Brooklyn Center High School prepares students for college or careers
Last Friday was a joyous occasion at Brooklyn Center High School. At the school’s scholarship award ceremony four seniors received prestigious “Act Six” scholarships, which are meant to inspire future community leaders.
Nou-Chee Chang received an award and is a product of Brooklyn Center’s “Get Ready” program, which accelerates college preparation. “With the help of Get Ready and all their time helping me, I was able to achieve a scholarship to go to Augsburg University,” said Chang, who wants to be a graphic designer.
Setting the stage for Brooklyn Center High School’s Get Ready program
Get ready is located in a small room that was once a closet. After receiving a total makeover, the area has morphed into a space with a collegiate feel. The lights are low, the setting is casual and the college pennants let students know they have plenty of options. “We have built strong relationships with administrators, teachers, other staff members, and students,” said Matt Kiefer, a Get Ready instructor. “We really feel a part of the school community which I think is attributed to our success.”
Kiefer says the program boils down to finding out what students need to get to college and helping them get there. “Being here every day during the school day gives us the opportunity to be successful with these students,” says Kiefer.
Student Pablo Vasquez is going to St. John’s, partially because of a scholarship. “With the help of Get Ready,” Vasquez said, “they have given me the opportunity and the necessary tools to have and explore and expand my mind and knowledge.”
Vasquez also went with the Get Ready program to the northern part of the state. Instructors say the simple trip opens the eyes of students who might not have traveled there. “We got up north and then we just saw there’s more to Minnesota than we’ve been living in,” Vasquez said.
Students who are part of Get Ready often enter the program with low expectations, but leave with a “sky is the limit” mindset. “Never settle with the bare minimum,” Vasquez said. “Always raise your expectations and you will soon achieve those expectations.”
