U-46 speaker to help kids plan for college

On Friday, Aug. 13, Elgin Area School District U-46 invites parents to hear Damen Lopez, founder of the No Excuses University network of schools and author of "TurnAround Schools."

Lopez also will present two afternoon sessions at South Elgin High School, 760 E. Main St., for parents and the general public. From 1 to 2 p.m., Lopez will present to an English-speaking audience. A 3 p.m. session with Spanish translation will be provided.

Partners for the presentation include Elgin Community College and Judson University, both in Elgin. Parents attending will be eligible for door prizes, including scholarships for adults or children planning to attend ECC or Judson University.

Several U-46 schools already have embraced the No Excuses University program, which encourages staff members and parents to raise expectations of students and plan for them to be prepared to attend college.

With more than half the district's 41,000 students coming from low-income households, many of the students will be the first members of their family to apply for secondary education - community college, vocational training or four-year universities.

Schools in the NEU network provide a system of support to encourage students to strive for the goal of attending college.

Seating space is limited. Parents are encouraged to call (847) 888-5000, ext. 4211, to register for one of the free sessions or e-mail their reservation to info@u-46.org.