Sponsor A Scholar

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    Advisors:  Marissa Bongo, Nicole Stehle, Lyndsey Wilcox

        

    What is Sponsor-A-Scholar (SAS)?

    The Sponsor-A-Scholar program proudly boasts a 94% average for retaining, graduating and sending participating scholars onto college.  Currently students have been accepted to and are attending Canisius College, Castleton College, Clarkson, Colgate, Hudson Valley Community College, Le Moyne, Merrywood University, Siena, SUNY Brockport, Sage College of Albany, Saint Rose, Russell Sage and SUNY Adirondack Community College. Since Ballston Spa High School has engaged in the Sponsor-A-Scholar program we have seen a dramatic difference in the lives of the students selected to participate in this program – they are still in school and are eager to learn and succeed. With the support of local businesses, the Ballston Spa Teachers’ Association and caring individuals, each year we are able to induct ten new sophomores into the program. The program is then comprised of thirty total students, with ten juniors and ten seniors..

    The group meets each Thursday after school to provide members with consistent support for their high school coursework and in preparation for the transition to college.

     

    So what does the Sponsor-A-Scholar Program provide? 

    • Each student receives personalized mentoring from advisors including academic tutoring and enhancing test-taking skills.

    • Students receive assistance in preparing for their PSAT, SAT, and/or ACT exams and are guided through the college planning journey.  Including a weekly SAT vocabulary knowledge building activity.

    • Students are guided towards study and careers that interest them.  They are given opportunities to attend career fairs, college fairs and visit college campuses.  Students have also been provided opportunities for job shadowing at various local businesses.

    • Students receive help with completion of college applications, interest inventories, and homework.

    Recent Events Sponsor-A-Scholar Members have attended:

    • Union College: Admissions Presentation / Tour
    • Skidmore College: Admission / Tang Presentation / Tours
    • Schenectady Community College: Admissions / Tours
    • Bryant & Stratton College: Criminal Justice Day
    • We have had the following guests and speakers attend our meetings - National Guard for team bonding exercises, Peter Layola to discuss his Landscaping Architecture Career, Brad Roy - Albany County Sheriff to discuss a Criminal Justice Career.

    What is it like to have a mentor?

    • Receive personalized mentoring to strengthen social and communication skills.
    • Mentors will provide opportunities for the students and encouragement to complete high school and go on to college.
    • Mentors provide a safe relationship in a positive environment.

     

    The Sponsor-A-Scholar Program continues to work with and look for members of the community and businesses to serve as mentors.

     

    We would like to thank our sponsors of the program for their generous support.  Without their continued financial support the program wouldn't be what it is today.


    Stewart's Shops

    Gerome Technologies

    Empire BlueCross BlueShield

    Saratoga's Community Federal Credit Union

    Specialty Silicone Products

    Technical Building Services

    The Adirondack Trust Company

    Ballston Spa Rotary

    The National Guard

    Skidmore College

    Capital Region Sponsor-A-Scholar

    Schenectady Community College

    Union College

    Bryant & Stratton College

    TCT Federal Credit Union