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ASL group meetings play a vital role in the Advancing Scholars and Leaders (ASL) program, not only in providing academic strategies and team support but also in building confidence and fostering a sense of belonging for the participating teenagers. These meetings are designed to create a supportive and inclusive environment where scholars can thrive. The following activities are recommended to achieve these objectives: Icebreaker Activities: Begin each group meeting with icebreaker activities to foster connections and promote a sense of community among the scholars. These activities can include team-building games, sharing personal experiences, or engaging in group discussions on topics of relevance. Sharing and Support: Create opportunities for scholars to share their challenges, successes, and experiences within the program. Encourage open and respectful dialogue, where scholars can offer advice, encouragement, and support to one another. Guest Speakers: Invite guest speakers from diverse backgrounds to share their personal journeys, challenges, and successes. These speakers can be accomplished professionals, alumni, or community leaders who can serve as role models and inspire the scholars. Personal Reflection: Allocate time for scholars to engage in personal reflection activities. This can include journaling, goal-setting exercises, or self-assessment activities that help them develop a stronger sense of self and purpose within the program. Celebrating Individual Achievements: Recognize and celebrate the individual successes of scholars during group meetings. This can be done through shout-outs, certificates, or small rewards that acknowledge their accomplishments, such as academic achievements, leadership development, or community contributions. Workshops on Confidence-Building: Organize workshops specifically focused on building confidence and self-esteem. These workshops can cover topics such as public speaking, effective communication, assertiveness training, and overcoming imposter syndrome. Provide scholars with practical tools and strategies to boost their confidence and empower them to excel in their academic pursuits. Mentoring and Peer Support: Encourage mentoring relationships between older ASL scholars and younger ones. Pairing scholars with mentors who have successfully navigated the program can provide valuable guidance, support, and a sense of belonging. Peer support groups can also be established to foster connections and provide a safe space for sharing experiences. Cultural Appreciation: Create opportunities for scholars to explore and appreciate their cultural heritage. Organize cultural events, guest speakers, or activities that allow scholars to celebrate their identities and foster a sense of pride in their heritage. Engage Families: Involve the families of ASL scholars by organizing family events or workshops that address their specific needs and concerns. This collaboration helps create a supportive network and reinforces the sense of belonging for the scholars. By incorporating these activities into ASL group meetings, practitioners can create an inclusive and empowering environment that not only supports academic growth but also builds confidence, fosters a sense of belonging, and cultivates a strong community of scholars who can uplift and inspire each other.

The Advancing Scholars and Leaders (ASL) program is designed to address the underrepresentation of students of color in advanced academic courses in private high schools. Co-founded by Claude Anderson and Thérèse Collins, the program aims to ensure that students of color enroll and succeed in honors and advanced placement classes, develop their leadership skills, make meaningful contributions to their communities, and prepare them for admission to the top colleges and universities with strong financial-aid packages. This section provides ideas and a guide on how to set up the ASL program in a private school setting. Program Components: Selection of ASL Scholars: Select a group of ASL scholars annually, typically between 6 and 10 students, in either 9th or 10th grade. Scholars remain in the program until graduation. Program Advisors: Appoint program advisors responsible for assessing obstacles to academic success and identifying tools to support program goals. Provide ongoing mentoring and support to ASL scholars. ASL Faculty Advisor: Assign an ASL faculty advisor to each scholar. Conduct one-on-one check-ins to monitor progress. Make course-selection recommendations. Provide self-advocacy advice and personal goal-setting support. Offer financial literacy training and assistance in budget creation. Help with saving and planning for the future. Provide planning support for college applications. Offer basic tax instruction. ASL Group Meetings: Organize regular group meetings for ASL scholars. Provide academic strategies and team support. Recognize individual successes. Offer training in managing faculty teaching styles and expectations. College Preparation: Provide SAT Prep courses. Connect scholars with young alumni in their field of interest. Offer financial-aid advice and support. Assist in scheduling college visits. Conduct leadership training workshops. Provide assistance with resume writing. Advanced Placement Humanities Preparation: Assign specifically-trained English teachers to work with 10th-grade ASL students in the required World Literature course. Identify academic gaps and prepare students for advanced humanities courses. Provide additional review of students’ preparedness. Assist with international travel planning. Collaborate with ASL families in program selection and planning. Offer financial support and budget planning. Provide logistical preparation for international trips. Advising in Partnership with Families: Establish a strong partnership with ASL families. Share curriculum information and resources. Support dialogue and connection with students regarding school life. Provide information about school programs and services. Organize family weekend events. Assist with lodging for parents. Offer logistical support in accessing teachers. Provide assistance in reviewing academic reports prior to teacher conferences. Networking Opportunities: Facilitate introductions to NMH alumni and professionals. Connect ASL scholars with guest speakers. Provide opportunities to participate in educational conferences. Offer guidance in summer and vacation planning. Assist in selecting summer courses and internships. Provide help with program and financial-aid applications. Additional Access to Financial Aid Office: Monitor financial needs closely for ASL scholars. Provide support and advising regarding financial-aid applications for off-campus programs. Standard Financial Aid Package (In addition to ASL program support): Based on demonstrated financial need, provide need-based financial aid. Offer a stipend of up to $400. Provide tutoring, CASA Coach, and subject tutoring. Supply necessary academic materials and equipment. Assist with athletic items, arts materials/fees, books and supplies, graphic calculator, laptop computer, music lessons*, and transportation* during required breaks. 11. Summer Involvement: Fostering Growth and Exploration Contacting Alumni for Internships Taking Additional Classes Summer Abroad Trips Emphasizing Athletics, Arts, or Career Exploration Camps The Advancing Scholars and Leaders (ASL) program is a comprehensive initiative designed to support students of color in their academic and leadership development. By implementing the outlined components, private schools can establish a successful ASL program that promotes equity, diversity, and inclusion within their student body. The program aims to empower students, bridge achievement gaps, and provide them with the necessary tools and opportunities to excel academically, become leaders in their communities, and gain admission to competitive colleges and universities. ASL Group Meetings: Building Confidence and Fostering Belonging ASL group meetings play a vital role in the Advancing Scholars and Leaders (ASL) program, not only in providing academic strategies and team support but also in building confidence and fostering a sense of belonging for the participating teenagers. Addressing Challenges to the Success of the Students of Color The Advancing Scholars and Leaders (ASL) program recognizes and actively addresses the challenges that students of color may encounter on their path to success. These challenges can arise from different sources, including parents, faculty, peers, and the ASL participants themselves. Read More Read More