Stomp the Yard- Cofo Style

Why yes, yes we do have dance battles at work.

Busy Month at College Forward Houston!

Lee High School Graduation on the football field!

It has been an EXTREMELY busy month at College Forward Houston. Let's start with Lee High School graduation. On Friday, June 8th Lee High School seniors walked across the stage to receive their high school diploma. Coach Christi and Melba were extremely proud to watch their 45 students transform from a high school senior into a college bound student. Congrats Lee Seniors!!



Students participating in an ice breaker Texas A&M-College Station



Some of the CoFo juniors posing in front of the Sam Houston statue!

CoFo juniors at the University of Texas at San Antonio!

Next up was the College Forward Houston Road Trip! It was three days and two nights of visiting six schools around Texas with a wonderful group of CoFo junior students. Thank you Texas A&M- College Station, Sam Houston State University, University of Incarnate Word, University of Texas San Antonio, Texas State University- San Marcos, and Texas Lutheran University! Enjoy the pics above:

Astros game at Minute Maid Park

Next up was the Astros game on June 22nd! College Forward coaches and junior students got to watch the Astros battle the Kansas City Royals. And tonight CoFo coaches and their senior students get to watch the Astros take down the San Diego Padres! Overall, it has been a busy month and there are even more events to come!

Coach Profile- Dustin Duncan

Coach Dustin "owling"

• Where are you originally from?
• I am from Chicago, Illinois! 3-1-2 you guys! Chi-town forever!
• Where did you graduate from? What did you major in?
• I graduated from University of Illinois where I majored in Political Science.
• What brought you to College Forward?
• I wanted to have the chance to help students who were similar to my background. I am a first-generation college student and I know firsthand the challenges I faced when I was applying to college.
• What is your favorite thing about working here?
• I love the environment we work in. We have a lot of freedom in the office to construct our own class plans and the students that we work with give us the respect that we need to be able to facilitate a class.
• If you could describe College Forward in 5 words, what would they be?
• Energetic, Tiring, Worthwhile, Inspiring, Goal-oriented
• What has been your biggest accomplishment at College Forward thus far?
• I think it would have to be my ACT prep with my class that paid off. A lot of my students improved significantly from their ACT Diagnostic to the actual ACT test.
• What is your favorite thing about living in Houston?
• I live in the Montrose area and so I have access to a bunch of parks, museums, and restaurants. So I mainly love my locations, because as a native Chicagoan- I love to walk everywhere.
• What is your favorite food?
• I love steak. And I make it in my apartment. And I get it from Kroger.
• What kind of music do you listen to?
• I can listen to anything except classical. What I'm currently listening to right now- as my coworkers can hear through my headphones- is Drake. He's my homie.
• What is your favorite place to go in Houston?
• Hermann Park. GTL! Or more like GLT. I like to gym it, laundry it up, and then tan.
• Do you have any talents or hobbies?
• I have extremely stretchy skin (seriously I need to see a doctor) and I can do insane back flips as I tumbled as a kid!
• And last but not least- what advice would you give to future coaches?
• Make sure you dedicate time getting to know your students. Because you'll be surprised to find out how much of a force you'll be to them during their school year.

Eisenhower Graduation

It was their proudest moment of their CoFo year, for Eisenhower Senior Coaches- Xenia, Natalie and Jess...because on June 2nd the IKE kiddos graduated!!!!!! Congrats to the class of 2012!!!!! Enjoy the pictures:

Future Aggie Christina Franklin & Boston University bound Dekoiya Burton

Jazwau Goudeau and Inice Warren

Kianni Guemez- Ms. Future Longhorn

Coach Xenia and Sam Houston bound student- Cindy Lopez

Program Manager Becky Fowler and Frida Bravo

Coach Xenia with the Gibson family

Duc Nguyen, Coach Natalie, Saira, and Coach Jessica

End of Year Ceremony

Before the start of the End of Year Ceremony



College Forward Houston annually hosts the End of Year Ceremony. It is a ceremony dedicated to recognizing the achievements of CoFo kids! This year it was at the University of Houston and both students and coaches had a blast!

Opening Ceremony crew: Vy Nguyen, Crystal Harris, & Erik Cavazos with his band mate

The End of Year Celebration started off with an Opening Ceremony. Ms. Crystal Harris performed the National Anthem, afterwards Eisenhower student Vy Nguyen performed "Hero" by Mariah Carey, and lastly Erik Cavazos performed a cover of "King" by Weezer.

Motivational speaker: Brian Rice

After the Opening Ceremony, College Forward had the pleasure of having Mr. Brian Rice give a motivational speech for the students and family. Mr. Rice is the author of three self-help books and is the President and Founder of the non-profit organization, Heroes Bridge, Inc. Thank you Mr. Rice for donating your time and your words for our event!

Coach Trey with his top three kids

Next, the coaches were able to recognize the top three students from each class in the Junior/Senior Awards. Here is the order from the ceremony:

Coach Ken

Aldair Torres- Best All Around Student

Jocelyn Mendoza- Scholastic Scholar Award

Erik Cavazos- Most Outstanding Student 

Coach Qiji

Ravo Scott- Most Community Service

Jennifer Acosta- Perfect Attendance

Astrid Ibarra- Most Outstanding Student

Coach Christi

Kaitlen Turner- Most Ambitious Student

Windy Shelton- Most College Acceptances

Edgar Bejar- Most Outstanding Student

Coach Melba

Dorchelle Greene- Best Personality Award

Sergio Reynaga- Most College Acceptances

Jameka Richards- Most Outstanding Student

Coach Teanna

Dominic Brown- Most Likely to Become an Entrepreneur

Somaly Taing- Most Community Service Hours

Darljane Sherman- Most Outstanding Student

Coach Trey

Luxjoria Thibodeaux- Most Focused

Yendri Longoria- Most Committed

Renell Henry- Most Outstanding

Coach Dustin

Sandra Montoya- Most Determined

Anna Cornejo- Most Improved

Melissa Escobar- Most Outstanding Student

Coach Xenia

Park Do- Best Future Google Employee Award

Carmen Parra- Best Writer and Best Personality

Nelson Romero- Most Outstanding Student

Coach Natalie

Duc Nguyen- Jackpot Award

Joseph Martin- Strong Soul Award

Dekoiya Burton- Most Outstanding Student

Coach Jessica

Roberto Pena- Highest Attendance Award

Andres Quiroz- Most Likely to be Famous

Armando Sajbin- Most Outstanding Student



Afterwards, it was the Senior Roll Call! It was the first senior class from College Forward Houston and so CoFo seniors were able to come up to the microphone and announce LOUD AND PROUD where they were going to school next year.

Overall, the Ceremony was a great success and a fun time for everyone! Thank you College Forward students for a wonderful year!

Where to Live in Houston? - The Heights



Coach Qiji used his photography skills to take a picture of a neighborhood
in the Heights after a rainstorm

• Why did you choose to live in the Heights?
• It is a relatively central location and close to I-10, which helps provide easy access to the College Forward office. It was also recommended to me by Becky (Program Manager) as a great place to live at.
• How long have you lived there?
• I moved to the Heights in January of this year.
• What are a few things you like about the area you live in?
• My favorite thing about living in this area is the bike trail located near my house. It is a 12 mile path that I like to utilize quiet often. I also like the fact that the neighborhood is quiet and very safe. And lastly, it is a family orientated/young professional sort of area so you always see people walking around.
• What are a few things you do not like about the area?
• I love this area of town, so no complaints!
• What are your neighbors like?
• Working professionals whom you almost never see during the day.
• How much does it cost to live there?
• I pay $400 per month, which includes all bills! (Electricity, gas, water, Internet, and cable) I actually found the apartment through Craigslist.
• If some of our future Houstonians have more questions, would you mind if they contacted you?
• Sure! You can reach me at qwang@collegeforward.org

Eisenhower Senior Prom

Eisenhower Coaches

It was an epic day last Friday as Eisenhower coaches got to chaperon their first prom!!!!!!!! It was exciting for the coaches to see all of their students in their beautiful dresses and dapper tuxes and of course a ton of pictures were taken! Enjoy!

Coach Jess with her Howard University bound student- Marcus Livingston

Coach Teanna with the best counselor in the world- Ms. Arrington

Coach Jess and Xenia posing with a future A&M Aggie- Inice Warren



Coach Xenia with the best art teacher in the world- Dr. Kelley

College Forward Seniors Mirna Calderon and Heydy Sanchez



Prom King and Queen!

And finally for the best picture of the night, we present Coach Xenia and Dustin as prom king and queen! Coach Dustin's dream of becoming prom king (he lost by 8 votes in high school) finally came true!!!! Congrats!!!

Houston AmeriCorps Awareness Week

Christi and Xenia showing off their AmeriCorps pride

Last week was Houston AmeriCorps Week! It was a week dedicated to bringing awareness of AmeriCorps to the general public. Also, it is a time in which current AmeriCorps members come together to serve their community by doing additional volunteering. On May 18th, College Forward volunteered at Magnolia Community Garden, which is located in one of the oldest Mexican-American neighborhoods on the southeast side of Houston. The garden provides fresh vegetables for the community and so CoFo members helped clean up and mulch.

Group pic after working all morning in the garden

The following Monday, there was an AmeriCorps alumni get together at Under the Volcano. It is a bar located in the West University area and on Mondays they have $15 steaks!

Dustin and Trey at Under the Volcano

On Tuesday, College Forward went down to City Hall to meet Mayor Annise Parker. It was there that the Mayor recognized AmeriCorps and all of its efforts in front of city council. It was especially exciting for CoFo members as they had the opportunity to pose for a bunch of pictures with Ms. Parker.

Mayor Annise Parker and College Forward

After the City Council meeting, College Forward helped make puppets for autistic children. It was a fun experience and also a great opportunity for College Forward to collaborate with other AmeriCorps organizations.

Christi and Xenia posing with their puppets

And to complete the week, on Wednesday there was another opportunity for AmeriCorps members and alumni to get together at Sky High Zone Trampoline Park. Participants were able to jump around and have a good time! And on Thursday, there was a volunteer opportunity for AmeriCorps members at the Houston Food Bank. Overall, it was a successful week and it definitely brought more awareness to the public on AmeriCorps!

Coach Profile- Christi Garza

Coach Christi at work!

• Where are you originally from?
• I am originally from San Antonio, Texas. Born and raised!
• Where did you graduate from? What did you major in?
• I graduated from Texas A&M San Antonio with a degree in Sociology.
• What brought you to College Forward?
• College access has always been something that has interested me, and knowing that I would be able to assist students who wanted to further their education definitely made the choice easy.
• What is your favorite thing about working here?
• My students definitely! Watching them go through the process and seeing their excitement over acceptance letters is probably the most rewarding aspect.
• If you could describe College Forward in 5 words, what would they be?
• Fun, Challenging, Changing, Rewarding, and Diverse
• What has been your biggest accomplishment at College Forward thus far?
• Getting to know my students personally and having them know that they can depend on me.
• What is your favorite thing about living in Houston?
• I would have to say the diversity...not to mention the tons of different food places to try.
• What is your favorite food?
• I love steak (medium rare) with some steamed veggies. I am a food lover, so I'll pretty much eat anything, or at least try it once.
• What kind of music do you listen to?
• Everything and anything- from Country to Modern Rock to Spanish Rock to DnB to Electronica to whatever is playing on the radio. For the most part, I'm never without my headphones.
• What is your favorite place to go in Houston?
• Hermann Park- it's an awesome place to go for a jog, relax in the sun or just take in the day.
• Do you have any talents or hobbies?
• Well, when I'm at home, in San Antonio, I enjoy hiking and running trails. You could also do that in Houston, but you do have to drive a good distance.
• What is your favorite restaurant in Houston?
• As I've only been to a few, I'd have to say Lupe's Tortillas or Torchy's Tacos!
• And last but not least- what advice would you give to future coaches?
• Have fun, enjoy working with the kids, don't take things too seriously, and most of all they're teenagers, so embrace their immaturity but push them to do anything and everything!

The One and Only- Gary Newman

Gary Newman is a part of Advise TX Corp and a College Forward buddy. He works closely with the Eisenhower coaches and is always an available resource for college related matters.

Newman is a native Houstonian and graduated from Texas A&M University- College Station in May 2011. Since August 2011, he has worked at Eisenhower High School as a College Advisor. His organization seeks to increase the number of high school students entering and finishing college and thus his program is a great collaborator with College Forward.

Overall, Newman is a great guy and the CoFo crew is obviously a fan!

Student Profile- Renell Henry

Renell Henry is the student profile of the week! Renell is a junior at Eisenhower High School and is a very excellent student. He is so outstanding that he has been accepted into two summer programs at Texas Christian University Camp College and the University of Texas at Austin McCombs Future Executive Academy. Congrats to Renell!

• Why did you join College Forward?
• To get assistance with standardized tests and applying to college.
• What do you love most about the organization?
• The coaches.
• What is the best quality in your College Forward coach?
• My coach is Coach Trey and I like his personality and his positivity.
• What school do you want to attend and what are you planning to major in?
• Baylor and as of right now I am undecided on the major.
• Do you have any hobbies or talents?
• Football.
• What advice would you give to future coaches?
• To get to know your students on a personal level so you can assist them better.

Shipley Do-nuts

Ask any native Houstonian and they will probably tell you that Shipley's has the best donuts in town. It all started in 1936 when Lawrence Shipley formulated the recipe for pretty much the best donut in the world. Since then Shipley's has expanded to dozen of locations around Houston and now to several surrounding states. Overall, you could start off your morning with a mouth watering donut, a delicious sausage and cheese kolache (for you out of state folks it is similar to the "pigs in a blanket" concept) and a cup of coffee- all for 3-4 bucks!

Trey having a feast on some Shipley Do-nuts

Christi and Dustin reppin' the Shipley's bag

Everyone in the CoFo office is a fan of Shipley's! Here are a couple of pics of Coach Trey, Dustin, and Christi modeling for Shipley's!

Houston International Festival

It was a busy weekend in Houston as it was the annual Houston International Festival that takes place every April for two weekends! This year I-Fest spotlighted the country Argentina!

Performers at International Festival



Performers at Internationl Festival

The Houston International Festival is put on every year by the non-profit organization called the Houston Festival Foundation. The revenue made from this event goes towards future festivals and towards art and education programs that reach nearly one million students in the Greater Houston area.



Harry and Natalie showing off their salsa moves!

Both coaches and students volunteered at the event (free admission and t-shirt if you do!) and had a great time! Afterwards they were able to explore the grounds and devour the delicious food. Coach Teanna had two Jamaicans patties filled with spiced beef, snow cone, fresh squeezed lemonade, beignets, and gelato. Coach Xenia had grilled beef on a skewer dipped in some delicious Sang Sang sauce, corn on the cob drizzled in butter and seasoning, fried Oreos and lemon sorbet. While Harry had Jamaican beef patties, skewered chicken, snow cone, Italian ice, and beignets. Overall, it was a successful event and a College Forward favorite!

What is the Dress Code like at College Forward?



Coach Ken and Qiji reppin' the College Forward t-shirts

For the most part, College Forward coaches must wear their College Forward t-shirts. Ken is featured in the new green on black design while Qiji is wearing the original grey shirt. The days that the coaches go to the schools, they must wear their shirts with long pants and closed toe shoes.

Maria featured in the CoFo hoodie

Coaches and staff may also wear the College Forward hoodie both at the schools and in the office. They are super comfortable!

Harry and Teanna in proper dress code

On office days, coaches may dress in casual apparel however, there are a few ground rules:

• There must be no visible tattoos or facial piercings. If one does have their ears pierced, it is limited to three piercings per ear.
• Shorts, skirts, and dresses may be no higher than five inches above the knee
• Clothing shall not bear messages promoting, expressing, or suggesting sex, drugs, violence, alcohol, overt political affiliations, or obscenities
• Mustaches and beards are permitted however, they must be neatly trimmed and well-groomed
• Clothing must also not be worn too tightly or too loosely. Spaghetti strap, halter tops, or tank tops with less than two inches in width are not acceptable professional attire.

Other than that, College Forward has pretty casual dress code!

Coach Profile- Natalie Hanson

Coach Natalie at MLK Service Day

• Where are you originally from?
• Minnesota. But I wish I was from Mexico. Seriously.
• Where did you graduate from? What did you major in?
• I graduated from the University of Minnesota- Twin Cities where I majored in Physiology.
• What brought you to College Forward?
• I wanted to do AmeriCorps and I wanted to work directly with people and have more of a relationship instead of doing opportunities where it would be just a "desk job."
• What is your favorite thing about working here?
• The people such as my students and co-workers.
• If you could describe College Forward in 5 words, what would they be?
• Challenging, creative, laughter, accomplishment, and dedication
• What has been your biggest accomplishment at College Forward thus far?
• Helping my 40+ students get into college
• What is your favorite thing about living in Houston?
• In Minnesota they don't sell papaya at the grocery store and they sell it here! So I love that Houston has papaya!
• What is your favorite food?
• SHIPLEY'S!!!  Xenia introduced me to their donuts and now I am obsessed.
• What kind of music do you listen to?
• Everything. My latest craze is Bassa Nova
• What is your favorite place to go in Houston?
• The Galleria. Specifically Sephora in The Galleria.
• Do you have any talents or hobbies?
• I like to sing and cook. I'm also a dancer.
• What is your favorite restaurant in Houston?
• My house!
• And last but not least- what advice would you give to future coaches?
• Read a lot of news, media, self-help books- whatever you can do to make yourself a really interesting person with lots to talk about so as to really entertain and engage your kids!

Welcome Jerrel Xavier Brown!

On Wednesday April 18th, Coach Melba gave birth to her BEAUTIFUL baby boy- Jerrel Xavier Brown. At 7lbs 2oz Jerrel is a happy, healthy newborn. Congrats to the new mommy!

What is the Weekly Schedule like at College Forward Houston?

Senior Coach Christi Garza hard at work!

Mondays

• 9:00 AM Eisenhower coaches arrive at CoFo office and prepare for class
• 11:00 AM Lee and Sterling coaches arrive at CoFo office and prepare for class
• 1:45 PM Eisenhower coaches leave for class
• 2:15 PM Lee and Sterling coaches leave for class
• 3:00 PM Eisenhower/Lee/Sterling classes begin
• 4:30 PM Lee and Sterling classes end
• 5:00 PM Eisenhower classes end
• 6:00-7:30 PM Evening College Forward class at Lee and Sterling

Tuesdays

• 9:00 AM All coaches arrive at College Forward office
• 10:00 AM Tuesday weekly staff meeting begins
• 11:00 AM Staff meeting ends
• 11:00 AM- 5:30 PM Coaches take care of a variety of tasks- have bi-monthly one-on-one meeting with their High School Program Manager, update student files, work on journal entries, etc.

Wednesdays

• 7:30 AM- 4:00 PM Lee and Sterling coaches arrive at their respective high school and have one-on-one meetings with their students during school hours
• 9:00 AM Eisenhower coaches arrive to College Forward office and prepare for class
• 1:45 PM Eisenhower coaches leave for class
• 3:00-5:00 PM Eisenhower College Forward classes

Thursdays

• 7:30 AM-4:00 PM Eisenhower coaches arrive at school and have one-on-one meetings with their students during school hours
• 11:00 AM Lee and Sterling coaches arrive to College Forward office and prepare for class
• 2:15 PM Lee and Sterling coaches leave for class
• 3:00-4:30 PM College Forward class at Lee and Sterling High School
• 6:00-7:30 PM Evening College Forward class at Lee and Sterling High School

Friday

• 9:00 AM All coaches arrive at College Forward Office
• 11:00 AM High School Program Meeting begins
• 12:00 PM High School Program Meeting ends
• 1:30-4:00 PM Work group meetings take place (Some examples of the many work groups at College Forward Houston- C201, End of Year Celebration, ACT Diagnostic, AmeriCorps Awareness, etc.)

** The biggest difference between Eisenhower and Lee/Sterling High School is that Lee/Sterling CoFo kids have the option of attending an evening class. This allows students, who are busy with other after school activities, to attend other club meetings and then go to College Forward at 6 PM. Additionally, the other big difference is that Eisenhower has class Mondays and Wednesdays with office hours on Thursdays while Lee/Sterling has class on Mondays and Thursdays with office hours on Wednesdays.

Student Profile- Kishon Joseph

Sterling High School Junior Student Kishon Joseph

Kishon Joseph is the student profile of the week! He is a junior at Baytown Sterling High School and is a very active student within his school and neighborhood community. He is a part of the Sterling High School Band, Key Club, and Student Council and he also volunteers at his church and the American Red Cross. Three cheers for Kishon!

Here is our interview with our star student:

• Why did you join College Forward?
• I joined College Forward because I knew it would be one more way to help me get into college.
• What do you love about the organization?
• It gives you opportunities to learn more about college that many kids don't have.
• What is the best quality in your College Forward coach?
• My coach Qiji is very knowledgeable about colleges and gets my confidence up when I think I can't get into one of them.
• What school are you planning to attend next year and what are you going to major in?
• I plan on attending Texas A&M University College Station while majoring in pre-vet.
• Do you have any hobbies or talents?
• I love to play basketball and I am a great saxophone player.
• What advice would you give to future coaches?
• Have a lot of fun with the kids.

Coach Profile- Teanna Harris

Eisenhower Junior College Coach: Teanna Harris

• Where are you originally from?
• I am originally from Portland, Oregon but was raised in Houston, Texas.
• Where did you graduate from and what did you major in?
• I graduated from Texas A&M University WHOOP!
• What brought you to College Forward?
• I came to College Forward with the hopes of affecting young people much like myself when I was in high school, students who are not particularly familiar with or exposed to the process of getting into college but are determined to succeed in that process.
• What is your favorite thing about working here?
• My favorite thing has ABSOLUTELY got to be working with my students, the highlight of each week is spending those four hours in a classroom directly with my students, hearing about their week and their ever evolving dreams and aspirations as they plan their future.
• If you could describe College Forward in 5 words, what would they be?
• Evolving, fun, committed, supportive, and challenging.
• What has been your biggest accomplishment at College Forward thus far?
• My greatest accomplishment thus far has been helping my students expand their notion of what college has to offer them, and assisting them in whatever way I can to bring that dream or goal to fruition.
• What is your favorite thing about living in Houston?
• I love the parks in Houston, on one of our many beautiful days I enjoy just taking my dog for a walk or having lunch in the park with a friend.
• What is your favorite food?
• I absolutely love Italian food and there are so many great options in Houston for all types of cuisine.
• What kind of music do you listen to?
• I really enjoy hip hop and soul music, I occasionally mix it up with some country music.
• What is your favorite place to go in Houston?
• I often visit the museums and the zoo in Houston, I am still very much a child on the inside so the Children's Museum has to be my favorite.
• Do you have any talents or hobbies?
• I have a talent for shopping...which could also be my hobby but in my spare time I really enjoy reading a good book or going for a swim
• What is your favorite restaurant in Houston?
• I really love Grande Luxe and Ruggles on the Green, the food is fresh and delicious and they have so many options, they are both also located in shopping centers, coincidence I think not.
• And last but not least- what advice would you give to future coaches?
• Make your students' goals your goals for your time with College Forward, commit yourself to their success and achievements and you will feel that you have served your term successfully and your students will benefit greatly from your commitment to them.

Where to Live in Houston? - Baytown

Poolside at Camden Baytown

AmeriCorps VISTA Harry's apartment

• Why did you choose to live at Camden Baytown apartments?
• I chose to live at the Camden Baytown because it's seven minutes from the College Forward Houston office and it's a nice gated apartment complex.
• How long have you lived there?
• I've lived there for five months.
• What are a few things you like about the complex?
• I like that there is a business center with internet access, a swimming pool, and a fitness room with all nice equipment.
• What are a few things you do not like the complex?
• It's hard to meet people my age at the complex.
• What are your neighbors like?
• I have a diverse set of neighbors that I barely see because most of them are from Baytown and really don't need to interact with others. They have family all over the community.
• How much does it cost to live there?
• Prices vary greatly. I live in a two bedroom apartment with another roommate and I pay $414 in rent and around $90 a month in utilities. This includes water, light, and cable. Unfortunately, no internet.
• If some of our future Houstonians have more questions, would you mind if they contacted you?
• Of course! My email address is hgilliard@collegeforward.org

Check out the apartment website: http://apartments.camdenliving.com/houston-tx-apartments/camden-baytown/default.aspx