July 20th, 2010

Money Left On The Table Is Being Returned

by RIISE

50 scholarships not being applied for are going away…APPLY NOW

Scholarships
 
African American Scholarships Under-utilized – Pass the Word!

AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDENTS ARE NOT APPLYING!

Even if you do not have a college-aged child at home, please share this with someone who does, pass this scholarship information on to anyone and everyone that comes to mind. Though there are a number of companies and organizations that have donated monies for scholarship use to African Americans, a great deal of the money is being returned because of a lack of interest.

If you don’t ask or apply, no one will offer a scholarship.

Take the initiative to get your children involved. There is no need for money to be returned to donating companies because we fail to apply for it.

Please pass this information on to family members, nieces, nephews, friends with children etc. We must get the word out that money is available. If you are a college student or getting ready to become one, you probably already know how useful additional money can be. Our youth really could use these scholarships.

Note: (If clicking on the link doesn’t work, then type in the Web site address manually or search the internet for program name)
1) Bell Labs Fellowships for Under Represented Minorities http://www.facebook .com/l/78a3b; www.bell- labs.com/ fellowships/ CRFP/info. html

2) Student Inventors Scholarships http://www.facebook .com/l/78a3b; www.invent. org/collegiate

3) Student Video Scholarships http://www.facebook .com/l/78a3b; www.christophers .org/vidcon2k. html

4) Coca-Cola Two Year College Scholarships http://www.facebook .com/l/78a3b; www.coca- colascholars. org/programs. html

5) Holocaust Remembrance Scholarships http://www.facebook .com/l/78a3b; holocaust. hklaw.com/ =20

6) Ayn Rand Essay Scholarships http://www.facebook .com/l/78a3b; www.aynrand. org/contests/

7) Brand Essay Competition http://www.facebook .com/l/78a3b; www.institutefor brandleadership. org/IBLEssayCont est-2002Rules. htm

8) Gates Millennium Scholarships (major) http://www.facebook .com/l/78a3b; www.gmsp. org/nominationma terials/read. dbm?ID=12

9) Xerox Scholarships for Students http://www.facebook .com/l/78a3b; www2.xerox. com/go/xrx/ about_xerox/ about_xerox_ detail.jsp

10) Sports Scholarships and Internships http://www.facebook .com/l/78a3b; www.ncaa. org/about/ scholarships. html

11) National Assoc. of Black Journalists Scholarships (NABJ) http://www.facebook .com/l/78a3b; www.nabj. org/html/ studentsvcs. html

12) Saul T. Wilson Scholarships (Veterinary) http://www.facebook .com/l/78a3b; www.aphis. usda.gov/ mb/mrphr/ jobs/stw. html

13) Thurgood Marshall Scholarship Fund http://www.facebook .com/l/78a3b; www.thurgoodmars hallfund. org/sk_v6. cfm

14) FinAid: The Smart Students Guide to Financial Aid scholarships) http://www.facebook .com/l/78a3b; www.finaid. org/

15) Presidential Freedom Scholarships http://www.facebook .com/l/78a3b; www.nationalserv ice.org/scholars hips/

16) Microsoft Scholarship Program http://www.facebook .com/l/78a3b; www.microsoft. com/college/ scholarships/ minority. asp

17) WiredScholar Free Scholarship Search http://www.facebook .com/l/78a3b; www.wiredscholar .com/paying/ scholarship_ search/pay_ scholarship_ search.jsp

18) Hope Scholarships &Lifetime Credits http://www.facebook .com/l/78a3b; www.ed.gov/ inits/hope/

19) William Randolph Hearst Endowed Scholarship for Minority Students http://www.facebook .com/l/78a3b; www.apsanet. org/PS/grants/ aspen3.cfm

20) Multiple List of Minority Scholarships http://www.facebook .com/l/78a3b; gehon.ir. miami.edu/ financial- !assistance/ Scholarship/ blackhtml

21) The Roothbert Scholarship Fund http://www.facebook .com/l/78a3b; www.roothbertfun d.com

22) BOEING scholarships (soma e HBCU connects) http://www.facebook .com/l/78a3b; www.boeing. com/companyoffic es/educationrela tions/scholarshi ps

23) Easley National Scholarship Program rget=”_blank”

24) Maryland Artists Scholarships http://www.facebook .com/l/78a3b; www.maef. org/

26) Jacki Tuckfield Memorial Graduate Business Scholarship (for AA students in South Florida ) http://www.facebook .com/l/78a3b; ww w.http://www.facebook .com/l/78a3b; jackituckfield. org/

27) Historically Black College & University Scholarships http://www.facebook .com/l/78a3b; www.iesabroad. org/info/ hbcu.htm

28) Actuarial Scholarships for Minority Students http://www.facebook .com/l/78a3b; www.beanactuary. org/minority/ scholarships. htm

29) International Students Scholarshi ps &Aid Help http://www.facebook .com/l/78a3b; www.iefa. org/

30) College Board Scholarship Search http://www.facebook .com/l/78a3b; cbweb10p. collegeboard. org/fundfinder/ html/fundfind01. html

31) Burger King Scholarship Program http://www.facebook .com/l/78a3b; www.bkscholars. csfa.org/

32) Siemens Westinghouse Competition http://www.facebook .com/l/78a3b; www.siemens- foundation. org/

33) GE and LuLac Scholarship Funds http://www.facebook .com/l/78a3b; www.lulac. org/Programs/ Scholar.html

35) Union Sponsored Scholarships and Aid http://www.facebook .com/l/78a3b; www.aflcioorg/ scholarships/ scholar.htm

36) Federal Scholarships &Aid Gateways 25 Scholarship Gateways from Black Excel http://www.facebook .com/l/78a3b; www.blackexcel. org/25scholarshi ps.htm

37) Scholarship &Financial Aid Help http://www.facebook .com/l/78a3b; www.blackexcel. org/fin-sch. htm

38) Scholarship Links (Ed Finance Group) http://www.facebook .com/l/78a3b; www.efg.net/ link_scholarship .htm

39) FAFSA On The Web (Your Key Aid Form &Info) http://www.facebook .com/l/78a3b; www.fafsa. ed.gov/

41) Scholarships and Fellowships http://www.facebook .com/l/78a3b; www.osc.cuny. edu/sep/links. html

42) Scholarships for Study in Paralegal Studies http://www.facebook .com/l/78a3b; www.paralegals. org/Choice/ 2000west. htm

43) HBCU Packard Sit Abroad Scholarships ( for study around the world) http://www.facebook .com/l/78a3b; www.sit.edu/ studyabroad/ packard_nominati on.html

44) Scholarship and Fellowship Opportunities http://www.facebook .com/l/78a3b; ccmi.uchicago. edu/schl1html

45) INROADS internships http://www.facebook .com/l/78a3b; www.inroads. org/

46) ACT-SO bEURoeOlympics of the Mind ‘A Scholarships http://www.facebook .com/l/78a3b; www.naacp. org/work/ actso/act- so.shtml

47) Black Alliance for Educational Options Scholarships http://www.facebook .com/l/78a3b; www.baeo. org/options/ privatelyfinance d.jsp

48) ScienceNet Scholarship Listing http://www.facebook .com/l/78a3b; www.sciencenet. emory.edu/ undergrad/ scholarships. html

49) Graduate Fellowships For Minorities Nationwide http://www.facebook .com/l/78a3b; cuinfo.cornell. edu/Student/ GRFN/list. phtml?category= MINORITIES

50) RHODES SCHOLARSHIPS AT OXFORD http://www.facebook .com/l/78a3b; www.rhodesschola r.org/info. html

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June 10th, 2010

RIISE UPdate

by RIISE

 
RIISE UPDATES
   
New Members New Partnerships New Workshops
 
 
 
New Member
 
RIISE Welcomes Calhoun School as a Founding Member!!!
We are proud to have the commitment of Steve Nelson, Head of School, and Hilary North, Dir.of Diversity, support RIISE’s mission to help independent schools protect, retain, and attract great families. Well-balanced retention of an independent school education is what RIISE strives for, providing member families with live and virtual workshops and resources. As Calhoun begins the 2010 school year with us, we continue to thank Riverdale and Head of School, Dominic Randolph, for their visionary membership.
 
 
Upcoming Workshops
 
Pre K & Kindergarten Families – Save The Date!
Virtual event:Tuesday, June 15, 7:30p – 8:30p – Teleconference
“A Conversation About Beginnings–Beyond Nursery School.”
What are your expectations for your little genius? Join this teleconference and hear more about these exciting primary years. Learn what to expect and the great ways you can partner with your school. This conference call will be lead by an educator with tremendous knowledge and hands on experience with our young ones in preparing them for some critical thinking. And, she recently began a dynamic and well received literature circle for kindergartner’s called, A Book In The Bag. Jonina Herter, is the Director of the early childhood programming at Riverdale and will lead the discussion on what to expect when you are expecting a genius! Open to all members – RSVP Now for more details!
Sponsor: Riverdale Country School
Related blog: Congratulations! Now the real work begins
 
 
All New (and, not so new) Parents – Save The Date! 
Live event:Thursday, September 23, 6:30p – 8:30p, Calhoun School,
433 West End Ave, NYC
“Decoding The Code – Lexicon of an Independent School”
What happened to the days of letter grades – A, B, or C? That probably all changed for you during the admissions process when you read that ERB report, or read your child’s last grade report, how about that parent teacher conference? Say what????
Regardless of what grade your child begins her/his private school experience, you too, mom & dad, will encounter a whole new language and perhaps, way of thinking. Join RIISE and psychologist, Dr. Erica King-Toler as Calhoun hosts this workshop as part of a series of events welcoming new parents to independent schools. RSVP by September 10.
Sponsor: Calhoun School
Related blog:Diamond’s In the Rough
 
 
Learning Styles Workshop Fall 2010 – Stay Tuned!!
Virtual event: Web-Conference
Join RIISE and Dr. Cheryl Burton,LCSW-R, DSW as learning styles are acknowledged and accessing services to support these learning styles are shared. STAY TUNED!
Sponsor: Riverdale Country School
Related blog:Diamond’s In the Rough
 
 
Spotlight on WINGS
Riverdale’s Dwight Vidal gives WINGS to young men of color at independent school. Read more…
 
Still looking for a summer camp in the NY tri-state area? Members click here
Run, Go, See -Through the Night, it’s been extended!
Did you catch CNN’s Study: White and black children biased toward lighter skin. Comment on our blog:Black Doll White Doll Revisited
 
Enjoy your Summer! RIISE will stay in touch.

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May 26th, 2010

RIISE WELCOMES CALHOUN SCHOOL

by RIISE

RIISE welcomes Calhoun School as Founding Member!

We are proud to have the commitment of Steve Nelson, Head of School, and Hilary North, Director of Diversity in helping RIISE reach it’s mission to help independent schools protect, retain, and attract great families. Well-balanced retention of an independent school education is what RIISE strives for, providing member families with live and virtual workshops and resources. As Calhoun begins the 2010 school year, we continue to thank Riverdale and Head of School, Dominic Randolph, for their visionary membership.

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May 26th, 2010

Black Doll White Doll Study Revisited

by RIISE

CNN commissioned  a familiar study on the racial biases of children, but with an interesting twist. What response do you think your child would have?

RIISE has partnered with Chocolate Chip to consider how the children in our communities would respond. We will also consider and share what kinds of meaningful dialogue can be had with our children around race and it’s biases. Stay tuned for our findings.

Check out the CNN blog on Anderson Cooper and Soledad O’Brien’s episodes on Race and Kids…very revealing. What do you think?

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April 5th, 2010

RIISE UPdates

by RIISE
 
 
RIISE UPDATES
 Mother Daughter  Summer Camp  Partnerships
 
In Just 13 Days…Don’t Miss It
     Mother Daughter Executive & Life Coaching Series!!!
 
You are your child’s keeper
until she’s mature enough to keep herself.

 ~ Laura Ramirez, Author of the parenting book Keepers of the Children.

 

 

 

 Thou art thy mother’s glass, and she in thee
Calls back the lovely April of her prime.

 

 

 ~William Shakespeare~

 

 

 

Summer…

 

 Mother Daughter Executive & Life Coaching – Sunday, April 18 & April 25

 

 

RIISE is celebrating diversity with high achieving women by offering a powerful series in personal and professional development, with the brilliantly dynamic executive & life coach, Karen Elizaga, Founder & CEO, Foward Options & Venus in Balance. Check out Karen as she DID her NEVER – Congratualtions Karen!
 
Karen will bring the most efficient tools customized for high acheiving mother’s and daughters with:
  >Real strategies to build self-esteem and project confidence
  >Tools for effective communication
  >Strategies for feeling great inside and out
  >Nutritional Tips
  >Creating your life’s vision whether you’re 16 or 46!
  >Uncovering actionable goals
Seating is limited with this live workshop.
 
Reserve your space today.
Read Family Voices Blog on Mother Daugher Duo.
Thank you to our new Series Sponsor – Vibrant Health! 
Hosted by Vision Sponsor, Riverdale Country School - Food and Goodie Bag Sponsor Vibrant Health - Facilitated by Forward Options

     Still Searching for that right Summer Camp?

Take a look at the RIISE List of Summer Camps & Programs. If you have a favorite, let us know and we will add it to the list.

  
Family Voices…
Thank you for your recent comments! Here is a recent blog.
 
New Partner…

RIISE is thrilled to welcome Cheryl Burton, LCSW-R, DSW -Adolescent & Adult Psychotherapist, lecturer, trainer, and workshop leader for professional, civic, and corporate groups. Consultant to teachers, administrators, parents. Dr. Burton will join our list of culturally identifiable therapists and will lead the conversations around educational and child development; diversity and inclusion; social and cultural dynamics, within in our independent schools.

 
Graduate Hall of Fame…
     Class of 2010
We are expanding our Spotlight Feature to include On the RIISE-Graduate Hall of Fame, acknowledging the hard work students and families have put into taking education to the next level. Who are you proud of? Provide RIISE with graduate’s name, current independent school, and the name of entering university or college, and we will spotlight them with the recognigition they deserve! List will also be posted in our end of school year newsletter – On The RIISE.
 ###
 
Your thoughts?
Comment on our blog at Family Voices.
Follow us on Facebook/Twitter.
 
 
 
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April 5th, 2010

Mainstream Images, What Do They Say?

by RIISE

How can we help our students become informed critics?

This was a question that was discussed at the PoCC 2009 in Denver.  What does mainstream television and cinema teach us about race?

My six year old son continues to be a repository of information, inspiration and reflection. He does not fail to delight with thoughtful commentary and authentic queries into the possibilities of things seen and pondered.

Recent efforts to curb household expenses gave my husband and me the perfect excuse to limit mainstream television and movies as part of our leisure experience. We play board games, customize our viewing pleasure with Netflix and lean more on the NYT and Pacifica radio for local and global news. What a change of pace from non-stop CNN and Nick!  As a family, we are the better for it. However, even our best programming efforts fall short of culturally diverse and positive images.

Back to my six year old. He recently asked his Dad, “Why are there no black people in the movies or on TV?” While annual academy award winners of color are on the rise, and many producers, directors, actors and actresses look for opportunities to acknowledge and express cultural exchanges and experiences, there is still a lot to be desired. Even the Great White Way struggles with diverse stage performances. This lack can send some powerful messages.

Hopefully we are raising theatre critics to even consider how people of color are formulaically portrayed.  Should we encourage our children to take a look at how these images or a lack there of contributes to their own assumptions about themselves, about other people?

Recently, Brown University President, Ruth Simmons delivered a keynote address at the Rhode Island State House for the first annual Joint Legislative Black History Month Celebration. I liked her quote. “Correcting omissions in our national narrative,” she said, “is always a work in progress, but our national history is today richer, more fully diverse, and more truthful due in part to observances that focus on the traditions, values, and contributions of all this nation’s constituent groups.  

Currently, we have more viewing opportunities than ever before. And if we dig a bit deeper than mainstream viewing we can find plenty of resources that bring to light the values and traditions of diverse observances and experiences.

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March 16th, 2010

Women’s History Month – Mother Daughter Dynamic Duo

by RIISE

You are your child’s keeper
until she’s mature enough to keep herself.

~ Laura Ramirez, Author of the parenting book Keepers of the Children.

Thou art thy mother’s glass, and she in thee
Calls back the lovely April of her prime.

~William Shakespeare~

 

I thought these were great quotes to consider as we approach our third RIISE event, supporting Mothers & Daughters to reach new heights in personal, educational, and professional development. Plus it is Women’s History month!

As part of RIISE’s overall mission to protect, retain and attract diversity, investing in the vital contributions that mothers and daughters provide in our communities is vital. The Mother/Daughter duo is dynamic, each one being the key to the future of our society. Wow, that’s powerful!

Because of this powerful unit, RIISE wanted to honor and offer programming that will inspire mother’s working hard to be role models for their middle school and high school daughters, while also striving to reach new heights in their professional careers. We, as mothers are mindful of protecting our daughters against the unrealistic and demeaning images that Madison Avenue and popular culture create for them, often times diminishing their self esteem. Equally, our daughters are challenged with living up to high academic standards by meeting the rigorous demands of an independent school education and gaining acceptance in to top colleges and universities. Just think about level of achievement coupled with adolescence, body image, social acceptance, and growing independence. As mothers, we have been there, but let’s face it, many of our daughter’s think we are just not with it and have nothing of real value to share with them anymore.

Regardless of grade level, RIISE has this thing about not placing all of the responsibility of navigating an independent school environment on our children. Supporting our children can be much easier to do in the lower grades, but we have to be a bit savvier with our older kids. And example would be having the benefit of a personal life and executive coach. A matter of fact, so would you Mom! I can see Mom jumping at the chance to have an executive life coach to help re-align and re-invent  along with providing a few tips on getting that next position or changing careers! Daughter’s on the other hand may kick and scream about attending two-four hour sessions on consecutive Sunday’s, but it is guaranteed that they will have a great time learning effective ways to stand out and be counted in a powerful way.

Karen Elizaga, Founder and Executive Life Coach, Forward Options is a dynamo and will be facilitating the series. Oh, and the cool part is that Mother and Daughter have separate sessions, so each will be presented with appropriate life stage strategies. We expect that the dynamic mother daughter duo will enjoy the ride sharing aspirations, goals and tools for living their best lives possible.

Hope you take the time to invest in your best possible life as a Mother & Daughter Team!

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March 16th, 2010

Congratulations! Now the real work begins

by RIISE

You have beat the odds, congratulations!

You and your family did your best to impress, and check out the results - you got that letter of acceptance. But don’t take all the credit mom and dad, Janie and Jimmie were the real stars. And, because of this we have our work cut out to support them. If you are really into an independent school education then I am confident you will navigate it well and proudly show up to graduation!

Let’s just make sure that we do a few things so that there is well-balanced retention. I mean, just keep an eye out for any opportunities to show up and support this environment with its challenging curriculum, expectations of attending ivy universities, incredible networks, great families, vast socio-economic variances, and the presence of a dominant culture.

So here are just a few strategies to get you and your family off to a fantastic start at your new school. I realize that the needs of a lower school family may be different than that of an upper school family, yet there are some fundamental truths about the institution itself that merits mention.

  1. Somehow, once you make that final leap called, “We got in!” then all of a sudden you are no longer looking into the window, your inside and that is precisely when you look around and notice that socio-economically what was once middle class is straight up at the poverty line. The amount of wealth that exists and the atmosphere of privilege can be intoxicating, and perhaps nauseating. Stay grounded and true to your set of norms for your family and express this to your children. It is tough to keep up with the Joneses!
  2. Get involved!!! Join something. A committee and affinity/support groups require consistency over time with meetings. But if time is not a commodity for you then support an annual event - sort of get in and get out. And by all means please donate to the annual fund in whatever denomination fits your budget-your name will be proudly displayed in annual report!
  3. Be prepared for a ton of birthday parties in lower school – especially kindergarten. And of course the bar/bat mitzvah in middle school. Prom, graduation and a new school to write a similar tuition to all in senior year.
  4. And last but not least, entering kindergarten or pre-k families, this early in the game your child’s apparent genius status is not a true indicator for independent school success, I mean really they are only 4 and 5 year olds. So, be diligent and patient over the next 12 years.

For more tips, check out the RIISE TOP 10 Brochure

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February 16th, 2010

A Little Black History – The Gullah

by RIISE

I just met a really cool ally around recruitment and retention of families of color at independent schools. He has a rich Gullah ancestral background, and so do I. Check out some interesting and enlightening facts about a group of people who by their very isolation off the coast of South Carolina, Georgia and Florida, have kept African tradition current and an essential element of African American culture today.

http://www.ncat.edu/~pazantb/

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February 13th, 2010

Coloring

by RIISE

My son is a smart, loving, busy little bee. He is six and in kindergarten at an independent school. Having made that last statement, I am sure you are not suprised to know the philosophy is little to no homework at this grade level. But, with me as his mom, and a third grade sister to keep up with, my son is generally amenable to the creative homework suggestions he gets at home.

After a little coaxing one afternoon, I got him to dig deep in his backpack for something to do. We got past the half eaten sandwich and brought up a computer story board he created in class. It had a coloring book opportunity of sorts, along with a story line. This particular story was about a boy getting ready to go out and play in the snow with his friends at recess. Read the rest of this entry »

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  • Testimonials

    "Providing a supportive network for families navigating the waters of the Independent School world is an excellent undertaking. I am eager to support RIISE's work."
    - Sandy Shaller, Head of Lower School

    "CONGRATS!! I was impressed with the number of people who came out, and the number of us who were touched in some way by Mr. Lee's experience. There were a few gut wrenching moments for me… when he realized he lost his connection with his sister, and was more comfortable in the presence of the Caucasian family..."
    - Josie Cole, Parent

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