imperative.
204
Best comment I have read in a long time. As the middle class slowly collapses, we seem to have replaced it with a caste system and now supply side economics. I went to Detroit Public Schools and the kids there were no less talented or smart than any other group of kids. And yet, the American way is to leave people behind, whether it's young inner city kids or unemployed white middle aged rural folks. And, then, blame them for being poor or unemployed. The sheer loss of potential, while we divy up "winners" and losers" is just staggering.
3
What is the matter with HBCU's?
Trump and W wasted their minds on a white college education.
Trump and W wasted their minds on a white college education.
1
Agree to a point but what if too many of the best and brightest are losing their places in top universities solely in the name of diversity? What would that mean for the long term prosperity of our nation? Balance is imperative.
3
Yea! Seems logical and a basic commitment to the common good.
4
Support in the form of mentoring, visits, tutoring and the company of peers is much needed and proven successful for economically disadvantaged students at all colleges. In addition, more emphasis is needed to tighten the rigor in the prek-12 curriculum for students to be better prepared for college academics. My children attended top colleges before support systems were in place for lower income/working class families and it was startling and a struggle before they found their groove. A few years later, one particular university instituted amazing programs that made all the difference in the lives of similar students. But on the topic of legacies, my children befriended several legacies and they were extremely intelligent, contributing members of society. Let's be careful about using another group to buttress our argument and instead, focus on making the underserved group as academically competitive as others. And as I always say, the legacy parents contribute money for scholarships which assist others in getting the same education as their own children. I am grateful for that too.
15
Are you kidding me? Fully 40% of the places at Ivy League schools are "held" for legacies, grossly distorting the system there. And the legacy parents donate money SOLELY to help their own kids! just as they donated money to the fancy private pre-school and the fancy private academy after that.
1
In 2003, Harvard accepted 40 percent of legacy applicants, not 40 per cent of the total overall applicants. Currently, you would find that statistic to be even lower. Curious what the legacy stats are at state universities. Also, my child met the family that funded their education and that impacted and enriched her experience and taught her a lifetime lesson in generosity.
UC has no legacy admissions.
One reason that Ivys have so many top 1% is obvious. They want the relationship. The whole binding early decision process is a recruiting tool for the moneyed class, and allows the schools to say that they are needs blind.
But another is that preparing a student for a well regarded school can be expensive. Prep schools build the requirements into their already expensive tuitions. But in average schools like ours, you need an AP or IB program with solid teachers and consistently good scores. Kids need to show leadership, and initiative. Many take weekend courses at Universities and compete in academic Olympics. Some travel abroad. All are investing in some way to make themselves appear favorably to the faceless essay readers and the analytics database at the college of their choice.
For a community with average resources, there is little help from the schools; from a community with no resources there is no help.
The Ivys dominate because they attract money. That is teally the central problem.
But another is that preparing a student for a well regarded school can be expensive. Prep schools build the requirements into their already expensive tuitions. But in average schools like ours, you need an AP or IB program with solid teachers and consistently good scores. Kids need to show leadership, and initiative. Many take weekend courses at Universities and compete in academic Olympics. Some travel abroad. All are investing in some way to make themselves appear favorably to the faceless essay readers and the analytics database at the college of their choice.
For a community with average resources, there is little help from the schools; from a community with no resources there is no help.
The Ivys dominate because they attract money. That is teally the central problem.
11
THIS is what is going to make America great again. Bravo USC!
24
And what happens to the kids out in the rural boondocks? 'Free' college isn't free for them as it doesn't cover room and board. And no AP courses available, and often not enough ordinary courses to qualify for college entrance in a lot of fields (Yes, STEM particularly.) Or who have to quit school at the minimum school leaving age (sometimes 16) to 'help support the family?' Kids who've never seen a 'fill in the little circle' test? Believe me, these exist. I was nearly one of them. It is only by a tremendous stroke of luck that I got to college at all, never mind an elite college. My luck continued through grad school and I ended up as a prof at a pretty good university. Thank heavens. But I was incredibly lucky.
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Your perspective is so necessary and often lacking. People from well-resourced communities can be trained to see neighboring disadvantaged communities. Rural communities are too often out of sight and out of mind.
3
Ah but you see those are red counties and therefore in the minds of progressives they are swamps of white supremacy, anti science, racist, homophobic, transphobic, islamophobic, phobicphobic, agoraphobic, agnostophobic, theistophobic (sorry I got carried away) and therefore deserve no help because they're awful people who brought this on themselves.
2
I'm a city slicker personally but worked in rural areas as part of my training years ago. You bring up a good point. Since this is the NYT with a variety of readers, here's my idea: someone should put together a virtual program that supports and encourages disadvanatged rural students. With today's free or low-cost computing options like Skype or Google Chat, surely someone somewhere can conduct live advanced/ specialized classes for rural students across the country or large geographic areas. Anyone up for the challenge?
Mr. Bruni, thank you for telling us about the Neighborhood Academic Initiative. It's an excellent model of inclusion and opportunity that we should see more of across the land, and not just in the most selective schools. The same societal benefits of N.A.I. would apply across the spectrum of public and private, small and large colleges. All students with the ability and desire for higher education deserve a better chance at access and readiness for success than the current system provides in most neighborhoods.
5
In the movie "Hidden Figures" the scene at the beginning where Katherine Johnson solved a complex math problem while the rest of her classmateslook on in wonder stands out. Her parents had no vision of her attending college because they were black and this was before Brown versus the board of education. Her teachers so believed in her that they took up a collection to help her parents get her to a new school that would help her reach her potential. She got her education and helped the US win the space race.
How many gifted children get left behind because they are poor and their public schools fail to prepare them for college. If no one tells you what is possible how will you realize your potential especially if you come from an environment where no one has gone before you.
This is a program that has proven its merit. Other colleges around the country should do their part to lift their community. Education has always been our leveling field.
I wonder how much better our elementary, middle, and high-school students would do if students from the local college came to their school and did tutoring sessions. Peer mentorship can really make a difference for our young people. Very commendable program. I love that she plans to be a professor to be an inspiration for someone else's dream.
How many gifted children get left behind because they are poor and their public schools fail to prepare them for college. If no one tells you what is possible how will you realize your potential especially if you come from an environment where no one has gone before you.
This is a program that has proven its merit. Other colleges around the country should do their part to lift their community. Education has always been our leveling field.
I wonder how much better our elementary, middle, and high-school students would do if students from the local college came to their school and did tutoring sessions. Peer mentorship can really make a difference for our young people. Very commendable program. I love that she plans to be a professor to be an inspiration for someone else's dream.
15
Tutoring might be great, but don't hold your breath -- our public schools in the US are ruled with an iron fist, the fist of the all-powerful, immensely wealthy teacher's unions. And to let in "tutors" would diminish their power.
2
I work in a unionized public school in the heavily unionized state of MA and there are plenty of tutors.
Maybe that's the attitude in "Anywheresville," but the schools where I live absolutely love volunteers at all levels. I wish more retired people would contact the schools to help. Be creative to think of ways you could assist because everyone is busy.
1
The NAI is even more impressive than this glowing article portrays. Education students, both undergrad and graduate, are heavily involved as TAs and similar in the neighborhood schools as part of their degree course. Campus organizations provide free tutoring to high school students and their are year round activities that bring these local students to campus for special programs. Plus - the university uses its massive endowment to provide generous scholarships (and free tuition to staff and faculty children who attend). USC's program should be a model to all. The top 1%'s children already receive enough affirmative action.
8
Alas, we know where the emphasis is in our American culture. As a school man with nearly fifty years experience in public and private school service, and as a preparatory school headmaster since 1985, there is no dearth of aggressive college athletic recruitment going on in America's high schools. Well known public and private colleges do a fabulous job identifying talented athletes, connecting with them during their respective junior years, and then enticing these talented athletes to attend college by offering these kids generous athletic scholarships. Virtually no parallel exists for talented academic stars-- sad really.
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Black athletes were and are the preferred targets of these white college plantations.
In the beginning there was Paul Robeson and Martin Delany.
In the beginning there was Paul Robeson and Martin Delany.
2
This should be a Times Pick.
2
Anything that can acculturate kids coming from disadvantaged backgrounds to college demands so as to dramatically increase their chances of completing a four-year course of study is to be praised. If N.A.I. has done that, then good for U.S.C.
The strategic solution to an inadequate pace of economically mainstreaming our disadvantaged since this became a social priority in the sixties and seventies must be early preparation that overcomes the realities of their cradle environments – at least enough to attempt that mainstreaming.
And since we’ve apparently lost our way at effective preparation in the secondary schools serving our most disadvantaged neighborhoods, all the help that can be gotten from regional colleges and universities to pack their pipelines with kids of promise is to be lauded.
The strategic solution to an inadequate pace of economically mainstreaming our disadvantaged since this became a social priority in the sixties and seventies must be early preparation that overcomes the realities of their cradle environments – at least enough to attempt that mainstreaming.
And since we’ve apparently lost our way at effective preparation in the secondary schools serving our most disadvantaged neighborhoods, all the help that can be gotten from regional colleges and universities to pack their pipelines with kids of promise is to be lauded.
16
The word "acculturate" makes me uncomfortable here - condescending - Pygmalion without the love story.
3
Gerard:
We do nothing useful for our kids if not "acculturate" them. They were not born full-grown and armed from the forehead of Zeus.
We do nothing useful for our kids if not "acculturate" them. They were not born full-grown and armed from the forehead of Zeus.
3
Particularly children who grow up in poor households and don't know the social and cultural nuances that help most college students achieve success.
2
Thanks Bruni. I got my doctorate in the late 90s at USC. What a long lonely heart wrenching experience we put our doctorates through, and then we waste their talent by not paying them decently, and by not treating them with respect in the academic environment that is getting toxic beyond belief. If I were to do it again I would have gotten my degree, and holding on to my gown and my academic cap, as they called me Dr. M----- S-----------, I would have ran out of the graduation hall and caught the next international flight out...like the suddenly wised-up running after their loved ones do in movies. That would have made an amusing, but definitely sad, movie in La La Land.
All that work, sacrifice, postponing dating, postponing marriage, not having money to buy my own place...struggling, struggling, struggling as a brilliant academic. Was it worth it? I joke with my relatives overseas, "America took the best of 20s, 30s and 40s" And I was not even asking for much as an educator and researcher.
My one joy was this summer when I was overseas lecturing to a group of Masters students in Public Health...and they gave me a standing ovation.
I took the road less travelled, and I hope in my twilight years (I am still young, but feel old) that I find joyful secure work as a bright dedicated educator....maybe overseas.
The US destroys education, educators, the bright and those with values.
The US broke my heart Bruni...it broke my heart as an educator.