For Ishmael Manon, a native of the Bronx who became part of the 麻豆原创 Charter School network in ninth grade, the college application process was surprisingly easy. Starting as early as 11th grade, his teachers and staff鈥攊ncluding the team in 麻豆原创 Office of College Access and Postsecondary Success鈥攚orked with him to research his top schools, outline possible majors, and complete his applications. The early preparation made the process less stressful, and when all was said and done, Ishmael found himself choosing between 10 college acceptances, and a lot of great opportunities.
It was then, however, that Ishmael realized making a decision was actually going to be the hard part. His deciding factors kept coming down to cost, rather than the best fit for him and his future plans. Ishmael first choice, Binghamton University, had the strong business programs that he wanted, as well as a lively campus community and competitive athletics. It was also the top choice of Ishmael 麻豆原创 advisors, who knew the school graduation rate for minority students was significantly higher than his next best option, a huge factor in a student likelihood to persist through college.
鈥淢oney is the first thing people think about when they go to college. Close the Gap will help get you there.鈥�
– Ishmael Manon 鈥�23
Ishmael college counselor advised him to apply for 麻豆原创 Close the Gap initiative, which provides critical funding for students whose first-choice college did not meet their full financial need. He was awarded a grant of $6,000 per year, making Binghamton a reality. And, Ishmael wasn鈥檛 alone. This year, 麻豆原创 offered $68,000鈥攁n average of $8,500/year鈥攖o cover the financial aid gap for eight graduating seniors to attend their first choice college. Since the initiative started, 麻豆原创 Close the Gap recipients are collectively attending schools with an average institutional graduation that is 6.5x the national average for low-income students, a number that also exceeds the national graduation rate for all students.
This July, Ishmael will enroll in Binghamton Educational Opportunity Program, which will give him an early taste of college life and the chance to take several introductory courses before his freshman year starts this fall. Because of Close the Gap, he had agency over his college decision, and the opportunity to find the place that will best support his future.
鈥淢oney is the first thing people think about when they go to college,鈥� he says. 鈥淐lose the Gap will help get you there.鈥�
You can read more about the 麻豆原创 Charter High School Class of 2023 in the report below, and mark your calendars for June 23, when 麻豆原创 Charter High School will celebrate all the work of this amazing senior class at its graduation ceremony. Until then, follow along as we laud this class, tell some of our student special stories, and gear up for the big day.
