Ernst & Young LLP Launches College MAP Program at Hope High School in Providence
Providence, RI (PRWEB) September 30, 2013 -- Ernst & Young LLP (EY US) announced today that it has launched its signature College MAP (Mentoring for Access & Persistence) program at Hope High School in Providence for the 2013-2014 school year. Now in 24 schools across the United States, the program uses a unique model of long-term, team-based mentoring that begins in high school and extends through college. The structure of the program enables students to make connections with a diverse team of mentors and has the longevity to increase success in higher education over time. At the same time, the program benefits EY US participants by giving them a unique opportunity to practice the inclusive mindset and membership in high-performing teams that the firm prizes so highly.
During interactive monthly workshops, EY US mentors and students explore topics that develop students’ awareness of the lifelong benefits of higher education. Mentors also work with students on financial readiness, including help with financial aid applications, as well as reinforcing persistence skills to help students complete a degree.
“This challenging economy shines a bright light on the need for career readiness for the next generation, and the foundation of that readiness is college access,” said Sean Lynch, Providence Office Managing Partner for Ernst & Young LLP. “As part of the firm’s mission to build a better working world, we believe we must strive to mentor the youth in our communities to pursue higher education opportunities.”
Despite the clear benefits of education attainment, low income students are under-represented on college campus. Research shows that 30% of students in the bottom quarter of incomes enroll in a four-year school. And among that group, fewer than half graduate(1). To help close this gap, EY US collaborates with College for Every Student (CFES), a not-for-profit organization committed to raising the academic aspirations of underserved youth so that they can prepare for, gain access to and succeed in college. CFES has helped more than 100,000 underserved youth in 700 schools.
College MAP offers a robust curriculum to keep students engaged and focused on preparing for, getting into and succeeding in college. As part of the program, students get to visit college campuses, talk to financial aid counselors and research careers. They also get to build their resumes, sharpen their interviewing skills and begin to create professional networks. College MAP employs a team-mentoring model whereby multiple mentors provide insight and guidance to the students and the group of students becomes its own supportive and encouraging academic community.
“I am absolutely delighted that EY US is bringing College MAP to Hope High School. Our hardworking and determined students are sure to benefit from the team-based mentoring and the exposure to the different education and career options available to them,” said Jennifer Johnson, H2O Officer.
Through College MAP and other initiatives like Cyberchase, EY US is investing in the education of tomorrow’s workforce to assist in enhancing the skills required to enable businesses and societies to thrive.
For more information about College MAP or other corporate responsibility initiatives, please visit http://www.ey.com/US/en/About-us/Corporate-Responsibility
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This news release has been issued by Ernst & Young LLP, a member firm serving clients in the US.
(1) Reardon, Sean F. “The Widening Academic Achievement Gap Between the Rich and the Poor: New Evidence and Possible Explanations.” Whither Opportunity? Rising Inequality and the Uncertain Life Chances of Low-Income Children. New York:(Russell Sage Foundation Press, 2011).
Lizzie McWilliams, Ernst & Young LLP, +1 804 344 6144, [email protected]
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