Span Improves College Experience and Success for SFIHS Grads
By Guest Blogger Kyle Halle-Erby, Span Program Coordinator
This year, ACE and San Francisco International High School (SFIHS) launched the Span program to support SFIHS graduates as they transition into higher education.
The purpose of Span is to bridge the gap between high school and college for dedicated students committed to achieving their dreams through higher education.
Span began programming in the summer with orientations that introduced the program and helped students navigate their financial aid packages and university registration systems. Once the semester was underway, Span hosted meetings on students’ college campuses to connect the Span Scholars to academic resources available through their universities. As the program coordinator, I enjoy advocating for students at their universities and helping students make connections with supportive faculty and staff on their campuses.
However, I think the strongest testimony come from the Span Scholars themselves. Jaime Velis, a freshman at San Francisco State University planning to major in Biology says:
Jaime Velis, SFIHS grad, is now a freshman at SF State University
The Span program this year has supported me by introducing me to people on campus to whom I can refer and/or look for if I am struggling with classes, or need orientation as to what classes to take next. What I value about the Span program is the meeting all the Span scholars attending SFSU. We caught up because many of us don’t see each other, and knowing that we are going through similar things pushes me to keep going. I also value Mr. Kyle’s emails to check in with us. The Span program could be better in the future by making some study groups or gathering scholars together to share tips, experiences, or just because. Building a community helps!
So far the program is off to a good start! I’m looking forward to implementing some of Jimmy’s suggestions as this new program continues to take off.