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What is Project Stepping Stone?

Project Stepping Stone is designed specifically for college-minded high school students – just like your child.

For many parents, a college education for their son or daughter is only a dream. While the idea of sending a child to college can be difficult, understanding the benefits can open your eyes to how a college education can be your child’s bridge to a successful future. A future that’s better for your child, and your family. That’s where Project Stepping Stone comes in. We help you and your child become informed of the opportunities that a college education can offer.

Leaving home for one week

Project Stepping Stone is a one-week college prep summer program (in June) that helps Latino high school students successfully prepare for college and beyond. It requires that your child leaves the comfort of home and spend a week meeting new friends, teachers and mentors that will help them fulfill their college dream. Project Stepping Stone will introduce selected students to potential careers and includes visits to several Indiana college campuses and businesses. This program is offered at no cost to students and is sponsored by the National Society of Hispanic MBAs (NSHMBA) and partnering supporters. However, your child must apply in order to be considered.

Hundreds of students have benefitted from the Project Stepping Stone program and now find themselves in college, preparing for their careers…the kind of careers that only a college education can provide. Your child can be one of these that takes advantage of the opportunity.

What every parent should know…We care for your Child.

At Project Stepping Stone, we care for your child. We aim to provide the security, disciplines, and rules that any parent would appreciate. Many volunteers, whether teachers or mentors, have children of their own and understand the importance of caring for those who participate. During their week, curfews, dress codes, and a proper code of ethics will be enforced. Your children will not be left alone at any given time without proper supervision. In short, your children are at Project Stepping Stone to focus and to learn about their potential college careers.

Who Should Apply?

If your child is a high school Senior, Junior or Sophomore who is interested in college, they are eligible to apply. To apply, they must fill out the application that is provided online.

Students will be selected based on their application and essay. Applications are due by April 15, 2011. You’ll be notified of your application status by mid-May 2011. Don’t delay. Apply early.

What will happen at Project Stepping Stone?

If selected to participate in Project Stepping Stone, your child will face new experiences that they will remember for a lifetime. Below is a day-by-day schedule of what they will learn and experience:

DAY 1

Building The Team
Meet your mentors; Team-building activities;

DAY 2

Building Leaders
Business, Career, and Leadership Workshops; Dale Carnegie training; Etiquette dinner

DAY 3

Making Choices
Self-Assessment, College Selection, College Application Process, SAT/ACT Preparation

DAY 4

Following Your Dream
Knowing Your Rights, Paying for College, Scholarship Essay Writing

DAY 5

Preparing Leaders of tomorrow
Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development, Career Night and Mock Interviews

DAY 6

Looking to the Future
Eli Lilly and Company Business Simulation, Community Service Project

DAY 7

Celebrating Success: Graduation & Awards Ceremony
Student & Mentor Recognition, Emerging Leader Awards, Program Highlights for Parents

Scholarship Opportunities

During the week, your child will learn about college scholarships that are available for students of Hispanic descent. Also, five high school seniors from the program will be selected to receive $500 to be applied to their college application/preparation process. One student will be selected to receive a $1000 scholarship. These funds, donated by our sponsors, are to recognize outstanding program participation and to encourage college enrollment.

About NSHMBA

The National Society of Hispanic MBAs (NSHMBA) was created in 1988 as a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization. Widely known as the "Premier Hispanic Organization," NSHMBA serves 33 chapters and 8,000 members in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. It exists to foster Hispanic leadership through graduate management education and professional development. NSHMBA works to prepare Hispanics for leadership positions throughout the U.S., so that they can provide the cultural awareness and sensitivity vital in the management of the nation's diverse workforce.