Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Launching New
Dimensions of Service
Soror Dorothy Buckhanan Wilson
Supreme Basileus
AlphaD.Kappa
Sorority,
Inc.
Soror Jasmine
Adkins, Alpha
International
Program
Chairman
ASCEND Lead Coach Training
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated
ASCEND Signature Program
2014 - 2018
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Agenda
•
ASCEND Program Overview
•
Roles and Responsibilities
•
Implementation
•
Documentation
•
Q&A
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
ASCEND Program Overview
ASCEND
The 2014 – 2018 Signature Program
focusing on high school students (male and female)
Achievement
Self-Awareness
Communication
Engagement
Networking
Developmental
Emphasis on SMART (Science, Math and Related Technologies)
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Vision and Goals
Vision
•
ASCEND Students will have an opportunity to receive academic
enrichment and life skills training leading to meaningful employment
and careers
Goals
•
•
•
•
•
•
Prepare 5,000 ASCEND Students per year to transition from high school
to college, vocational/technical schools or work
Provide college preparatory workshops focusing on desired college
major/career choices
Promote positive self-esteem and confidence
Provide study and test preparation skills
Provide opportunities for cultural awareness and community
engagement
Provide global citizenship skills
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Program Components
1. Team Building
2. Enrichment Workshops
3. Career Exploration
4. College Exploration
5. Model UN Mini Simulation
6. Community Service
7. STEM/SMART Expo
8. Cultural/Arts Enrichment
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Roles and Responsibilities
1. Members will engage in the sorority’s signature youth
enrichment program, ASCEND, with efforts designed to
motivate, engage and assist high school students in
reaching their maximum potential
2. Members will serve as coaches and engage with students
to enhance academic enrichment and life skills leading to
meaningful post-secondary work and college careers
3. Coaches will provide academic and emotional support
through group and one-on-one activities
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Roles and Responsibilities
Undergraduate Chapter Support
Collaborate with your supervising undergraduate chapter to help plan and
prepare the ASCEND Program which includes many activities, including but
not limited to:
• Providing input during the planning phases of the ASCEND program
• Facilitating UN Model Classroom mini-simulations
• Serving as peer mentors to students during select ascend activities
• Attending cultural outings with ASCEND Students and Graduate Sorors
• Assisting with SMART/STEM Expo activities
• Assisting in facilitating the UN classroom activity
• Planning On-Campus tours and events
• Participating in the college exploration activities and panel discussions
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
ASCEND Recommended
Committee Structure
ASCEND
Lead Coach
ASCEND
Committee
Skills Enrichment
Sub-Committee
UN Classroom
Sub-Committee
Career Exploration
Sub-Committee
College Exploration
Sub-Committee
STEM/SMART Expo
Sub-Committee
Civic Engagement
Sub-Committee
Student Recruitment
Sub-Committee
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
ASCEND Lead Coach
The ASCEND Lead Coach will help guide the chapter through the
planning and implementation of the ASCEND Program. Her
primary focus will be gaining a deep understanding of the
program and sharing this information with her chapter.
•
Train chapter members on the ASCEND Program
•
Serve as an advisor to ASCEND Committee in developing
activities for the ASCEND sessions.
•
Oversee the participation of the undergraduate chapter in
the ASCEND Program
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
ASCEND Student Recruitment
Sub-committee
1.
Recruit students
2.
Distribute Applications
3.
Screen & select participants
4.
Maintain student and parent roster
5.
Send communications to students, parents and chapter
6.
Maintain attendance records
7.
Plan Kick-off and ASCEND Graduation Celebration
8.
Capture Program Metrics
9.
Plan team building activities
10. Provide refreshments at monthly sessions
11. Prepare student binders
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
ASCEND Program Component
Sub-committees
Skills Enrichment
Career and College Exploration
Model UN Classroom & STEM/SMART Expo
1. Plan activities to support monthly calendar
2. Secure presenters for topics
3. Ensure materials for monthly topics are prepared and
distributed to students
4. Send out reminders to Presenters
5. Provide certificates of appreciation and thank-you notes for
presenters
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
ASCEND Program Component
Sub-committees
Civic Engagement Sub-Committee
1. Plan community service activities and cultural outings to
support monthly calendar
2. Coordinate arrangements for student attendance and
transportation
3. Provide chaperones for activities
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
ASCEND Program Implementation
What, When and How?
Program Rollout
 Timing
 Planning
 Budget
Session Guidelines
Student Recruitment
Coach/Mentoring
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
ASCEND Program Implementation
Program Rollout
Planning
Kickoff
Sessions
Cycle 1
Sept. 2014 – Dec. 2014
Cycle 1
Jan. 2015
Cycle 1
Jan. – Jun.
Cycles 2 – Cycle 4
Apr. - Aug. Annually
Cycles 2 – Cycle 4
Sept. Annually
Cycles 2 – Cycle 4
Sept. -Jun. Annually
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
ASCEND Program Implementation
Program Rollout - Planning
1. Appoint ASCEND Committee Chairman and sub-committee leads
2. Conduct ASCEND Coach Training
3. Develop ASCEND Program Calendar
4. Create Budget
5. Identify Funding Sources
6. Recruit Students
7. Prepare for Kick-off and Monthly ASCEND Sessions
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
ASCEND Program Implementation
Program Rollout - Planning
September Attend Pre-Launch Program Training
- October
Attend Cluster Training
Develop Calendar
Prepare Budget
Chapter Program chairman will present ASCEND program to
chapter members
Secure Committee Members
November Attend ASCEND Training
Conduct ASCEND Training for Chapter Committee Members
Hold Kick-off Committee Meeting
Prepare Student Recruitment Package
Distribute Applications in local community
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
ASCEND Program Implementation
Program Rollout - Planning
December Secure location for ASCEND Sessions
Plan workshop sessions by identifying facilitators, preparing
materials and agendas, and arranging AV (if applicable)
Screen and select students
Send letters of acceptance
Finalize kick-off meeting arrangements
January
Finalize Calendar for January - June
Confirm Student Participation
Prepare Student Binders
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
ASCEND Program Implementation
Program Rollout – Planning - Budget
1. Funding Sources
A. Chapter Monetary Contributions
B. Sponsorship
C. Donated goods and Services
D. Student Participation fees (nominal)
2. Expenses
A. Student materials (shirt, binder, materials, supplies, certificates)
B. Session materials , supplies and field trips
C. Room Rental
D. Refreshments
E. Courtesies (volunteers, awards, community presenters)
F. Administrative costs (printing, mailings, contingency)
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
ASCEND Program Implementation
Program Rollout – Planning – Program Calendar
1. The ASCEND Program Calendar is listed in the Program
Resource Guide.
2. It lists the sessions and activities for each month.
3. Each Chapter will tailor the schedule based upon its scheduled
dates.
Chapters are encouraged to follow the established Sorority Program so that we
can implement ASCEND consistently across the globe.
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Suggested
Timing (3 hour
session)
Theme
Introduction
Teambuilding Activity
5
15
Workshop
30
January
February
March
Program Kick-off
Agenda Overview
Icebreaker
Test Preparation
Agenda Overview
Teambuilding Activity
Tips to Test Taking (Skills
Development) - PSAT, SAT or
ACT & General Study Skills
Communication
Agenda Overview
Teambuilding Activity
None
Career Exploration Activity
15
College Exploration Activity
15
UN Classroom Activity
45
Civic Engagement Activity
15
STEM Smart Expo Activity
40
Cultural / Arts Activity
Celebration
Writing a Resume, Cover
Letter or Scholarship Essay
Highlight Arts, A/V
Technology &
Communications
Business, Management &
Administration Careers;
Branding Yourself – How to
Prepare to Rock the Interview
and Get the Job or Second
Interview
Highlight STEM, Agriculture,
Food & Natural Resources and
Architecture & Construction
Careers; Dressing for Success –
Conduct a Mini-Fashion Show
Overview of the 16 Career
(attire / hygiene / personal
Clusters / Skills assessment
grooming)
Highlight HBCUs (history,
needs, statistics, scholarhips, Highlight local area colleges
Overview of the types of
graduate school
(in your town, county, state);
colleges available after high
opportunities, etc.)
highlight the advantages of inschool (4-year, 2-year, technical
state schools, scholarhsips,
/ vocational colleges, etc.)
etc.
Introduction of the UN Project
Module
UN Module 1
NONE
Overview / selection of
community service activity
Community Service Activity
Community Service Activity
Overview of Smart Camp
Smart Camp Team Prep
Smart Camp Team Prep
Overview of two field trips
during the program
NONE
Cultural / Arts outing #1
Suggested
Timing (3 hour
session)
Theme
Introduction
Teambuilding Activity
5
15
Workshop
30
Career Exploration Activity
April
May
June
Applications / Interviews
Agenda Overview
Teambuilding Activity
Budgeting / Finance
Agenda Overview
Teambuilding Activity
Program Conclusion Celebration
Agenda Overview
Teambuilding Activity
Presentation and Speech
Writing Skills
Fiscal Fitness activities /
building your first budget
Post-Assessment
Revised Goal Setting
Highlight Manufacturing and
Highlight Information
Marketing Careers; Highlight Technology and Law, Public
15
Government & Public
Safety, Corrections & Security
Administration Planning and Careers; Career Round Tables
Health Science Careers;
– Speed Date w/ Your Career
walking through job
Interest
applications
NONE
College Exploration Activity
15
Walking through college and
Review Keys to College
scholarship applications
Success – Time Management
UN Classroom Activity
45
Civic Engagement Activity
15
STEM Smart Expo Activity
Cultural / Arts Activity
Celebration
UN Module 2
Community Service Activity
40
Smart Camp Team Prep
NONE
NONE
NONE
UN Module 3
Community Service Activity
Smart Camp Team Prep
Community Service Activity
STEM PRESENTATIONS
Cultural / Arts outing #2
NONE
Program Conclusion Celebration /
Graduation
ASCEND Program Implementation
Program Rollout – Session Guidelines
1. Each session is 3 hours per month.
2. There will be three types of interaction:
A. Classroom sessions – facilitated by chapter sorors and designated
experts from your local community
B. Hands –on activities – STEM/SMART Expo and Community Service
Projects supervised by chapter sorors
C. Off-site events – Cultural outings and Community Service activities
facilitated by chapter sorors
3. Each session contains the ASCEND Program components.
4. The time allotment for each component is outlined in the sample agenda.
Additional time may be added if necessary.
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
ASCEND Program Implementation
Program Rollout – Session Guidelines
1. The designated sub-committees are responsible for planning
the session activities.
2. Planning for the monthly workshops and activities should be
done at least 60 days in advance.
3. Utilize the Program Resource Guide and reference materials to
assist with preparing for the monthly workshops.
4. Utilize chapter members, community experts and professionals
to present workshops.
Chapters are encouraged to follow the ASCEND Session Guidelines so
that we can implement ASCEND consistently across the globe.
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
ASCEND Program Implementation
Student Recruitment Process
1. Review Program Criteria
2. Prepare Recruitment Package
3. Distribute Recruitment Package
4. Screen and Select ASCEND Students
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
ASCEND Program Implementation
Student Recruitment Process – Program Criteria
1. Open to high school students in grades 9 – 12 grades.
2. Applicant must be currently enrolled in 9th, 10th, 11th or 12th
grade and in good-standing.
3. Applicant must maintain a C (2.0) grade point average.
4. Applicant must submit his/her most recent report card.
5. Letter of recommendation from counselor, teacher or
community leader.
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
ASCEND Program Implementation
Student Recruitment Process – Program Criteria
6. Applicant must agree to follow the guidelines outlined in the
Code of Conduct while participating in the program.
7. Applicant must submit a completed parental consent form,
signed by the parent/ legal guardian and student.
8. Applicant should submit a typed personal statement (not to
exceed 500 words) which articulates why he/she wants to
join the ASCEND Program. (optional)
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
ASCEND Program Implementation
Student Recruitment Process – Recruitment Package
1. Cover Letter
A. Program Goals
B. Program Criteria
C. Deadlines
D. Application Submission Instructions
2. Application
3. Student Code of Conduct
A. Outlines Parent expectations and support
B. Must be signed by student and parent/guardian
4. Parental Consent Form
A. Outlines Parent’s responsibility and Chapter authorities
B. Includes authorization of the student to participate in program
C. Must be signed by student and parent/guardian
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
ASCEND Program Implementation
Student Recruitment Process – Recruitment
Recruit ASCEND Students
1. Recruit males and females enrolled in the 9th – 12th grade.
2. Invite students from prior chapter programs who fit in the
targeted age category.
3. Collaborate with local high schools, churches, recreational
centers, Boys & Girls Club, and youth groups to recruit students.
4. Allow students to participate in the ASCEND program more
than one year.
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
ASCEND Program Implementation
Student Recruitment Process – Selection
Screen and Select Students
1. Each graduate chapter is asked to meet their annual targets:
• Small – 10 new students per year
• Medium – 15 new students per year
• Large – 20 new students per year
2. Determine the number of Students based upon chapter resources.
3. Develop essay evaluation criteria and other acceptance criteria.
4. Send acceptance or rejection letters.
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
ASCEND Program Implementation
Kick-off
1. Invite the selected ASCEND Students to the Kick-off meeting.
2. Make sure your Kick-off letter includes important information:
•
•
•
•
Date
Location fees
Length of program
Request to confirm participation
3. Follow ASCEND Session Guidelines for Kick-off Meeting.
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
ASCEND Program Implementation
Engaging ASCEND Students
1. Maintain attendance records.
2. Follow-up with Students who have poor attendance.
3. Ensure that activities are engaging, interactive and designed at
the appropriate age-level.
4. Make time for team building activities between ASCEND
Students as well as with sorors.
5. Mentor the ASCEND Students.
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
ASCEND Program Implementation
Coaching
1. Sorors will serve as ASCEND Coaches.
2. All sorors working with the ASCEND Students should attend
the ASCEND Program Training led by the Chapter ASCEND Lead
Coach.
3. The ASCEND Coaches should be visible at monthly sessions.
4. Pair ASCEND Coaches with Students for one-on-one or small
group mentoring opportunities.
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
ASCEND Program Implementation
Coaching
Here are some tips for working with high school students:
☺ Each student is unique and different, along with each situation.
☺ Each student is capable of learning.
☺ Each student learns at a different rate and in different ways.
☺ Set and keep realistic yet high expectations for work and behavior.
☺ Never use words that shame, blame, ridicule or threaten.
☺ Keep your promises or don’t make them at all.
☺ Plant constructive ideas.
☺ Smile often, but be real.
Taken from University of Washington, High School Tutor/Mentoring Program, http://depts.washington.edu/uwtutors/
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
ASCEND Program Implementation
Coaching
☺ Set and keep high standards for work and behavior.
☺ Be yourself.
☺ Be polite to your students, you are the example.
☺ Encourage students to be independent, never make comparisons.
☺ Use the student’s name often.
☺ Talk with the student about things around them, be informal and
interested.
HAVE FUN WITH YOUR ASCEND STUDENTS
If you are enjoying this time together, the student will too!
Taken from University of Washington, High School Tutor/Mentoring Program, http://depts.washington.edu/uwtutors/
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
ASCEND Program Documentation
How are we doing?
Metrics
(ASCEND Student &
Soror Participation)
Reporting
ASCEND Student Assessment
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
ASCEND Program Documentation
Chapter Level Metrics
ASCEND Student Participation
1. Track the participation of the students in ASCEND activities
throughout the program cycle.
2. Track the number of Students who join, return and complete
the program annually.
3. Track the total number of Students participating over 4 years.
4. Track the matriculation of each 12th grade student after highschool (i.e. workforce, vocational / technical school, 2-year
college, 4-year college, HBCU, military etc.)
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
ASCEND Program Documentation
Chapter Level Metrics
Participation
Track participation in ASCEND program annually.
1. NUMBER OF TRAINED ASCEND COACHES
2. NUMBER OF ASCEND COACHES PARTICIPATED IN 4 OR
MORE EVENTS
3. NUMBER OF SORORS PARTICIPATED
4. NUMBER OF UNDERGRADUATE CHAPTER PARTICIPANTS
5. NUMBER OF NON-SORORS PARTICIPATED
6. NUMBER OF COLLABORATIVE PARTNERSHIPS
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
ASCEND Program Documentation
Reporting
1. Compile and report metrics to the International Program
Committee at the conclusion of each cycle.
2. Maintain ASCEND Student and Soror participation on a
monthly basis.
3. Share success stories with Regional and/or International
Program Committee.
4. Work with your Chapter Ivy Leaf Reporter to write articles for
the local media outlets, IVY Leaf and Regional Director
Newsletter.
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
ASCEND Program Documentation
Student Assessment
1. Students will complete the pre/post assessment
for each session.
2. The purpose of the assessment is to measure
their understanding of each session.
3. The ASCEND Student will complete a program
evaluation at the end of each cycle.
4. ASCEND Students graduating from high school will
be surveyed in May to capture their postsecondary plans.
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Launching New Dimensions of Service
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.