Made possible with a grant from U.S. Department of Education Hispanic Serving Institutes Program in cooperation with Northern New Mexico College and New Mexico Highlands University.

Primary Objective: To increase the number of area high school students attending postsecondary education and assist high school students in making the transition to college.

The College and Career Preparation Program implemented by UNM-Taos for the 2006-2007 school year in five area High Schools focused on preparing juniors and seniors to meet college entrance requirements. The program provided students information on the importance of attending postsecondary education.

Program
. Utilizing UNM-Taos faculty, staff and student employees, the college prep process included:
career and academic advising
admission applications and requirements,
comprehensive financial aid information.
on-site ACT/Compass Placement testing at QHS; accepted by most postsecondary institutions.

Activities
UNM-Taos College Preparation staff met with the district superintendent, high school principal, and counselor in October to plan and coordinate program activities:

*Worked with English III and IV teachers in providing class presentations as well as integrating admission and scholarship essays into the curriculum.
*Initial presentation to Senior classes on the importance of higher education and financial aid information conducted in November.
*Presentations on career pathways and choices
*Assistance on filling out admissions applications and financial aid forms.
*Senior/Parent Financial Aid Night

Career Exploration
UNM-Taos has purchased the CHOICES software which uses student-directed interest and work skills surveys useful for career advising, an education planner for class scheduling, a complete database for college selection, and an extensive scholarship database. College Preparation staff has downloaded these programs at Taos and Questa High schools and are currently working on scholarship searches with seniors. The intent if the college preparation effort is that by May, each Senior has a complete “package” in terms of financial aid, initial advisement, college selection, admissions, initial class scheduling, and individual scholarship searches by graduation time. The effort on Juniors will focus on career and learning pathway identification, education planning, early admissions and financial aid.