District 214 provides support for first-generation college students

Thirty first-generation Northwest Suburban High School District 214 students and their parents or guardians toured the campuses of Marquette University and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee this spring in a new initiative aimed at ensuring long-term success for students who will become the first in their family to go to college.

The day trip, funded by the District 214 Education Foundation, included students from every school in the district, as well as The Academy at Forest View.

"You can't dream what you can't see," Superintendent David R. Schuler said. "Giving our students and their parents this opportunity helps prepare them for their future and visually demonstrate the success we know they can achieve."

The bus trips included programming on college preparation, future success and financial aid. Marquette students from District 214 provided additional insight, riding along to answer questions and discuss their own journeys. District 214 college counselors fielded questions.

Students toured academic, athletic and common areas, and heard presentations from college officials, who focused on the importance of finding the right college fit, getting involved and finishing their degree.

They also discussed services to aid success. Many of them, including writing and tutoring centers and career advisers, mirror District 214 initiatives students already are used to.

Prospect High School parent John Farias said he enjoyed talking to the current college students and hearing from the experts, who made it clear how willing they are to work with students.

"It provided me with a perspective of a public vs. a private university," Farias said, "and which of them would be a good fit."

District 214 regularly offers college trips, but the foundation excursion offered a look at institutions outside Illinois, as well as letting a parent join in.

"Going with a parent is beneficial," John Hersey High School student Emily Tai said. "It helps facilitate the parent's involvement in the student's college process."

Plans are in the works to offer additional experiences next year. For more information on the foundation, visit www.d214.org/foundation.