A Call To College

To the Call the College staff: Your unwavering dedication and support have played a vital role in guiding our seniors as they take the next steps toward their future goals. The impact of your work is evident in the confidence and clarity these graduates now carry into their post-secondary journeys. This program is truly making a meaningful difference in the Newark community by not only offering guidance but also providing essential financial support to help dreams become reality.

I had the privilege of working with A Call to College as an advisor this past year. Although my career path has taken me elsewhere, ACTC will always have a special place in my heart. From the advising meetings, programming, events, to all the hours in between, these ladies work tirelessly to provide premium service to NCS students. I worked as an advisor but had the opportunity to help with many other aspects of ACTC. Two of my favorite events (I cannot pick one) are the College Application Blitz and Kids to College. I believe I cannot pick one because both are such critical events for students. Kids to College isn’t just showing students pictures of college campuses and discussing it in class, it’s well thought out lesson plans that conclude with taking rambunctious, eager to learn 6th graders to a college campus. It blew my mind the planning and thoroughness that went into this endeavor. I had 6th graders that got to sit in a science lab and see what “class” would really be like in college. How impactful is that?! Then College Application Blitz, something I got to promote to my students in our advising sessions and then see unfold. Schools all around Ohio were there to assist students with applying to college, a hurdle that very easily can deter students. It amazes me that this was an opportunity for students. I hope to continue my own personal journey with ACTC, keep me on the volunteer roster!

A Call to College was so incredibly helpful during my high school years. Through their many events, I was given the opportunity to learn about and engage with Colleges.

A Call to College provided a wide array of help when I began looking at higher education while in high school. They supported, educated, and assisted me in finding the best university for my career goals. They continue to check on me and provide financial assistance with they Last Dollar Grant. This grant aids me in lessening the burden of college tuition. Their passion and generosity for us students is truly boundless.

I’ve taught at Newark High School for 22 years, and in that time I’ve seen A Call to College grow into an outstanding organization that goes above and beyond expectations to provide the support and resources our students need to pursue higher education. In a district with a large population of lower income families, ACTC has developed programs for elementary, middles school, and high school students to show them and their families that college is an obtainable goal for all students. With their on-site office at NHS, ACTC is available to our high school students daily. Their staff is proactive in reaching out to students to help them in all stages of college preparation, from selecting the best school for their chosen field and filling out applications for grants and scholarships, to help navigating the increasingly frustrating FAFSA process.

With approximately 1,400 students at Newark High School and only 4 regular counselors to address their high school curriculum needs and social emotional health, they simply do not have the time or work force to address college planning in a thorough and extensive way. A Call to College is a tremendous resource dedicated to that process, and they provide a multitude of programs and opportunities not offered at other high schools. From their Last Dollar Grants, College Application Blitz, free ACT test prep and testing, students have multiple ways to save money and secure money for college. Speaking as a parent of students who attended another school district, I know my own kids did not receive nearly the amount of assistance or opportunities in college planning as our students here at Newark have available to them through ACTC. I recommend this organization to all Newark students and families and encourage them to take advantage of all of the support A Call to College has to offer.

When I went to Newark High School (Newark, Ohio) I did not have family resources to pursue post high school education and there were few resources at the high school to help educate me about my options and how to finance them. A Call to College begins teaching students about post high school education in second grade. In high school, they guide students through a process to evaluate the best post high school options for them. They help their families go through the FAFSA process, obtain all the financial aid available for them, and provide scholarships and last dollar grants to help fill in any funding shortfalls! As soon as I learned about this wonderful organization, I became a donor, then a board member, and am so proud to play a small role in the advancement of this organization. Too few high schools today have as comprehensive programs as ACTC!

I have had the pleasure of working with A Call to College at Newark High School for 25 years. Through those 25 years, I have seen the members of ACTC tirelessly work to provide pertinent and timely information to the students at Newark High School. They go to great lengths to make students and the staff that work with those students, feel seen, heard, and honored. They have excellent communication with involved parties and they truly deliver "service with a smile". I understand that nonprofits are about service, and A Call to College embodies that concept from the first meeting with a student, to their final good-bye at graduation; they follow their students and work to build lasting relationships with them all the while teaching those same students about giving back. I can't say enough wonderful things about this organization and I wish all high schools could have their own A Call to College to help their students grow, learn, and explore their possibilities after they receive their high school diploma.

I am a beneficiary of the A Call to College Program where I received a Last Dollar Grant award as a graduate of Newark High School. Now I am a current teacher and co-advisor of the National Honor Society chapter at NHS, where I support students in achieving their higher education goals partnering with A Call to College. A Call to College visits classrooms and helps every student find the right path after high school. I've had the pleasure of writing recommendations for students who have received thousands of dollars in financial benefits from A Call to College. I know our students would not have as many chances of success without this program.

It is amazing to have A Call to College ‘grow’ alongside your children; an organization that teaches and reinforces the same things being taught at home. For children in elementary and middle school, A Call to College teaches the importance of education beyond high school, how to be money savvy, the 3C’s (college, careers, and cash), and offers Kid’s Tech University and the reality store. Once in high school, A Call to College staff provides workshops to assist with college admission and financial aid applications, advising on the steps involved in the college search process, and so much more. Seniors in high school, are eligible to apply for the Last Dollar Grant of up to $2000 to be applied to the college/trade school of their choosing. A Call to College is a great blessing to the Newark City school district. I am so thankful for everything A Call to College provided to my three adult children.

A Call to College (ACTC) has created a foundation of success within our school district, starting in the early elementary years. At our high school, ACTC programming spans from freshman year where students are given the tools to have a successful high school career up through senior year where students are individually supported to make confident steps into adulthood. Outside of the programming and opportunities that ACTC provides, what makes ACTC impactful is its staff's ability to create meaningful, positive relationships with the students at our school. I am so grateful that our students and staff have the privilege to work with A Call to College!

ACTC is one of my favorite nonprofits. The staff is sincere and knowledgeable. They assist students beginning with fun financial literacy programs in elementary school with their PEAK programming all the way through helping Upper Classmen in High School navigate how to responsible pursue their post secondary education. When you work with ACTC you fall in love with the students and the staff make you feel like family.

What a gift "A Call to College" is to the Newark City Schools and all of the students who attend.
The ACTC program is one of a kind. The staff is incredibly friendly, knowledgeable and helpful in navigating through the college entrance process. The program provides a detailed calendar of events and important dates at the beginning of each school year. The staff guides the students and families every step of the way. The financial aid application is another challenging part of the process. ACTC has the expertise to maneuver through this part also. They helped my niece and I so much and we are extremely grateful.
Every school district should be blessed with a program like " A Call to College".

For over a decade, I have been a donor, volunteer, and board member of A Call to College. I am passionate about this organization because of the way that they impact the future for students of Newark City Schools. By providing information, motivation, and monetary support more students choose to continue their education after high school. We support that goal in whatever way works for that particular student. Whether they desire a certificate, associate's degree, or a bachelor's degree, we have the expertise to help the student on their path.

A Call to College helped greatly my transition from high school to college. The organization assisted with every step of the way though my college journey- starting at 2nd grade. A Call to College helped me to sign up for scholarships, complete financial aid forms, and even helped my find the right college for me! I am now graduated from Kent State University and have a full time job in my field. I so grateful for what A Call to College has done for me and other high schoolers.

A Call to College is an amazing organization. They've helped so many students, including myself and my sister with the college application process. So many of us couldn't have done it without them. The staff is so welcoming and supportive. I'm very grateful for them!

I received help from A Call To College from when I was in elementary school all the way through high school. While in elementary and middle school, I was taught basic financial literary skills, taken on college visits, and given opportunities to explore different careers. Once I reached high school, they helped me prep for the ACT, apply for scholarships, and apply to colleges. I also worked one-on-one with a staff member at A Call To College during my junior and senior years with career search. Everyone was always very helpful and kind. They made the difficult college process much more manageable. My only criticism is the amount of emphasis they place on going to college. I was told you have to go to college to be financially stable/successful, and that college is for everyone. This is definitely not true. However, if you are college bound, then A Call To College is extremely helpful.

A Call to College helped not only our granddaughter but my wife and I through the process of choosing the right college, filling out the right papers,and preparing for the transfer from high school to the college life and responsibilities. We were also able to call on them when she needed help with issues that unexpectedly popped up many months after college began. I can't say enough about the support A Call to College gave our family .Thank you Shannon.

As I enter into my 3rd year of college, I want to give a big SHOUT OUT to A Call to College for my grant. With this, I can continue to pursue further studies. Being a first generation college student means so much to me and this grant is allowing me to get one step closer to my future success so thank you so much!

The A Call to College organization helped me prepare mentally and financially for college. They were so helpful in planning all the steps I needed in order to complete my FASFA, apply to schools, and plan for my next steps after high school. I'm so appreciative of all the staff that was able to work with me and make this process so much less stressful.

A Call to College helps hundreds of Newark City Schools students each year in their journey of preparing for the future. Whether it be post-secondary education, entering the military or participating in the workforce after graduation, A Call to College assists juniors and seniors who choose to participate in the program as they transition from high school to their chosen path. Activities such as career interest surveys, college searches, preparing for the ACT, visits to colleges and our local career-tech center, navigating the FAFSA, information about the ASVAB and Work Keys exams, and applying for scholarships are all examples of what is covered in individual appointments with an assigned counselor during a student’s junior and senior years in the program.

I have been privileged to be a volunteer in the A Call to College program for several years, beginning as an assistant with the curriculum delivered to 2nd, 4th and 8th grade students and then as a volunteer advisor with juniors and seniors at Newark High School. As a retired educator, I can attest to the value of a college access program and know that the scope of experiences and activities offered through A Call to College is not often replicated in other school districts. The dedicated and diverse staff have made A Call to College a true asset for students and their families in the Newark City Schools.

This organization has done a number of things to benefit the youth of Newark. They not only advise, but also educate students from 2nd grade, all the way until they are seniors, on how best to further their education (both collegiately and within trade industries). I am extremely impressed with this organization and encourage all to either seek them out for advice or to donate to their cause.

I had Jen Holtsberry she helped me all throughout the process of getting set up to go to college and was very supportive of my goals and what i wanted my future to look like during my time in college and gave very helpful advise i fully recommend them if you are thinking about college

A Call To College inspired and motivated me to attend college while I was in Highschool. While in College The Call To College has helped me financially throughout my college process. It's been 12 years since I graduated from Newark High High School and A Call To College has still been able to help me through my college journey. I am so thankful for the Support of A Call To College. I have been blessed to have access to such a valuable resource. Thank you A Call To College for making college possible for me.

I have had so many great experiences with A Call to College throughout my high school and college journey. As a first-generation college student, I was unsure of where to even begin when deciding on a career, which university I wanted to attend, and how I was going to afford the schooling. They met with me many times and helped me every step of the way from submitting applications to even taking me on tours to my top schools. Once I was accepted into college, they reminded me to apply for the Last Dollar Grant each year and it made a huge impact on my ability to pay for each semester. I will forever be grateful for all of the time, support, and care this organization has provided me with over the years.

This non-profit organization has supported me all throughout college and I’m so great full for it! If you are in the Newark area or go to Newark High School I’d definitely recommend that all students going to college to check them out!

A Call To College at Newark High school is an amazing program which I am grateful to partner. As the instructor for the Jobs for Ohio's Graduates program, the partnership with A Call to College has greatly encouraged my students to consider furthering their education after high school. This program has also given my students an opportunity to experience the interviewing process. They have become stronger and more mature in their decision-making skills about their future. Although we know many students may attend a post-secondary establishment, A Call to College continues to wonderfully encourage our students become their best self.

What makes A Call to College such a wonderful program is the community involvement along with the many folks that truly put all the students first. Collectively, everyone thinks about the valedictorians, student-athletes and the at risk students along with their many differences when growing the organization for the future.

As a Newark High School graduate, I was the grateful recipient of a last dollar grant for my four years of undergrad. Now, I am proud to serve as a board member with the organization that helped make my post-secondary education affordable. Since my time at Newark, it is astounding how much A Call to College has expanded their role in helping Newark City School students pursue higher education - increasing the value of last dollar grants, expanding the number of last dollar grants awarded, and robust programming starting as early as second grade to promote post-high school education. Newark City Schools is fortunate to have A Call to College as a partner in education!

A Call To College is an absolute gem to the Newark community. During my four years with the program, I had the honor of helping dozens juniors and seniors navigate their post-high school plans through individualized, one-on-one advising. Seeing the impact this service has on each student's life has made this an incredibly gratifying and humbling experience. As an advisor, I had the benefit of working closely with a top-notch staff that was not only knowledgeable and engaging, but also clearly demonstrated a passion for the mission. Materials were always well-prepared, training was relevant and thorough, and the atmosphere was fun and inviting. Every community should strive to have a program like A Call To College!

A call to college has given me the opportunity to attend college, and has helped me financially with my expenses. Being a first generation college student, they have given me the knowledge and prepared me in every aspect. They have always been supportive and involved in not only my life but every students life. Thank You A Call to College!

I cannot say enough about how invaluable of a resource A Call to College has been in my journey to finish off my high school career and begin the journey through college. Every interaction with their volunteers allowed me to have confidence in selecting my college, filling out FAFSA paperwork, and assisting with scholarship opportunities. I am beyond thankful to have had access to such great people and hope to be able to give back to future students in the upcoming school year.

I am forever grateful to A Call to College for all the help they gave my daughter. She will be a first generation college student with the thanks to A Call to College. We live paycheck to paycheck and had no way to send her to college. She fought hard to maintain an excellent GPA (4.46) and spoke regularly to A Call to College counselor who helped her so much. They advised her on the scholarships she should apply for and in return she WILL be going to the college of her choice!!! Again I am forever grateful to A Call to College for helping send my daughter to college.

So grateful for all the info and help they provided. Without their assistance we would have been so overwhelmed with the entire process.
Any questions we had they answered quickly and were able to provided us with every end date, email, phone number and links that we needed. We couldn't have done it without your team! Thank you so much!

A Call To College helped myself and my peers access success by giving us the tools to prepare for college.

A Call To College has been very helpful to me throughout my high school and college career. Not only have they provided me money for college but they also helped prepare me for any task in college. Whatever I needed help with, they were there to help. They started at a very young age by giving me the help and knowledge I needed to keep on learning. Starting at elementary school prepped me all the way up till now.

I was a very fortunate student to have ACTC from 2nd grade up until the time I graduated, and even now.

As a first generation student I was always sure that I wanted to go on to further my education, up until my junior year, that is.

ACTC was frequently in my classroom; teaching us money skills, the importance of school, and when the time came; they were there to help us apply to any school of our choice, any necessary financial aid, or in my case just to help me explore my options.

My counselor, Caileigh was wonderful! When it came time to start choosing colleges and really making the big decisions, I no longer had a strong desire to go to college. I didn’t know what I wanted to major in, I had a lot of things going on at home, and it really just sounded too expensive. I explained my concerns to Caileigh and she was extremely understanding. She walked me through my options, explained the financial aid that was available, and didn’t push me into going to college. Rather, she listened to my concerns and desires and did her best to get me to the place that I wanted to be. At that time, it was just to find a good job and figure out what I wanted to do with the rest of my life.

Fast forward a year and I am now enrolled for the Fall 2021 semester at Liberty University. Caileigh really had my best interests at heart, now that I have an amazing job that allowed me to save up some tuition money, college doesn’t seem like such a financial burden. I have a strong plan for my future, and I can’t wait to see where life takes me!

If it wasn’t for ACTC, I don’t believe that I would see the value in furthering my education. ACTC encouraged me to go beyond my comfort zone, without pushing my boundaries; and because of that, I am standing where I am today.

A Call to College helps students and their families navigate the process of post high school education. Volunteer advisors from the community meet with juniors and seniors to discuss their plans and the steps necessary to achieve their educational goals after high school. The program also provides ACT preparation programs, college signup fairs and campus tours, assistance with college and financial aid applications and importantly, encouragement to the students, many who are the first in their families to attend post secondary education. A Call to College also provides programs for elementary and middle school students.

A Call to College has been an amazing program to work with, as a colleague and as a parent of a graduating senior. Throughout the years, I have seen each of the available programs that they have offered to the students of Newark City Schools. Additionally as a teacher at Newark High School I have had the privilege of working directly with the Start Your Story program offered to ninth grade students.

As a colleague, I can say that the staff is extremely organized, caring and knowledgeable about each of the opportunities that they have to offer to our students. As a parent, with a soon to be graduate, having the availability of the resources that ACTC offers was immeasurable. From the College Blitz/application process, to general knowledge questions to guide us through the entire college transition, including FAFSA and scholarship/grant opportunities, A Call to College was there to answer our questions and make us feel at ease with the entire process.

A Call To College has always be a big help when preparing for the following year of college. They are always there to help with any questions you have and can help you through any kind of applications or paperwork you have. The entire staff for A Call To College is always willing to help and either answers your questions personally or will send you in the right direction to get what you need. Having A Call To College at my high school made preparing for college a nice and smooth process where I did not have to stress over everything.

A Call to College came to my 6th grade class for many years and taught the students about educational opportunities beyond high school. Their program was well crafted and professionally presented. The staff was caring and made excellent connections with the students. All lessons were age-appropriate and engaging for all ability levels. Most impressive of all, the program culminated with a fieldtrip to local colleges. This was a highlight of the year for students. Most students had never set foot on a college campus before and loved this new experience. As a teacher, it was a blessing to see the excitement in my students' eyes and to see how knowledgeable they sounded about college after having been through A Call to College's lessons. A Call to College is broadening students' horizons, planting dreams, and changing lives!

My name is Wes Grunden and I am the Assistant Director of Admissions at Ohio State Newark. I have spent the past 5 years working closely with A Call to College. Collectively, we have collaborated in advising students of the Newark school district and preparing them for college. I can safely say that A Call to College has the best professionals around that give their students hands-on attention. Not only do they continually advise students from an early age through high school, but their programming is sensational. I have partnered with them and volunteered for application nights, campus visits and their Reality Store simulation (designed to teach the importance of budgeting and finance) for middle school students. It is well known in the higher education circles of central Ohio that A Call to College is a "well-oiled machine" that truly prepares their students for life after high school. Personally, it has been a pleasure working with them these past 5 years, and especially the previous year during the pandemic. As we all began seeing things turn into a remote/virtual environment, A Call to College doubled their efforts to make sure that no student was left behind and their admissions process into college was as smooth as possible!

As a first-generation college student, my family had no idea where to start when it came to ANYTHING college-related. I was so thankful to have the ACTC staff there to help me. They pointed me in the right direction when it came to admissions, scholarships, financial aid, and college preparations. I am so thankful I had the chance to work with them!!!

A Call to College, located in Newark, Ohio is a nonprofit that helps students find a way to attend college. Before participating in this program I had very little idea how to move through the processes of applying to college and how to get scholarships. A Call to College helped me apply for colleges, and scholarships and it is thanks to them that I can attend the wonderful school I do. They were also a huge help to me during ACT testing, offering tutoring and practice test opportunities.

Dear Reader,

A Call To College is a nonprofit college access organization in Newark, Ohio. I have been apart of Newark City Schools K-12 and A Call To College has always been apart of my primary and secondary education. This organization teaches children/teens and gives them opportunities to learn and understand their future options from an early age to high school alumni. A Call To College has been so helpful to have all of these years. Being a first household college student was not easy and there were many things me and my parents had no idea about. A Call to College helped guided my path to my future and helped me and my family financially. I believe a lot more schools should have access to such a great organization, staff and donors.
Thank you to everyone at a Call To College.
- Brianna Harvey

Students begin their PEAK journey in second grade by getting a glimpse of college through the eyes of local college students. By the 8th grade, "Reality Store" prepares them for the reality of how your choices - personal and financial - determine your future. As our new freshmen enter Newark High School, A Call to College is there to take them through to their final steps. With the generosity of Last Dollar Grants students walk out of our hallways into possibly the same college hallways they visited on their 6th grade campus visit, ready to build their future.
It has been an absolute honor as a Newark City Schools building leader to participate in implementing the PEAK program from its inception and more importantly, watch how students learn and grow from year to year.

I have never volunteered with an organization where the “red carpet is truly rolled out.” ACTC staff displays the upmost professionalism, support and appreciation for every individual. Likewise, I have always felt educated for my role to provide the best service to the Newark City Schools student body. ACTC has a very high standard and this is displayed from the top down of this nonprofit. I think we could all gain personal
growth from the leadership ACTC models. Hats off to a phenomenal group!

In my 38 years of working in education I never saw a county wide educational community come together like we did twelve years ago when CAN DO Access (to college) whose partners included Central Ohio Technical College, A Call to College, Newark City Schools, Denison University, and Ohio State University at Newark, partnered to initiate the PEAK program. A Call to College fostered this strategic and important partnership which to this day has helped thousands of Newark City Schools students believe that they CAN achieve their dreams and go to college!

I have been a volunteer advisor with A Call To College for the last 5 years and I am still in awe of this program! The age range of students, the diversity of their back grounds and the depth of their individual needs are never an obstacle. Rather, they are a challenge for the staff to find new and inovative ways to help every single student. This program inspires younger students to dream of a future education, middle school students to start facing the reality of what life might look like without further eduction and , in great detail, assists every high school junior and senior in researching and executing a plan to achieve their educational goals.
A Call to College is there to help with prep for ACT testing, filing the FAFSA, finding and filling our scholarship applications, and awarding it's own 'Last Dollar Grant' , to name a few benefits . This program is there to guide and support the Students of Newark City Schools all through their years of attendance and into their future. The door is always open to our students and their families.
It has been an honor to be a part of this program.

We have had two students ('18,'20) participate with the programming and receive Last Dollar Grants. The timelines the program provides really help parents and students stay on track for the conversations, visits, applications and financial aid progress without getting overwhelmed or behind. Some of the programming and information can feel a bit repetitive if you have two or more students separated by a year or two, but it's all set up well to take advantage of what makes sense for your family. I have found the student -staff pairings exceptionally helpful. Our youngest student was paired with Brent Smith, and even if Brent was talking with him about the same information as we would be, our student paid attention differently and absorbed the advice in a much better way. He looked forward to his meetings and always recapped them with plenty of details. When he was ready to make his acceptance decision, Brent was one of the first people he wanted to tell.

Both of our students applied to a reasonable number of schools that they were most interested in, and were able to take advantage of the College Application Blitz, where some of the application fees were waived.

We found the ACT prep classes and lunch time programming to be the right fit for going over the material in a guided way and help be prepared for the test in a way that didn't overwhelm or panic the kids.

In talking with other high school parents it's easy to learn that most high schools don't have a similar program and parents and students are left on their own for this type of support. Not only does A Call to College keep the family generally on track for the decision process, but also helps with some of the costs. In addition to the Last Dollar grants the program helps with ACT prep classes, Senior year ACT test fee, and the College Application Blitz. These costs might be $65 or more a piece, allowing the family to be strategic with every dollar possible for additional test dates, and college deposits and expenses. Our entire family has found it valuable. Even as our students are navigating the college experience, we've been able to continue to utilize A Call to College staff for FAFSA and Financial Aid questions. Just a great layer of support, guidance and understanding!

A call to college is a great program I got to participate at NHS. Most people think oh $1000 isnt a lot but you can renew the grant for four years. For me thats a big deal because thats $4000 less im going to be taking out in a loan and for that im grateful. This year because the pandemic they changed the formatting to apply a little and I thought it was great. Super easy to fill out and email the other information. It was a quick and painless process and for that im also grateful because it can be difficult sometimes trying to make time for things.

A Call To College is an outstanding program that has helped me during my high school career by learning about how to prepare for college and aiding me in my college ventures, such as preparing AND paying for my ACT test. The program is very helpful during the junior and senior years of high school as they help you make informed decisions about where you are going after high school and how you are going to get there. I would recommend this program to every high school student interested in building a career after high school; especially students who will be first generation college students like I am.

A Call to College has been an invaluable part of helping me decided to take the path to college , as well as aiding me through the whole process. From applying to reviewing financial aid packages and choosing a college. The staff is full of welcoming individuals who are dedicated to help with all aspects of furthering a you’re education.Personally I applied to many different colleges and Mr.Underhill specifically took the time to help make it a very positive experience . From applying to answering any questions me and my family have had and especially with much assistance reviewing my financial aid options.

A Call to College reaches out to students and parents when they have a problem, and there is never a time when they aren't there to help you. I really appreciate that, because when life gets in the way, and you forget to do the important things to prepare you for your future, A Call to College is always there to help you get it done.

Thanks again for your knowledge and helpfulness with the FAFSA and preparing us for college.
There is no way we would have made it through the process without YOU!!! It's really a lot of information to understand, from year to year.
Thanks for being there for us.

A Call to College is a change agent for Newark, Ohio. A generation of students have been counseled and are given last dollar grants to help them with their post secondary education. Trained staff and volunteers are passionate about student success and have made a difference in the lives of thousands of students with increasing participation each year. What a gift to this community and a model for other school districts as well.

A Call To College has helped me so much with my college experience! I am currently going into my senior year of college, and this program has definitely played a major role in getting me to where I am today. The support from the wonderful staff while I was in high school was so helpful—they made the transition and all of the confusing aspects of applying to college, financial aid, so much more so easy for me. I am so grateful to this program. In addition to this, having received a scholarship every year while in college has helped me get so much closer to reaching my goals. One day I will be an RN, and I believe that A Call To College played a major role in that.

A call to college has helped me in every way to get back on track to college. I’ve been out of high school for two years and was excited to start college this fall. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the help from Tara Houdeshell and all the other advisors from Newark High School. I am forever grateful for Tara taking time out of her summer to get me on the right path! With being a full time mom and full time employee she was able to work around my schedule and help me prepare all my applications for this fall. If it wasn’t for them I definitely wouldn’t be where I am with what i have. I appreciate every single person working hard to make it easy for us to go back to school! Everyone needs to take advantage of the opportunities they have.

A Call to College is one of the best, if not the best, nonprofit organization out there. Their programs have helped not just me, but thousands of other students grades 2-12 embark on their college journey. I know that second grade may sound a bit young to be thinking about education after high school, but each project and event that they host leaves a new impact for the student's memories to hold.

My personal experience with this organization is nothing but good things! They have helped me with things such as preparing for the dreaded ACT test, finding what college would best fit me, and they have even held my hand through signing up for college orientations and paying my initial fees. Without A Call to College I don't think that I would have made it this far when it comes to my education. They have helped me so much and have always done so with a smile. I appreciate all of their hard work and I am excited to see what more they can do in the future!

Not only am I a proud Board Member with A Call to College (ACTC), but I have also volunteered with this wonderful organization for over 20 years. The way in which ACTC assists students through the entire college admissions and financial aid process is significant and unlike other college access programs. They plant the seed of "College is Possible" as early as second grade with their elementary and middle school programming. Then they continue this groundwork by assisting juniors and seniors through the college process. And then to award over a million dollars in need-based grants just speaks volumes for what ACTC is capable of. Newark City Schools are so fortunate to have this resource available to students and parents. They serve as a model to other schools for how to run a successful program. To say I am proud to be involved with ACTC is an understatement. The co-founders would be so proud to see where their vision has gone!

I am very thankful for the opportunity to work with A Call To College, and for recieving their assistance with my plan of action for college.

I have been affiliated with Newark City School's A Call to College program for many years, as I am a classroom teacher in the District's high school. I have watched the program continue to be focused on its mission of helping students find and secure funds for post-high school education. The staff and volunteers work tirelessly to meet with students, to help them understand the college and financial aid process, and to celebrate their commitment to furthering their own education. In my years in the classroom I have watched the A Call to College program grow from only counseling college bound seniors to now helping juniors prepare for the ACT and the college search process, working with freshman and sophomores learning about post-secondary and career education opportunities and conducting programs for 8th, 6th, 4th and 2nd graders to further their "college knowledge." A Call to College has secured funding for grants and scholarships for students committed to furthering their educations. They provide tremendously valuable counseling for students who need help understanding the many elements of paying for college. In a district where there is a very high rate of poverty, A Call to College has provided a treasure chest of opportunity and access for first generation college students as well as those seeking professional trade educations. It has been an honor and a privilege to be affiliated with this incredible organization.

I think that call to college is very helpful! Their very welcoming and I did not feel like it was just a meeting to talk about my future. They made a connection with me and really encouraged me to go somewhere that I was going to love! As well as finding a place to reach my full potential and I cannot thank them enough!

A Call to College has been a valuable resource for my husband and I as we help our oldest prepare for the next step in her academic career. The college process has changed since we were seniors in High School, therefore making the staff and advisers a huge help to not only our daughter but to us as well. Thank you so much for helping our daughter prepare for this exciting chapter in her life.

LOVE this program! They offer so much support and direction to students and their families in preparing for the future. I cannot express the amount of gratitude our family has for this program. From exciting kids at an early age, to facilitating college visits and ACT prep....Call to College in Newark Ohio is one of a kind and we are lucky to have them in our community!

A Call to College is a phenomenal organization! The staff went above and beyond to assist my daughter with her pursuit of a college education. They provided her a wealth of valuable programming and services, including free ACT prep and testing, college information and planning nights, advising, college visits, an application blitz night, college fairs and a Last Dollar Grant. Moreover, they extended their services to assist me with completing the FAFSA, kept me up to date on upcoming events through text reminders and provided me with helpful tips and information through periodic newsletters. In addition, Brett always took the time to patiently answer my MANY questions and provided reassurance. I sincerely appreciate everything the staff has done to assist us with my daughter's pursuit of a college education. Without a doubt, the efforts of A Call to College have a positive impact on the students at Newark High School!

A Call to College is a wonderful program. I have been fortunate to have had experiences with this program as a second grade and an eighth grade teacher and as a step-parent of children in the district. The program exposes students to the importance of getting a good education and to what options are available to them after they graduate high school. Volunteers begin talking to students in elementary school and continue all the way through high school. Students learn about college, saving, budgeting, planning ahead, and moving forward with their education. They provide numerous resources to students who are applying to college and/or post-secondary education. The program also offers assistance for parents who are in the process of filling out the FAFSA. Our community is very lucky to have a program like A Call to College that is so devoted to continuing education.

What an energetic, fun-filled, informative experience at The Works! The creators of the program were very knowledgeable and presented the subject matter clearly so that maximum learning occurred. They also visited our school to link the learning to activities in the classroom. I cannot think of a thing that could have been improved!

I have been a volunteer with A Call to College for 3 years now. Over the last 3 years I have been amazed at how well this organization connects with students in a way that can make a very stressful time, like preparing for college, and make it less stressful by guiding them through the process. They truly care about the future success of students after high school.

We are the parents of four children who have gone through this school system. When our oldest daughter was a senior, A Call to College was there for us every step of the way. This was our first experience with college and the work it takes to prepare. ACTC made it seem effortless. They were positive and practically held our hand. I will be forever grateful for their assistance as we had three more children coming up behind her.
I can remember when the Peak Program began. It was that same year that our oldest was a senior. Our 2nd grade son came home so very excited about the visitors in his classroom that day. He couldn’t wait for me to read the book he was given called I Know I Can. What a wonderful way to start small minds geared toward further education.
A Call to College explains the process in such a way that every parent feels they can help their child achieve their goals. The students understand and in turn get excited about the possibility of attending college. Even after the first year, students are encouraged to continue their studies with the opportunity to have The Last Dollar Grant for the entire four years!
ACTC invites colleges to come to the high school campus and set up a table with representatives to help answer questions or apply for their schools. They also take the students on college campus tours. Some of these students may not have visited otherwise. They provide workshops for filling out the FAFSA, ACT Prep and a free ACT test to all seniors and guidance for additional scholarships.
My husband teaches in a different school district and dreams of having this program for his student!
We want to thank the generous donors with the vision to begin this program. It has been a true blessing to this family!

This nonprofit not only gives funds to students but does so much more! They start in elementary school by just having conversations with the word college . Many students in this school district do not have knowledge about continuing their education. This continues in middle school. At the high school level, they have study sessions for the ACT and provide one free ACT test. They also take students to different college trips. This is how my daughter found her college choice. When she returned from her trip, we knew that she would attend Ohio University. During a student's jr and sr years of high school, the program helps them apply to schools and guidance to make their applications better. The Call to College Program has the Last Dollar Grant. Both of my daughters were fortunate to receive this grant. One great thing about this is that they can reapply for the four years in college-just not their freshman year! The one thing that the recipients have to do is give back to the program by visiting their school and talk about their college experience. What a way to give back and encourage others to continue their education!

A Call To College has helped in anyway that they can. By having this nonprofit organization in a high school, it allows the students to get information on colleges that they need in order to continue their education. A Call to College helped me by showing which college best fit my interest and which college best fit my budget. Even though each student is different, this organization leads students to success!
-Brittany Butler

My students look forward to this program year after year. A Call To College engages my 4th grade students to learn about college-going behaviors and the vocabulary that is associated with college in fun way. They also teach them the importance of financial literacy and money skills such as saving, investing, spending, and donating. Students actually get to earn money, decide how they want to spend it and choose a philanthropy to donate to. This is always a rewarding learning experience. A Call To College has been such a valuable experience to my students that they continue to look forward to it throughout their school years.

One of the things I look forward to each year is volunteering for the Reality Store Liberty Middle School. This activity is a great way to show them the little steps that life brings in the adult world. It is a real world activity within the safety net activity to help them see the actions and the decisions they make have consequences. Some turn out well and others learn hard lessons. I think this is a great way to help them prepare for life and responsibilities as well as how their education now and continuing will play a crucial part in their lives. I believe this is something we need to continue to educate and enrich the children of our community now and in their future.

I have volunteered with A Call to College over a number of years.
They do a tremendous job helping high school students get into colleges and universities.
Actually, ACTC starts younger school age students think about college while still in their elementary grades. They challenge public school students to think about life and what goals they want to pursue.

At the beginning of the year my students take a survey that asks them if they want to go to college, most of my students mark no. At the end of the program they take the same survey and almost all of them change their answer to yes. This program helps instill that college is very important for success as an adult. It is an amazing program!

A Call To College was exceptionally helpful resource to me while I was in high school, and has continued to help as I pursue my undergraduate degree. One of the best forms of assistance they offered while I was in high school was helping with the ACT. They paid for me to take it, and also administered a practice test several months before that definitely made my score higher than it would have been without that preparation. Since I graduated, they have helped to make my college more affordable for my family by awarding me with the Last Dollar Grant. This is a great nonprofit that really seeks to help out students be able to reach their academic goals both in and out of high school.

Our family cannot thank A Call to College enough for their continued financial support. Their generosity has made it possible to cover expenses such as tuition, books, house and more. The work they do on behalf of our students is outstanding and our community is truly blessed to have this organization.

Refreshing to deal with a non-profit that walks the walks when it comes to community service. A Call to College get's it and put the students and education first during a time when we focus far too much on sports.

Thanks for a job well done!!!!

Wow! Call to College is a fabulous program! I have been involved many years and it is such a privilege to interact with the children. The program is so uplifting to the students and very well organized. Thanks for all you do!

My experience with A Call To College and its staff over the past 10 years has been nothing less than fantastic. It continues to provide real, tangible support toward ensuring high school students from my hometown can enroll in college if they desire to do so. The program does this through last dollar grants, counseling and assistance in the financial aide process, among other forms of support to high school students. In addition, it's programs for younger students (beginning in 2nd grade) help to encourage a mindset toward higher education at an early age. With the changing demographics of the Newark community, this mission fills a critical need. Though a diverse group, the leadership and staff of A Call To College share a common passion for the program. As such, everything they do is for the benefit of students, including their professional interactions with the community. A huge "hats off" to you! Thank you for everything you do each to support our youth!!

I have been in contact or dealt directly with ACTC for the past 5 years. Because I have taught Seniors, Juniors, and Freshmen, the volunteers and workers would often come into my room to present or give lessons on the different topics related to each grade level. All of the ACTC staff are completely professional, polite, and extremely helpful. I love partnering with the ACTC staff members because they are always so prepared and really try to help the kids in life after high school.

They work very hard to help students, parents, and teachers with students' transitions to college/career. The ACTC Junior ACT prep program is top-notch. I've worked with the staff 4 out of the 5 years I have been teaching, having the ACTC staff come into my classroom to help my Juniors prepare for the ACT test. They offer before, after, and during school test prep for Juniors and throughout the year have events which promote college/career readiness.

I don't get to see their elementary programs in process, but I know they have implemented money awareness, future planning, and college prep programs for our younger students in the district as well. Students come up to the high school with a familiarity of ACTC and its purpose, which often helps builds relationships when discussing college/career planning as freshmen.

Overall, one of the best things about working in our school district, is the ACTC program. So many students have benefitted from their wisdom and guidance over the years. I often have kids that come back as graduates who volunteer for different events for ACTC, which is a testament to what this program is all about!

I wouldn't have been able to complete the college preparation process without A Call To College. They're great people who do great things for their students. Great organization!

Thank all of you so much for your support and help as I prepared to take the next step towards my future! Having the opportunity to meet with my adviser where I could gather my thoughts and organize my plan of action my junior and senior year of high school was a huge help and a great stress-reliever!

A Call To College is a fabulous non-profit organization that operates directly out of the Newark High School building and provides overwhelmed students with the information and guidance they need to pursue higher education, should they choose to. With FAFSA assistance, ACT and SAT prep help, and the generous Last Dollar Grant, college-bound students need not fear their future as they will receive advice and considerable financial assistance every step of the way. Even though college and branching out into the real world is a scary transition, A Call to College ensures that NCS students don't have to go it alone.

A Call to College is a fantastic organization whose mission helps local students realize their college dreams. I will be a sophomore at Kent State University this year and have been the recipient of two scholarships from A Call to College. These have been a huge financial help to me and my family and I can't thank them enough for their generosity and for the good work they do. Our community is truly blessed to have such an organization.

Brian Boehmer

A Call to College has been a huge help to us in navigating all aspects of the college experience for both of our sons- from filling out FAFSA forms, applying for scholarships, and all types of general advice about college.
The staff and advisors at ACTC are all very helpful and go out of their way to provide information, support, and encouragement to students and parents alike.
Some of our family friends from other school districts are always so surprised to learn that Newark City Schools has such a great resource available to us and have said they wish their own schools offered something similar.
ACTC has been so important to us in helping with the nuts and bolts of financing and obtaining a college education for our sons. Without the knowledgeable assistance and financial help from ACTC and their generous donors, our family would have struggled greatly having 2 kids in college at the same time. The financial help and support from ACTC has had such a positive impact on both our sons, and our whole family. Thank you from the Pancini family !!!!!!

Attending college is essential to completing my life goal of becoming a CPA. Though college provides endless opportunities, it also comes with a great deal of financial burden. I just completed my second year of college and am about to start my third, and A Call to College has helped me all three years by taking some of that burden off. This has allowed me to not worry about the money as much, and to focus on my studies and campus involvement more. A Call to College has definitely played a huge role in contributing to my success and has allowed me to further prepare myself for my career.

A Call to College is awesome!!! I am a Newark High school student who comes from a family with a single income. So the idea of having over $20,000 in college debt wasn't very inviting. The A Call to College foundation at my local high school has been very helpful in relieving some of this burden. With help from a Call to College, Licking county Foundation and several other scholarships i have been able to college with no debt so far. I am currently in my junior year at The Ohio State University pursuing a Bachelors degree in Welding Engineering.

A Call to College is made up by a group of people dedicated to making college accessible and affordable. And what makes that group so unique is the drive, the commitment and personal mission that they share in making this happen. Though a small group, they are tireless champions who educate and tell the story over and over – driving home the message that yes, you've got this and yes, you can be exactly who you always wanted to be . That is a message all children need to hear.

A Call to College provides a vital service to the students who live in my community. Starting in second grade, the group's programming encourages students to think of high school graduation as the beginning of their lives, and as a stepping-off point for their futures. A Call to College also helps students prepare for the ACT, college applications and financial aid. The cherry on top is in the Last Dollar grants that all students can apply for, which give up to $1,000-per-year for four years to students who need the extra help.

As a student, I believe that each member of the A Call to College staff genuinely cares about the success of myself and my peers. I have always left their office feeling relieved and confident in our solutions. This program made a HUGE difference on my college decision process.

I'm a relatively new member to the Newark community and am the Head of Children's services for the county library system. This group has invited to me to participate with them as a guest reader during their career day program & the day was very well put together. The purpose of career day is to allow the 2nd grade students to be exposed to a variety of career options in an up-close, informal setting. Each child gets a book to keep. This small portion of the program that I've participated in is just one facet of a large, ongoing program that takes place each fall.

This is a group of extraordinary people who deeply care about the students they serve. The level of dedication and attention they give to every student who walks through their doors is what sets them apart. The programs they implement changed my life by giving me the information needed to start my college career. But they did not stop there! Next was a four year scholarship used for books and other miscellaneous costs. I have been involved with this great organization first as a student and now as a volunteer. I came back because I saw firsthand how important this organization is to our community.

A Call to College is a great nonprofit organization that has helped numerous students over the years at Newark High School. Counselors are always available to help with college searches, scholarships, and filling out financial forms. As a recipient of a Last Dollar Grant, I have always felt encouraged and special to A Call to College, even as a senior in college. I know that they will continue to make a difference in the community of Newark and I hope to be able to help do so.

We partner with A Call to College for many programs and they are always amazing partners. they assist us with identifying students for Needs Based Scholarships and STEM programs. The opportunities they provide for local students are leading to great academic accomplishments. We love this group and all their offerings.

As a volunteer advisor with ACTC, I am continually impressed by the scope of offerings; from 2nd grade programs thru graduation.
Students are exposed to the importance of continuing their education and the knowledge that it is a real possibility for each of them. With tools like the Big Future website they can learn about and compare colleges.
Advisors meet with all students at regular intervals to insure they are on track to graduate and have access to information from financial aid to the ACT and every important date and event.
I have been extremely impressed with the organization and preparedness of every facet of Newark's ACTC program and I feel that it is an integral part of the success of all of our students!!

As a first-generation college student, I had all the support in the world from my parents, but none of the three of us knew where to even start with getting me into college, let alone how to get me through the entire process. A Call to College not only helped me figure out my starting point, but they have run the entire race with me. From visiting colleges and applying for the FAFSA to finding enough scholarship money to be able to afford the tuition year after year, A Call to College has continually offered me their support and expertise, and the staff members were just as excited to see me start college as I was! This is not a special case, either; I have seen the staff members work just as diligently to help every student they come across, and be just as thrilled when each of them succeeds.

ACTC does a fantastic job preparing NHS students for the transition to college. The Last Dollar Grant that ACTC offers is very helpful for many families, mine included, in covering college expenses. Amazing organization!

A Call to College has been very helpful to me during my high school years. Whenever I had a question or concern there was always someone available to assist me. Additionally, the advisors helped to keep me on track with the meetings that were held throughout the year. Most importantly, I was very grateful to receive a financial award before the beginning of my freshman year of college.

A Call to College and it's staff are awesome! They offer much needed help and experience with enrolling your child in college, more than just offering scholarships. Of course the scholarships are wonderful and a huge benefit! They will help you understand the whole financial-aid and student loan process. For incoming freshman and their "first kid in college" parent, it can be very daunting! A special thank you to Tara for answering my many phone calls in one day and walking me through it!

A Call to College has been enormously helpful to me in the process of going back to school. Everyone there is friendly and available to help me with any questions I have about financial aid, enrolling, even how to find the right school for me. My academic career has been so much smoother because I have their help. Couldn't have done it without you!!

It is outstanding that A Call to College has been able to help relieve financial stress throughout my undergraduate career. Somehow the good news has been delivered in times of greateer need for my family, so I thank God for that. I am grateful for such a consistent, generous program to be included in my life.

I have volunteered at A Call to College as a high school adviser for 6 years and it is a wonderful organization. College or any form of education beyond high school is so important to succeed in the world today and, for too many, the cost is too great. A Call to College advisers help juniors and seniors at Newark High School navigate the financial aid and scholarship maze so that they can achieve their goal of higher education. The teamwork at A Call to College, from the board down, along with the collaboration with the Newark school system is amazing. I am proud to be a part of an organization that is helping young people pursue their passions!

A Call to College has helped me with college journey in so many ways. By providing excellent guidance and financial help, A Call to College has shown that students like me are their top priority. One of the most valuable things A Call to college has taught me is how to prepare for the future. With great support and guidance they gave me that needed extra hand. I encourage every Newark student to get involved with A Call to College since their staff will be there from day one to the very end of one’s exciting journey through college. They are the shadow that has your back! Always!

I have worked with and helped A Call to College for 3 years now, and everybody who works there is so passionate about helping the children they serve. It is inspiring to work with them, and to watch the changes they have made in Newark

I have volunteered with ACTC the past three years while I have been in college and all of my experiences have been great. The kids seem to learn a great deal about college and how they can get there. Everyone in this organization is kind and helpful and they truly care about the kids.

Although I serve on many boards, A Call to College is by far my favorite. This organization is a huge asset to our community. Not only do they help high school seniors get a college education, they start telling students about college early. The PEAK program provides information and encouragement in grades 2,4,6, and 8 with programs directed to the specific grade. They also help high school juniors prepare for the ACT test. A Call to College is highly respected and supported by the community. I am proud to be a part of such an organization.

A Call to College is a well-devised, well-implemented program in the Newark OH school system, designed to increase the likelihood that students (and their parents) will come to envision college in their futures. It involves intervening at important moments in the students' school careers to provide age-appropriate encouragements. My experience with the program is as a volunteer in the stage that involves second-graders, called "Reading Rocks at the Library." In this stage, as a resident at a local senior living community, I (and many of my friends) visit with second-graders at the Newark public library, to talk with them about how books are avenues to grand stories, valuable information, adventures, and excitement. (We manage to get references to college in too.) For some of the kids, it's the first time they've been inside the library. They seem to have a grand time, and they're full of questions. I've done this for several years now, and I'm persuaded that the work being done at this first stage is memorable and important for the children.

The staff of A Call to College creates exciting, engaging programming to bring their message-- college is in your reach!-- into the hands of the students they serve. The multiple touch points over the students career have proven to be strong building blocks to future success. Newark City Schools are made stronger by A Call to College.

I have had a relationship with ACTC for more than 20 years, having been one of the early (and continuing) donors, and having served on its Board for 12 years.

During my career, I have served on the boards, including service as the board president, of two additional nonprofit organizations. I can honestly say that ACTC is the most well run, efficient and effective nonprofit organization I have ever been involved with or otherwise have had any familiarity with.

One cannot help but be extremely impressed with the passion and commitment of everyone involved at every level of ACTC (from the board members to the paid staff to the volunteers), and with the ability of those involved in the development and implementation of ACTC programs to cause ideas, aspirations and dreams to become reality. It is impossible to overestimate the positive impact which ACTC has on the lives of the NHS students and families whom ACTC serves, and, ultimately, upon the Newark community, as a whole.

A Call to College has been a shining part of Newark High School for many years. It excites me to know that it is only growing to be more effective and beneficial to students.

I am thankful to have had a program such as ACTC in my high school. Not only did the program persistently help me get "on track" for transitioning into college, but the program also helped me significantly regarding college finances.

As I now approach my Junior year of college, I am looking forward to another year of intensely insightful academic courses, deeply rooted interpersonal relationships, and transcendent challenges. Without A Call to College, my upcoming year could easily be more stressful as I would most likely be heavily concerned about school finances.

My family and I are very appreciative of the interest that A Call To College takes in the educational futures of Newark City Schools students. My family has different circumstances and we appreciate that ACTC took those into consideration for the Last Dollar Grant of up to $1,000. The advisors and staff are very helpful and offer great advice and expertise.

Students in the Newark City School system are very lucky to have such a program. Not only do they foster the dreams and ambitions of the younger students, but once in high school they become a HUGE help in preparing for college. They provide timelines, suggestions, aptitude help, websites, and one on one help with the college search process and applications. Their help completing the FAFSA correctly and on time and applying to take the ACT were wonderful. And the fact that they also provide some students with monetary awards to help with that last little bit of need for college is awesome! I have not only been very impressed with the professionalism of the staff but also with their truly caring attitudes as well.

A Call To College is very helpful when it comes time to start college. They also offer a Last Dollar Grant of up to $1000 to help with your college expenses. I would advise you to have them help with your future college plans!

A Call To College is truly a valuable asset to a high school student. ACTC can be put in the same sentence as AAA or any group that has your back 24/7. I could not imagine what I would have done or where I would have been without the countless amounts of aid they have provided me over the past two years! Of the numerous times I had entered the doors, I had always felt a sense of satisfaction that I am seeking help from people who truly care about the student and their future. So THANK YOU ACTC for everything you have done!

A Call to College is such a valuable asset for Newark High School students and their families. As the parent of a NHS student, we took advantage of the resources and guidance provided by the qualified and caring staff at ACTC. The help they provide navigating the college search and application experience was invaluable. The staff is always available to answer questions, and meet with the students starting early in their high school career. The encouragement of all students to pursue higher education makes for a stronger community as well.

Working with A Call To College was an amazing, transforming experience not only for the students I worked with, but also for me.
From 2011-12, I spent a year volunteering with ACTC's early awareness programming (PEAK- Providing Early Awareness and Knowledge) as an AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer. Everyone I met and worked with in this organization was absolutely wonderful-- they are passionate, enthusiastic, and dedicated to the students they work with. They keep the mission of the organization and the success of their students at the fore-front of everything they do.

The investment and programming A Call to College put's into educational access and success is aimed not just at helping the students in the the school system, but the entire community of Newark. From second grade through high school, ACTC is giving students the knowledge, skills, and resources they need to be successful not just in school, but for the rest of their lives. I am honored to have worked with such amazing people for such an inspired and inspiring cause!

As a volunteer with A Call to College for 17 years I am amazed and impressed by all that is offered to Newark City Schools and the community. The staff and volunteer advisors take the stress and anxiety out of the entire college preparation process from college visits, to admission to financial aid and beyond. When I think they can’t possibly do more, they develop new programming and other ways to support the students and families of this community. As a first generation college graduate, I think back to my middle and high school years about how little we were told about college. ACTC starts talking about college in elementary school, planting the seed that continued education is important. ACTC encourages students to know and believe that college IS possible! I am honored to have been selected this year to serve on the Board for ACTC. It is wonderful to be a part of such a wonderful organization.

In my capacity as Director of Admissions at The Ohio State University at Newark I have worked with A Call to College since the beginning. It is an honor and privilege to work with such a dedicated group of professionals and volunteers for such a beneficial cause for individuals, families, our community, our state and in fact, the nation.

As a fourth grade teacher whose students are served by A Call to College's PEAK programming, I couldn't be more impressed by the outstanding dedication of their staff, and the quality of their curriculum. It's exciting to see students as young as nine and ten years old developing such crucial understandings of basic personal finance and college readiness.

You could summarize their impact in a passing conversation with one of my students. As we were talking, a boy passed us in the hall wearing a local university's shirt. His face lit up and he said, "Hey, that's my favorite college! I'm going to go there one day."

It's such a joy to partner with a local organization with such a passion to bless and equip local children to be successful future leaders and community members.

As a volunteer advisor in A Call to College, I see first hand how anxiety and stress about the college application process melts away. With 2 years of visits to our office in junior and senior years, we help the
students explore their interests, organize a plan, prepare them for the ACT, provide opportunities for college visits from Newark High School and help the student and parents file for the FASFA federal loan.
We are always available for concerns about a particular problem with finances or applications. Continuing education after high school takes many different paths, and we are dedicated to help students find the right path for whatever is the best fit for them, considering all limitations or advantages.

As a life-long learner and professional educator I have always highly valued education. My experiences as a student, teacher, administrator and parent have reinforced the critical role I know learning plays in every aspect of one's life. Therefore, when I learned about the work of A Call to College "Helping students aspire to, attend and graduate from college is our passion." and then met the devoted staff at ATCT I quickly became involved in the organization's work (originally as Director of Junior Programs in 2007 and now as a board member). Since that time my commitment to and belief in A Call to College has only grown stronger.
This impressive organization is not only operationally sound, but also incredibly personable and professional at every turn. Whether advising a student, delivering a daily lesson, communicating with school personnel, contacting alumni or debriefing as a staff there is a personal touch and genuine engagement that makes A Call to College special and highly effective. By understanding and expressing the value of continuing education and offering various learning options for Newark students to consider this organization is building bright futures!

From the moment our son was born, we have done everything we could do to make sure that higher education was in his future. We saw his education as a partnership and each of us in the family had a job. He was asked to get the very best grades he could get, be a good citizen and make the most of what the school system had to offer. Our job as parents was to make certain that the way was clear for him to go to college. As of today, we have all done our jobs and he will be heading off to the college that HE was able to CHOOSE in the fall. Even though the family did their jobs to the best of their abilities, we didn't get to this point alone...we had a lot of help. From the Kindergarten teacher that took his hand and walked him into the first day of school, to the principal that saw value in him, to the art teacher that unlocked the left side of his brain...wonderful educators that shared our vision for him and never strayed from the path. We did it together, as a team. There is however, one group of people that crossed our path that were unexpected team players in our quest. A Call to College, came into our lives during his Junior year. We became involved with them during early parent meetings that were organized in an effort to make certain that we were ready for what would be coming in the next 18 months. These meetings were invaluable to us. This group of dedicated individuals took the time and had the knowledge to navigate us through the choppy waters of ACT scheduling, prepping and testing, the college appplication process and the financial piece of the puzzle. They didn't stop there either (and they easily could have), they went the next step with us and they calmed our fears, answered our questions and truly became engaged partners with our family. We would have gotten him to the finish line one way or the other, but our interaction with A Call to College made the race so much better. Every high school in the United States should be exploring the possibility of having services such as those provided by A Call to College. We are truly a better community because of this amazing group of people that are getting the next generation ready for the future.

My students began working with A Call to College in the Fall of 2011 as a part of an Education course, Literacy and Learning, at Denison University. They were volunteers for their PEAK program, and worked with a second grade read-aloud program. I remember walking into a small room in the Newark Library to find a volunteer reader donning a conductor's cap, and perched on the edge of his seat with "The Little Engine that Could" in hand. The students, both Newark second graders and Denison volunteers, were sitting in circles around the room ready for their small group chats around themes in the book about working hard, overcoming challenges, and thinking positively. I saw very clearly that the second grade students were picking up on these ideas as they dialogued with their college volunteer. As someone interested in literacy, I loved the way the program fostered these positive experiences around books for these young learners.

This second grade read-aloud program is just one of the ways A Call to College staff work with youth in Newark City Schools (NCS). Staff and volunteers continue to support young people in NCS throughout their middle and high school years offering hands-on activities around budgeting, saving, and spending, and opportunities to think about life after high school in terms of college and career planning. Specifically related to college, A Call to College staff support NCS high school students and families as they navigate the college application and financial aid processes. In collaboration with teachers in the district, A Call to College has been able to offer these opportunities to students during their regular school day. An invaluable resource and an inspiring collaboration across the grade years!

As a parent, I cannot imagine getting through the college process for my three children without the help and guidance from A Call to College at Newark High School. The staff is always helpful with any questions or problems we encountered. I thought after they helped me with the first child, that I would be able to figure out what I was doing with the 2nd and 3rd...I was wrong...I needed them in so many ways. Those last 2 are still in College and I still get help from A Call to College, Thank Goodness! I myself was unable to finish college and belive if I had the resources of A Call to College those many years ago, I would have finished. In todays enviornment, a successful career is dependant on a higher education and my children now have that advantage thanks to this wonderful organization!

I have worked with A Call to College for the past three years. Every spring, my class (The Learner and the Teacher: Childhood) in the Department of Education at Denison University participates in the culminating activity for 2nd graders in the early awareness program of A Call to College. My students design theme-based lessons and then don their Denison gear to go into the classrooms, teach their lessons, and field questions about college. This activity is highly valuable to my students as well as the second graders and their teachers. This program continues to evolve as the staff is continually reflecting and looking for ways to improve their outreach. What I find truly special about A Call to College is that the mission is to expand the students' and community's view on the value of education and how it can change one's life. Not only does the staff share this philosophy on the importance of education but they give the students tools to help them reach their educational goals.

IN 1991, the inaugural year for A Call to College, the original goal was to assist Newark High School graduates with their financial aid for the first year of college. Now, through the generosity of the Newark alumni, businesses, community members, and Newark City Schools teacher and staff, we have expanded the high school program to include financial assistance to eligible students for all four years of college. This level of support also made it possible for ACTC to implement the PEAK (Providing Early Awareness and Knowledge) program that provides college awareness programming to students at the second, fourth, sixth and eighth grade levels. The service of volunteers is critical to ACTC and it is not unusual to have over 350 volunteers involved annually. This program truly reflects what can be accomplished when a community works together to help ensure the future of its students.

As a board member I am honored to be a part of this program that assists students in reaching their dreams of a college education, and I’m proud to be a member of the community that supports our youth in their endeavors.

A Call to College is a wonderful organization that helps Newark High School students achieve their goal of persuing a post secondary education. Two thumbs up for ACTC!

I served as an AmeriCorps VISTA in Newark and worked with A Call to College during my service year. I was amazed by the energy of the staff and their undying faith in the students they worked with. They made college attainable for students who thought that they had no chance to make it college. Their passion and commitment profoundly affected me. This program and the staff are fantastic!

My parents were first generation college students who always emphasized the importance and the value of education. My brother and I were fortunate to go to college, stay on campus, and participate in many extracurricular activities and internships during our experiences. Throughout my K-12 experience I sat next to many students who were not as fortunate to have the same support and exposure to the idea and importance of graduating high school and perusing education or training thereafter. Many students, that I knew to be very bright, slowly trickled off the radar by the time high school graduation rolled around. Recognition of the fate of my peers, in addition to listening to my mother's stories as a teacher, I became interested in how and who could yield the power to positively impact who stands on the high school graduation stage and what life holds for them thereafter.

Working as an AmeriCorps VISTA* volunteer for A Call To College and the early access program PEAK, I learned about college access and practiced methods and programming to make those positive changes. I watched 2nd graders and 4th graders slowly start to understand the realities of Dension University, OSU at Newark, and Central Ohio Technical College and stop using the reference of Hogwarts to talk about college. I heard 8th graders who started to talk about having a career in football, begin to question the reality of achieving a degree in Forensic Science. It was amazing to be able to teach students about the options of education and training after high school and to have them be excited about the possibilities beyond that of high school graduation.

A Call to College is an amazing program, one that is changing outcomes for many Newark students, and one that many other districts can learn from. I gained a new understanding and appreciation for all that can be done in our public schools and for our students, while working with A Call To College. My work with A Call To College and with the Newark students' increased my desire to support programs that improve access and outcomes for all students and their families and work on behalf of education systems that advance professional goals and outcomes for their students.

I feel the most valuable service A Call To College offered NHS students like myself, were the college representatives visits. Through these visits, I was given the opportunity to expand my horizon, networking with professionals from universities across the state, and gaining the confidence and curiosity to visit multiple universities.

NHS students should get involved with ACTC as early and frequently as possible. WHY? Networking! Through ACTC services, you are given the amazing and rare opportunity to speak in depth with valuable college minds; whether that be graduates who've "been there, done that" or professionals already mastering their field.

I have done a lot of volunteering for this program and I am happy to say interning with them currently! This is a great program for students who might not others wise be able to go to college - whether it be a lack of resources or a lack of understanding - and creates and environment that is supportive and excited. As someone who is first-generation to go to school, I know what kind of impact this kind of program can have on students and their futures. The staff truly care about the students and want to make sure they do everything in their power for these kids. I wish there were programs available like this for every school district!

As a first generation college student, I am passionate about finding ways to increase others awareness of college and what it offers and the steps necessary to get there. I was pleased to have served on the planning committee for the PEAK program and I am amazed at how far and how much A Call To College has accomplished. I know the program is having an impact on local youth. This past Monday we helped host 3rd, 4th and 5th graders visiting our campus. It was evident from the questions they were asking that their awareness college has increased. I have also volunteered for Reality Store, a program for 8th graders which opens their eyes to the reality of life choices.

I began volunteering with A Call to College in 2007 when I found my professional position and expertise aligning perfectly with A Call to College's mission. A Call to College is doing unprecedented, visionary work in Newark City Schools, providing access to higher education to its youth. In the past six years I have worked with students, taken on various special projects and donated to the organization. It has been a true honor and privilege to be so connected to the organization and watch the positive impact of its outreach on the future of so many young individuals.

During the start up years of the early college awareness program, I also had the opportunity to take my children to the soft opening of the fourth grade programming play, "The Wonderful Wizard of College". Now several years later, my 13 year old still recalls the play and the lessons he learned that evening! This is an example of one child the program has impacted and A Call to College takes similar programing to thousands of kids each year! Truly remarkable...

A call to College has been serving my second grade students for four years. They really get kids thinking about college, and helping them make goals for the future. A truly worthwhile organization!

As a senior in high school I knew that I wanted to go to college but I had no idea where or what my family could afford. My parents attended our local technical college, but I was considering schools much farther away, with much higher price tags. The advising support I received from A Call to College helped me and my parents to feel less overwhelmed, complete steps of the process on time and ensure my eligibility for the maximum amount of financial aid available. I graduated from Newark High School in 2003 and since that I time, as an adult working and living in Newark, I have learned a lot about what makes A Call to College tick. I realized that A Call to College is more than just a program offered by my high school, it is an incredibly stable and self-sufficient, nonprofit college access program that now serves Newark City Schools students at strategic levels through their K-12 education. Now students attending my old elementary, middle and high school will receive even more opportunities to help support them in these fast-changing and uncertain economic times.
The word that comes to mind when I think of the A Call to College staff and advisors is almost always "heart" - there is strength, caring and support pouring from that office, and I know they will continue to provide confidence, reassurance and knowledge to students in my school for generations to come.

I began volunteering with A Call to College in September 2012 and am still involved whenever I can be. This well established organization works to teach students from Newark, Ohio the importance of staying in school and going to college through a variety of innovative activities. The staff is dedicated and knowledgeable and the activities are truly fun! Great volunteer opp, especially for college students in the area.