Students: Program good despite sparse turnout

They invited all of Philadelphia's high school seniors. And despite the fact that only 63 students arrived to get help with the college application process in last night's student-sponsored and University-supported Futures program, the program's coordinators said they were pleased with the turnout. "Any number of students coming is a success for us," Wharton senior and Futures co-coordinator Lynda Bearman said last night. "High schools in Philadelphia don't necessarily have the resources to work one-on-one with students." College Access Coordinator Tom Butler, who worked with the various University student groups involved in the project, said that the low volunteer-high school senior ratio was productive. "If nothing else, the program was an opportunity for students to gain a one-on-one experience with students currently in college," Butler said. Last night's program, held in Houston Hall, was billed as a session of workshops on financial aid and college admissions for seniors from all 50 Philadelphia high schools and their parents, was geared to "encourage students to go to college." "We're just trying to give these kids an option," Bearman said. Kite and Key, the Black Student League, Black Wharton Undergraduate Association, the Bicultural Intergreek Council, Delta Upsilon, Alpha Phi Omega and the Nursing Student Forum all provided volunteers for the event. Wharton senior Terrence Alford, vice president of Black Wharton, said that the diversity of the volunteers was an important aspect of the program. "What you have here is a lot of University organizations trying to do something for the community," Alford said. "We hope to expand it in years to come." Wharton senior and Black Wharton President Lincoln Singleton said that the low attendance was probably due to the fact that the program is in its first year, but that in the future it would most likely grow. "I'm pleased to see the students from high schools, and especially that the University of Pennsylvania community has certainly turned out in force," Singleton said. In addition to the student volunteers, who offered their services to individual seniors in one-on-one advising sessions about college applications and essays, representatives from the University offered their assistance to the program as well. Janet Kobosky, regional director of admissions for the Philadelphia area, spoke to students generally about the college application process, and said she would be available to answer any questions about the University. "I'm not here with my Penn Admissions hat on," Kobosky told an audience of 30 or so students. Approximately half of the students raised their hands when asked if they had a definite interest in applying to the University. Five raised their hands when asked if they were attending the session to ask general application questions. Acting Director of Undergraduate Financial Aid Alicia Brill spoke to parents and students interested in financial aid information, answering both general questions relating to filling out forms, and specific questions relating to applying for the University's Mayor's Scholarships. Students were provided with general brochures from College Access detailing the college application process, and University-specific pamphlets detailing the University's financial aid program and Mayor's Scholarships. Coordinators of the program, however, said that the program was not aimed at attracting students to the University specifically. "We just realize the importance of going to college, and how important that is in getting a job," Bearman said.

Please note All comments are eligible for publication in The Daily Pennsylvanian.