Closing the Gap/NCLB/GEAR UP: "From High School to College, Boarding Pass to Success," book that will motivate Latino, African-American, other minorities and underprivileged students and help them to succeed in High School and in their race for College.
Information is power; sadly, even today, in the high tech information era, we can see that many kids (minorities or not) in low-income neighborhoods do not get beyond high school basically for lack of information and motivation.
Both inspirational and informative, this book traces the successful journey of a first generation Hispanic family in what represents for them "the land of opportunities," the USA, and their struggle to bring their children into Ivy League universities against all odds. If these children were able to do it, every child that follows their path can succeed. By encouraging the goal of getting a college degree in order to have a better life and to give a better life to your own kids, by showing that caressing a dream that can come true, that pursuing a goal that can be reached will definitely make a positive impact in their lives.
The story is complemented with practical information: A five-page detailed chart, "The Landmarks Along the Road," that shows, step by step, what needs to be done throughout the four years of high school, indicating not only deadlines, but approximate starting dates which will allow students to complete each step on time; an extensive list of useful URLs of sites with free practice tests, and a section on how, and where get funding for college.
Since the book details, step by step, what they need to do in high school to prepare for college, it can be assigned as a required reading in the summer between middle school and high school, or in the summer of the freshman year, when they still have time to close the gap so no child is left behind.
For further information or READ SOME CHAPTERS go to: [link removed]
There are a couple of ways in which you can encourage your students to read the book: including it in the reading lists, so they buy it and read it, designate some of the "Gear Up" funds to purchase it for the minority and low income neighborhoods kids who cannot afford it.
Should you need further information, please do not hesitate to contact me.