The backbone of the Stevenson to College (S2C) program is a team of trusted volunteer mentors who offer invaluable guidance to S2C scholars. And while our ranks have grown to 48 dedicated volunteers, more mentors are needed to support our incoming class of students! Mentors provide both practical advice and emotional support, helping scholars navigate the challenges that often accompany the pursuit of higher education, particularly for first-generation students. Backed by generous, multi-year donations to the Foundation, the S2C program is growing rapidly, with the goal of supporting more than 100 scholars a year by 2027.

We recently caught up with S2C mentors Sam Figueroa, Jaimie Oh, Vicky Stencel, and Dr. Steve Wood to learn about their experience in the program, and why they say others should consider joining the growing ranks of S2C mentors.

How did you get involved with the S2C program? What made you decide to become a mentor?

SAM: I became involved last school year and was thrilled to become a mentor because I myself am a student of immigrants who had no real understanding of the college process here in the US.

STEVE: I decided to become a mentor once our youngest child went off to college. Walking through the college decision process with our three children was a fun adventure, and I would like to share my experiences with a Stevenson student who may not have that same level of support at home.

VICKY: When my oldest began the college search process, the complexity became very apparent to me and I realized how difficult it must be for a student whose parents did not have the experience to help guide their children through this. About the same time, I realized that the Foundation had the S2C program so becoming a mentor was the perfect way for me to help.

JAIMIE: I go involved involved with S2C as a donor — I was already looking to engage with the Foundation in more meaningful ways. Last year, I decided to take my support a step further and become a mentor. I was inspired by the stories of S2C Scholars, who went onto college and credited their mentors for their support.

Why do you think the S2C program is important to have at Stevenson High School?

STEVE: Like myself, many of our Stevenson students are first generation college students. Their parents may not have personal experiences to help their children navigate the road to college. I still remember my parents’ strong support of my attending college, but also the frustration they felt in not being able to provide much guidance or firsthand experience. Every student needs and deserves the personal coaching and support that the S2C program provides.

VICKY: Many people do not realize that over 400 families at Stevenson require the support of the Foundation in one way or another. Many of these families are first-generation families, where the parents are not able to help their children navigate through the college process. Stevenson already provides an excellent academic experience for so many gifted and deserving students, so it would be a missed opportunity not to help them go the distance and go to college.

SAM: Having the Foundation and S2C program at Stevenson is important because college exploration shouldn’t only be for those with familial experience in the process or the financial or temporal resources to navigate it smoothly. If we believe in Success for Every Student, then we should be prepared to reduce barriers for every student.

Have you ever had a mentor yourself? If so, what impact did the experience have on you?

JAIMIE: I had several mentors who were also teachers while I was in high school. Their encouragement meant everything to me and helped with my self-confidence during a time when I wasn’t sure who I was or what I wanted my future to be. Their belief in me spurred a belief in myself, and I built on that self-confidence ever since.

Describe the process of being matched with your S2C scholar. What made it a good fit?

VICKY: My mentee comes from a Hispanic family, and being Hispanic myself has made this a great fit. I have been able to get to know my mentee’s family, who are all native speakers. I was even invited to a family graduation party where I was able to fully participate and appreciate all of the Latin American traditions associated with the day and converse in Spanish with all of his family members. I really got the sense that they felt like I was part of their son’s team. Seeing how appreciated I was and feeling so welcome made the experience even more rewarding. My mentee is very inquisitive. He is constantly thinking through his options when it comes to course enrollment, career, summer opportunities and more. I tend to be a very analytical person and being able to evaluate the options together has made it very rewarding and a great fit.

What impact do you hope to have on your mentee?

JAIMIE: I want to be my mentee’s biggest cheerleader! Through our relationship, I hope that my mentee ultimately sees her own potential and all the amazing qualities that she possesses. I can sense her desire for a better future, but her apprehension and self-doubt hold her back. I want her to see in herself what I and others already see in her.

SAM: I hope to be able to share strategies on how to think about situations as opposed to simply coming up with an answer or response to them. Empowering with tools is something that I believe will have a greater impact as, in the end, the student will have to make their own decisions about their future.

VICKY: I would like to believe that the impact I have on my mentee will be in the form of life skills that will last forever. I have been blessed in that my first mentee is now a junior in college so I have been able to use my business background to help them with things like resume building, interview skills, and more. He is asking very thoughtful questions about his future and crossroads between graduate school and other options. I am privileged that he continues to come to me with all of these post-secondary and college questions and hope that he will do that for many years to come.

For someone thinking about becoming an S2C mentor, what would you tell them about the experience?

VICKY: When I talk about my experience as an S2C mentor, many are unaware of the need among Stevenson students, that the program exists, or how established and well run it is by S2C & One Family Manager Aileen Aragones and S2C Coordinator Natalia Ruiz. They take care of every detail so the mentors have a place to contribute, yet the time commitment is very manageable and you still can have a tremendous impact on your mentee.

SAM: I would say that it’s a worthwhile endeavor for all parties. I’ve loved being able to meaningfully connect with a student outside of the classroom and learn more about their individual experience. Getting to know just one student’s journey has given me pause on how I think about all of my students and their history and path moving forward. Conversely, it’s important for students to see us in a more dynamic and holistic way, not just as a teacher of a particular content area, but rather as a full-fledged person who is here to support the whole student.

STEVE: While not all that surprising, I have found the preparation and follow through by the S2C leadership team to be top notch. The S2C leadership team has really developed a comprehensive approach to support both mentors and scholars as we navigate the road to college together. I feel so supported as a mentor, knowing that the S2C will prompt the conversations we need to be having and provide resources for the journey with our scholar.

Stevenson to College (S2C) Coordinator Natalia Ruiz joined the Foundation in early 2023. We sat down with Natalia to learn more about her role at the Foundation and why S2C is so vital to first-generation and financially under-resourced students at SHS.

Tell us about your role at the Foundation.

I am the Stevenson to College Coordinator. I directly support and coach S2C scholars in college exploration, admissions, and persistence. I do this via one-to-one and group meeting facilitation.

What are some of your favorite aspects of the role so far?

One of my favorite aspects is the relationship-building with our scholars. I enjoy seeing the comfort shift within the dialog between the student and myself. I value when a scholar not only comes to talk about post-secondary plans, but also when they share personal life updates. It is a reassurance that trust has been established.

Why did you decide to join the Stevenson Foundation team?

I was attracted to the Foundation because of the intentionality behind how the organization serves SHS students through a commitment to growing its programs, like S2C. I appreciate the transparency and understanding of who we serve – and why we serve them. The Foundation does not work in isolation – it works as a collective for the growth and well-being of our SHS students.

As a first-generation college graduate yourself, why do you think pursuing a college degree is vital for S2C scholars who are first generation and/or financially under-resourced?

Pursuing a college degree as a first-generation student was my only priority. I knew and understood that I had the opportunity to access education in a way my parents did not. Although I did not know how accessing my post-secondary journey would look, I knew I wanted to chase after a higher education.

Pursuing education as a first-generation college student is vital simply because you can; there are now intentional support systems in place for a group of people who were not often considered, let alone supported.

What aspects of the S2C program do you think have the greatest impact on scholar success?

Our S2C scholars have a village of people who are genuinely invested in their college success and the journey they take to get there. Our mentors play such a crucial role in our scholars' lives. I often remind our scholars that they are an SHS student with an ADDITIONAL team of three adults (S2C program staff and their volunteer mentor) who know them and desire to support them.

Another element critical to our scholars’ success is providing them with a safe space. Allowing scholars to drop into our offices for anything and everything without judgment enables them to build trust. Once that trust is established, we can begin implementing support.

When you’re not supporting students in the S2C program, how do you like to spend your free time?

I love a good home organization day! I love to organize items into containers and create labels for each container. Once the organization has been completed, I reward myself with a tall iced coffee from Starbucks.

Successfully navigating the first year of college is one of the most challenging and important steps in a student’s pursuit of a higher education. Stevenson to College (S2C) programming is designed to help our college freshmen face everything from homesickness to the rigors of their new courses. We recently caught up with four college-freshman scholars, who reflected on how the program has supported them throughout their first semester.

Where and what are you currently studying?

Kayla: I’m attending Bradley University and majoring in Biomedical Sciences.

Catherine: I am studying Molecular and Cellular Biology at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

Mark: I’m in my first semester at Eastern Illinois University and have not yet declared a major.

Stephanie: I am pursuing a degree in Nursing from Dominican University.

How has your first semester of college been going? Are there any highlights or surprises you’d like to share?

Mark: My first semester has been great! I’m doing well in my classes, turning in all my assignments on time, and using every opportunity I get to talk to my professors and ask questions.

Kayla: My first week of college had many ups and downs but keeping a positive mindset and a better outlook has really helped me. Some highlights have been the activities I've done on campus with friends such as going to the Late BU (Bradley University) Nights and Halloween celebrations and renting hammocks to relax.

Stephanie: My first semester has been good so far. I struggled the first two weeks with being homesick, but once I started meeting new people and making new friends, I have not been missing home.

Catherine: At the beginning of the semester, I really struggled with studying and managing a rigorous course load. But I've worked on my struggles for the past weeks and I’ve seen tremendous improvement already. Besides the academics, I’ve had an enjoyable college experience thus far. One of my semester highlights was when I discovered – through an undergraduate group chat – that a donor had purchased 1,000 tickets to a football game to give away to students. I happened to be in the area at the right time and sure enough I left with a free ticket!

How did you know you chose the right college for you?

Kayla: I fell in love with the vibe and campus right away, and I just knew it was for me. Bradley offers so many job fairs and networking events and the professors in my classes are great. I know that I have a good support group here.

Catherine: Although my summer was cut short, I am so glad I participated in my university’s summer bridge program. I got to experience campus life early alongside other highly motivated first-generation students. Once the bridge program was over, I was already familiar with campus, built great connections with peers and mentors, and gained knowledge of available resources.

Mark: Meeting a new friend group reassured me in my school choice. I’ve enjoyed sitting down with peers to share our pasts and have deep, emotional discussions.

Stephanie: I know I chose the right college for me because of how at home I feel at Dominican. The community is very welcoming and understanding. Also, I really like all the activities, clubs, and overall, the people that go here.

How has being part of S2C been helpful for you in your college transition? Have there been any challenging situations when the program’s guidance was key?

Catherine: S2C taught me everything I know about college through monthly informational meetings since the start of my junior year. But one of the most important skills I’ve learned from the program was self-advocacy - which I believe is super important even beyond schooling. I learned to communicate my needs and ask for help.

Kayla: S2C has not only helped me with mental and motivational support, but also with a lot of the big topics that first-generation college students don't tend to understand as much. The program has guided me through the application process, understanding the differences between high school and college, and so much more.

Stephanie: Being part of S2C has helped me through my homesickness. It was challenging for me to get out of my comfort zone and meet new people. Which I’m glad I ultimately did, because I now have many new friendships and clubs I have joined.

Mark: S2C has been very helpful to me with the transition from high school to college. What I’ve learned from being in the program has been especially helpful in my writing and English class.

What advice would you give to our high school seniors as they work on college applications and explore their options?

Stephanie: Don’t doubt yourself. Colleges want to get to know you and see how you are going to fit into their school so be yourself in your essay. Good luck!

Mark: Listen to Ms. Aileen! She is doing her best to make sure all of you are successful, it can be a lot to bear at once but it’s beneficial to you.

Kayla: When it comes to college applications, be yourself! Remember that your journey is different from others, and you shouldn't ever compare yourself to others. Lastly, when you're very overwhelmed with applications it's a good idea to step back for a little bit- maybe hang out with a friend to distract your mind.

Catherine: Scores are truly not everything. A strong piece of writing can really improve an application. Make sure you revise your work and that you keep copies of your writing. You will find yourself answering similar prompts for other colleges. Previous writings can be used again or even be modified depending on the question asked. Best of luck!

Stevenson to College (S2C) Scholars work hard year-round to achieve their college and career goals. We recently sat down with three S2C College Scholars, Christian, Aseel, and Sarah, to learn more about what they’ve been up to this summer and how the program continues to support them in their college journeys.

What and where are you currently studying?

Aseel: I am a rising sophomore at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) studying civil engineering, with an intent to pursue sustainability as a minor.

Christian: I am studying kinesiology at the University of Illinois Chicago.

Sarah: I am currently majoring in political science and minoring in ethics and legal studies at Bradley University.

How has S2C supported you in your college journey?

Christian: Starting off college without the familiar knowledge that non-first-generation college students have can be daunting, but through S2C, I've been able to get guidance and reassurance that has made the transition less foreign and more approachable. Additionally, the resources S2C provides have truly grown my confidence and made me feel like a more holistic individual in a very competitive scene.

Sarah: S2C has supported me in my college journey by providing me with endless opportunities, support, and resources. Aside from the amazing financial assistance and academic support, S2C has educated me on the college experience overall, even before I attended Bradley. They are always available to answer questions and guide you through the complicated and intimidating process of applications, financial aid, tuition, and scholarships. They provided me with workshops on how to stay organized and how to help my mental health. I have been blessed with an amazing mentor who provides me with emotional support and advice daily, and has helped me network and receive two internships already! S2C has given me a family, including people I can relate to, and a huge support system I am so grateful to have.

Aseel: Aside from the financial support S2C offers every semester, I have also been extremely lucky to be provided with a mentor that has been with me through every step of the process. From brainstorming ideas to the ideal college process, to planning out research positions in the summer, there really isn't an instance where Ms. Aileen (S2C Manager) and Dr. Israel (volunteer mentor) haven't offered me some advice or guidance.

What have you been up to this summer?

Sarah: This summer, I have been interning at the Lake County Public Defender’s Office in the Guardian Ad Litem Division. I want to go into family law and represent children. Being able to not only work on cases of abuse and neglect but also participate in interviewing children and work with DCFS has been life-changing. It has confirmed that I am on the right path.

Aseel: This summer, I'm working as both a Research Assistant and a Residential Program Assistant for the pre-collegiate programs at WPI. For Research, I am working with two faculty members and studying agricultural sustainability and sovereignty in BIPOC communities. We have had the chance to visit BIPOC-owned farms, attend reparations intensives, and meet various BIPOC business owners that are committed to helping their local community. This past week, we visited Soul Fire farm, a BIPOC farm in New York that focuses on environmentally-friendly farming techniques without fertilizers or pesticides.

Christian: This summer, I've done a little bit of everything! I'm working part-time at a smoothie place and am on a philanthropy board for the Julian Grace Foundation. On the board, I work on grantmaking decisions to help marginalized communities in the Chicagoland area. This work has made me feel like I'm making a difference in my community and, despite the turmoil of the world around me, that there's hope for a brighter tomorrow. I have also been selected as a Hispanic Scholarship Fund Scholar.

How are your efforts this summer preparing you for growth in your academic major and/or career path?

Aseel: I am getting a good look at what a research career looks like and the processes behind it. As a Residential Program Assistant, I am learning better interpersonal and problem-solving skills that come with communicating with prospective college students, as well as communicative skills that range from conversational to boundary-setting that are important in the future. I will be assisting freshmen in their transition process this coming fall as a Community Advisor, so getting some practice in a leadership position is incredibly helpful.

Christian: While my involvements this summer don't pertain to my major, they all work to grow my credentials and give me leadership experience that I was lacking before. In addition to being on the Emerging Leadership Philanthropy Board for the Julian Grace Foundation, which is comprised of college-aged people who are leaders in their communities, I am also a Shift Lead at my work. Both opportunities allow me to work with others to complete goals, handle real-world business and money-handling tasks, and grow my network and connections.

Sarah: My involvement with the Guardian Ad Litem Division has further educated me about the overall child welfare system in Illinois and Lake County. It’s one thing to read about things from a textbook, but to be able to take the law and apply it to actual cases has given me an experience that I can look back on throughout law school. I learned more about legal research, investigative work, the foster care system, how DCFS operates, and how to successfully represent a child in the courtroom. I also learned more about what resources are available to kids that go through the system.

What are you looking forward to in the coming school year?

Christian: I'm looking forward to learning more about my major through my two courses focusing on exercise physiology and the techniques and principles of exercise. The added courses mean I'll be taking more steps and getting closer to achieving my degree and growing my knowledge of my field. I'm also looking forward to meeting my faculty fellow, who will give me a lot of guidance and insight in my field. I'm excited to be back on campus, and enjoying city living in a place that is truly home.

Aseel: This coming fall, I am looking forward to being a Teaching Assistant for the Shelter the World class I attended last year. I am good friends with the professor who is part of the Civil Engineering department, so I'm really excited to begin working with them. I am also looking forward to being a Community Advisor (CA) for the freshmen class, as I became good friends with my own CA last year.

Sarah: I am looking forward to being a junior in college! It’s crazy to think that four years ago I could have never imagined myself to be halfway through it. There was always that doubt that I wouldn’t be able to go to school due to being first-generation and low-income. I am so grateful for all the help and support I have received and am excited to be one step closer to law school.

We all know that the high school and college years are a time of tremendous growth for students. Young adults’ identities evolve, and they develop new learning and life skills. This evolution is essential for a student’s success in achieving their personal and academic goals.

The journey to and through college is even more complex for first-generation students; they often lack the guidance needed to develop and utilize these skills to progress through college and onto their career of choice. The Stevenson to College (S2C) program provides that support through mentoring and workshops on self-advocacy, goal setting, and perseverance.

One of this year’s S2C Scholars, graduating SHS senior Kayla S., exemplifies the growth that the program has helped her and fellow scholars achieve. “All throughout high school, I've had a variety of lessons that helped me achieve my maximum potential. Some of the most valuable would be: pushing myself out of my comfort zone, asking for help and support, and choosing persistence,” she shared.

In addition to being part of the S2C program, Kayla participated in the Latinx Hispanic Student Association and Color Guard. She also earned Honor Roll twice.

“Of all the high school senior scholars, Kayla has grown immensely in her willingness to put herself out there and unapologetically ask the questions that her peers are too shy or nervous to say aloud,” explained S2C Manager Aileen Aragones. “It has truly enabled her to make the most of all that S2C has to offer.”

After her first two years in the program, Kayla now prides herself on being an advocate not only for herself, but for her peers as well. “S2C has given me the confidence and motivation to help other first-generation students who are in the same shoes I was in before. S2C has also shown me the importance of not only advocating for help when I need it, but also to be there for those who need an advocate.”

Over the past two years, Kayla has also worked closely with her trusted volunteer mentor, Kristin Blomquist. “It has brought me joy to watch another person grow. I have enjoyed supporting Kayla and helping to make a positive impact on her life. My hope is that she continues to believe in herself and all that she can achieve. Kayla is capable of accomplishing anything that is important to her, and I hope that she never doubts herself.”

Kayla’s commitment to self-exploration and growth are yielding tangible results. She was named the 2022 Tobler Family Foundation Scholar at the 15th Annual Scholars Reception. Established by former Stevenson parents Charlie and Angela Tobler, the honor recognizes an exceptional S2C Scholar who plans to pursue a degree in health sciences or business.

Kayla will be attending Bradley University this fall, where she will be studying pre-medicine. She’s excited to join fellow S2C Scholars Amari A. and Sarah S. who are rising Bradley juniors.

“Achieving a college degree as a first-generation Latina, will help to give me the confidence and perseverance to continue supporting my community and encourage them to reach their own goals. I know that whatever I’m going through, I can and will find new ways of tackling the situation. I hope that in college and afterwards, I will be able to persevere through challenging times in order to learn from my mistakes and apply it for my future success.”

High school seniors across the country are preparing for one of the culminating experiences of their high school career: college application season. With the support of the Stevenson to College (S2C) program, the senior class of S2C Scholars is in the throes of this intense process. And on October 26th six scholars earned the opportunity to participate in the Chicago Scholars College and Leadership Forum.

This annual event brings together representatives from more than 190 colleges and universities for admissions interviews with first-generation-to-college and financially under-resourced students from across the Chicagoland area. Students were interviewed via Zoom, after which they received real-time information about their admissions and scholarship awards.

“Part of the key of S2C is to give access to information regarding some of the nuance in the college process. Through monthly group meetings and one-on-one mentorship, students get insight about college-related tasks, as well as ongoing suggestions, feedback, and accountability,” explained S2C Manager, Aileen Aragones.

“Without S2C, I probably would not have even applied to a four-year college. I never thought I would be able to pursue a career in the medical field,” said SHS senior Stephanie R., who is the first in her family to strive for a higher education.

At the Chicago Scholars event, Stephanie and her fellow participating scholars were awarded over $240,000 in first-year merit scholarships and received on-the-spot acceptances to some of their top-choice schools, including: Butler University, Columbia College Chicago, Illinois State University, Illinois Wesleyan University, Iowa State University, University of Illinois Chicago, University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee, and Western Michigan University.

“Now that the students are through the college application process and have information about which schools are offering them scholarship dollars, the main focus will be considering college costs comprehensively. Not only are we working on the FAFSA and additional scholarships, but more importantly, building financial literacy so that students can feel well-informed about their options and the true value of their college education,” said Aileen.

All of the S2C Scholars who participated in this unique event were grateful for the experience, as well as the guidance and support the S2C program has provided over the past two years. Kayla S. explained, “S2C has given me a good support system. Without the program, I would not be on this college journey. I would not have even known where to start.”

With the end of the 2020-21 school year on the horizon, Stevenson to College (S2C) Scholars are more determined than ever to achieve their college and career goals. We caught up with a few of this year’s graduating high school seniors to learn more about their plans and next exciting steps in their college journeys.

What school do you plan to attend next fall and what are you majoring in?

Aseel: I am majoring in Biomedical Engineering at Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Worcester, MA.

Betsy: I’ve committed to Lake Forest College and plan to major in Biology.

Christian: University of Illinois at Chicago’s Honors College where I’ll major in Kinesiology and Health Sciences.

Daanyal: I’m going to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in the fall. I’m majoring in Computer Science.

Roxy: I’ll be attending DePaul University and majoring in Anthropology.

Trinity: I will be studying Psychology at the University of South Florida in Tampa.

How did you choose your college or university?

Aseel: One of the things that attracted me to Worcester Polytechnic Institute, is its signature WPI Plan, which focuses on project-based learning. The idea of working on projects pertaining to real-world dilemmas rather than just textbook theories is incredibly exciting to me.

Christian: UIC’s Honors College will help me build connections both on campus and later in the workforce through their many clubs and social events.

Daanyal: UIUC has a world-class faculty and lots of research opportunities and experiences, where I’ll gain exposure to up and coming research projects.

How will earning a four-year college degree impact your future?

Betsy: I envision myself working in the healthcare field because I want to be able to make a difference in people’s lives. Getting a college degree is the first step in achieving that vision of mine.

Roxy: A college degree is the stepping stone to researching and redefining the world that we live in today. Four years of studying my passion, anthropology, and a lifetime of looking forward to going to work. That is my dream.

Trinity: Earning a four-year degree will provide me with the knowledge and opportunity to enter the workforce to do something I am passionate about. S2C has motivated and made me feel as though I’m cut out for higher education and a bright future.

In what ways has participating in the S2C program helped prepare you to reach your college and career goals?

Aseel: From monthly workshops pertaining to topics such as finding the best college fit, to one-on-one meetings catering to more individualized dilemmas like financial aid, S2C offers a plethora of resources and opportunities I otherwise would never have been exposed to. Through S2C’s guidance and financial resources, I am able to reach my full potential.

Betsy: Ms. Aragones and my mentor helped me finalize a list of colleges to apply to, read through my essays and applications, and gave me tips on how to approach college interviews. The kindness and generosity the S2C program has shown me is something I will always appreciate and be grateful for.

Roxy: This program has held my hand through the journey to higher education and I could not be more grateful. Before S2C, I thought I’d never make it to college. Now, I’m attending a university and have a plan for my future.

What will you miss about SHS?

Christian: I’ll miss the experiences that make Stevenson feel like home: When I would study with friends after school or one of the many times a friend did something hilarious. I remember the set-up for Night Market with the Filipino American Student Association and the fun I had with my friends. I’ll remember the times I ran the circuit after school for wrestling. These memories bear an everlasting impact on me more than any homework assignment or test.

Daanyal: What I will miss about SHS is a hard question, but if I had to choose something specific, it would be all the small moments I had with friends and faculty during my years here. I still remember my first time in advisory, talking to someone who'd become an amazing friend about comics we'd read.

Trinity: I’ll most miss the community feeling of S2C. I’ve loved being able to connect with the students as well as the mentors.

BY LINDA KNAPP & ERIC SCOTT

How often do you get a chance to make history? Opportunities to pave the way for local students to achieve their dreams are not everyday occurrences. For one Stevenson High School family, helping students who sat in the same classrooms as their own children became a mission.

“Enhancing educational opportunities for the next generation offers the highest return on investment we could think of, and what better place to invest than Stevenson,” said Matt Udoni.

Longtime Lincolnshire residents Matt and Christine Udoni have celebrated as two of their children, Paul and Makala, graduated from SHS; and they look forward to their youngest, Nick, graduating in 2021. Having helped their own children to pursue college careers, they decided they were also in a position to assist Stevenson students who were at risk of not pursuing higher education to enjoy all the advantages that a college degree offers.

“Stevenson has afforded our children educational preparation better than we could have ever hoped for and, along the way, helped shape them to be better people. In the end, it was an easy decision to target our gift to the Stevenson Foundation, and specifically to the Stevenson to College program, as the mission of the Foundation addresses key aspects of education we value most – providing students a support network to realize their educational dreams and a foundation for longer-term success,” explained Matt.

At an event hosted by friends Liz and Ted Brandt, Christine and Matt first learned of the Foundation, the Stevenson to College (S2C) program, and how S2C supports students who are first-generation-to-college, facing financial hardship, or from an underrepresented college population, earn their college degrees. After the event, Christine’s thoughts were two-fold: “First, I didn't realize just how many students needed this type of program. I knew there were some families in our district that weren't as fortunate financially as us, but I didn't realize the extent of the need. My second thought was - how can I help?”

“We made a small donation at the Brandt’s event,” said Matt, “but it always stuck with us that if we were to do something meaningful, this program would be worthy of consideration.”

Over the next year, the couple learned more about the unique challenges S2C Scholars face and how the program supports students as they persevere in their college journeys. As they saw the successes that scholars were achieving against the odds, Christine and Matt were compelled to have a more significant impact. They wanted to support the Foundation and students in their own community and encourage others to do the same, so they seized the opportunity in a bold way!

The Udoni family made the largest gift in Foundation history, with a donation of more than $150,000 in support of the S2C program. In addition to supporting all S2C Scholars through mentoring, workshops, and college and financial aid application efforts, the gift creates two annual scholarships, also the largest in Foundation history. Each year for the next three years, two $7,500 Udoni Family Scholarships will be awarded to selected S2C Scholars.

“Not only is it an honor for us to support such deserving Stevenson students, but we are also really impressed with everything S2C does to prepare students and their families for the college journey,” Christine said. “Being able to support both students and the S2C program’s efforts to ensure their success is extremely rewarding.”

There are now 38 S2C Scholars in total, and for the first time since the program launched in 2014, scholar classes span every academic level from juniors at Stevenson through college seniors. Students from the first class of S2C Scholars will graduate from college next year. Of the 40 Stevenson students who were referred to the program this year, however, resources were available to support only 11 SHS juniors, who make up the newest class of S2C Scholars.

“We appreciate there is significant need for capital to support the growing demand,” said Matt, “[and we will] have clear vision on the impact of our gift. Thus, S2C was a perfect fit for us.”

The Udoni family’s historic gift will open doors for S2C Scholars who, like their SHS peers, dream of pursuing higher education. Additional support from dedicated community members like Matt and Christine is crucial to helping many more deserving Stevenson students reach for a bright future.

“Our hope is that our donation will challenge others in the Lincolnshire and surrounding communities to think about how they too can make a difference…and be bold in their giving,” said Matt. “As is often said, by enhancing educational opportunities, the world changes one student at a time. The S2C program is one that, over time, will change the world – at least the world for those students supported by the program, and that’s good enough for us. Hopefully, other families think similarly and will follow our lead to support the Stevenson Foundation.”

Six Stevenson to College (S2C) Scholars participated in early-admission interviews on October 27th as part of the Chicago Scholars virtual college admissions event.

After completing the application process back in September, the Stevenson seniors prepared for the event by researching colleges and universities and participating in mock interviews with S2C mentors and volunteers.

“In addition to researching schools that aligned with their academic goals, scholars worked with their mentors, receiving ongoing support and feedback in the application process. Having another set of eyes is beneficial, and students appreciate the opportunity to receive constructive feedback and encouragement along the way,” explained S2C Manager, Aileen Aragones.

Admissions representatives from nearly 200 schools across the country took part in 3,642 interviews in a single day. Participants were among the first in the nation to receive admissions offers for the 2021-22 school year.

“This event is an amazing way to get ahead of the game. It helped me get my applications done early and have a chance of getting accepted before my peers even submit,” said Daanyal M.

S2C Scholars were rewarded for their hard-work with over $690,000 in merit scholarships over the next four years, and on-the-spot acceptances to some of their top-choice schools, including: DePaul University, Lake Forest College, Northern Illinois University, Augustana College, University of Illinois at Chicago, Loyola University Chicago, and Bradley University.

Betsy D. was excited about the opportunity to participate, “I enjoyed meeting with the college representatives. I found it beneficial to hear from schools early.”

The annual early-admission fair is just one of the ways S2C supports ambitious Stevenson students on their journeys to college and a bright future. Trinity G. summed up her experience, “Before this opportunity I had yet to interview with any prospective schools. It made me feel more confident to know that the interviewing process wasn’t as difficult as I previously thought.”

Stevenson to College (S2C) provides students with the mentoring, knowledge, and support they need to make it to and through college. Last summer, we welcomed new S2C Manager Aileen Aragones to the program. Aileen recently shared her thoughts about her first few months at SHS, the new junior class of students, and her hopes for every S2C Scholar.

Q: After more than a decade at College Possible what excites you most about joining the Foundation to lead the S2C program?

A: Joining the Foundation team has been a thrilling next step in my career. I am able not only to continue working with incredible young people, but also to gain new perspective and understanding of how a small, but mighty team can provide further opportunities to connect a high-performing school with the broader community to ensure Success for Every Student.

Q: What surprised you most about Stevenson High School?

A: I appreciate that though the size of the student body is significant, the environment really has a “small college” feeling. With the caliber of academics and variety of co-curricular opportunities, students are able to grow and thrive. Further, with my collaboration with the Student Services Team, I’m constantly impressed by how many faculty and staff members truly are able to provide a positive, caring environment to remind students of their infinite potential.

Q: Based on your years of experience, why is earning a college degree so important for first-generation, low-income, and/or underrepresented students?

A: More often than not, it’s not solely about the difference that college degree attainment might have for the student, but also for their family and the community that they come from. Especially in getting to know S2C Scholars, it is apparent that they are selfless in working towards their college graduation, whether to make their families proud, be role models for younger siblings, and/or give back to their hard-working parents. They each view the earnings and opportunities of future career pathways as one of the key outcomes of earning a college degree. Ultimately, a college degree opens doors not just for that student, but also has an impact on each person in that student’s life.

Q: Tell us a little bit about the 11 high school juniors recently welcomed into S2C. What excites you most about this group of students?

A: These students are humble and determined. When notified that they were accepted into this cohort, our largest class of S2C Scholars to date, they all expressed gratitude in a way that I have not witnessed in my years of working with young people. We recently had our first workshop with the scholars and their mentors. It felt like the students were glowing with excitement and understanding of how there are several college opportunities available to them. They’re willing to put the work in to fight for themselves.

Q: What are your hopes for all S2C scholars?

A: I want students to feel empowered by their college options and truly feel like they have a say in their college process. Sometimes, students choose the “path of least resistance” in their college process, whether due to popularity among their peers or the sticker price of the school. Additionally, I’d love for students to have the confidence in themselves of just how wonderful they are. I’m thinking of intentionally highlighting selective opportunities for some of these students, and I hope they will start believing in themselves as much as the SHS staff and I do.

Stevenson to College (S2C) Scholars have been working hard all year, focused on achieving their dreams of earning a college degree. We recently caught up with three S2C college scholars, Alanna, Anjel, and Kat, who reflected on their years at SHS and shared how the program continues to support their college journey today.

What school are you attending and what’s your current major or academic focus?

Kat: I am double majoring in Social Work and Spanish with a minor in education at St. Edward’s University in Texas.

Anjel: I’m studying Business at National Louis University. I am trying to get as much real-world experience as I can by participating in job shadow opportunities and joining campus organizations.

Alanna: I am studying at Illinois State University, majoring in Social Work with a minor in Spanish.

What surprised you most about campus and college life?

Alanna: I was honestly terrified to start my journey in college, but shortly after starting my freshman year, I realized that this is my home. I feel like I am in the right place.

Kat: I was most surprised by how close the campus community is and how involved you can get with the city of Austin.

Anjel: Everyone is willing to help each other. Making friends is not as tough as it may seem.

How well did S2C and SHS prepare you for college?

Anjel: S2C did a great job preparing me for college by hosting workshops and working with me whenever I had questions.

Alanna: I think I was very prepared, especially with the SHS work load and the pace of it. I went to college feeling like I was ready for what the professors expected of me!

Kat: Very well! I didn’t think that all of the S2C presentations and meetings would be helpful, but once I got to college I realized just how helpful they were.

What do you miss most about SHS?

Alanna: I miss the wonderful teachers who were always willing to help us and go beyond what they have to do! I also miss seeing my friends every day.

Kat: I miss everyone at the College Career Center. Everyone was so helpful and friendly! I just miss hanging out there with my friends in S2C.

Anjel: The thing that I miss the most about SHS is the great environment that is created by all the teachers.

How has your relationship with your S2C mentor grown or changed now that you’re in college?

Anjel: My relationship with my mentor has stayed strong through college.

Alanna: My mentor, Laura, has always been such a great help for my family and I. Whenever I have any questions, I know she’s a phone call away.

Kat: I think that it has grown. My mentor has helped me really grow and gain connections with people and has motivated me to get out of my comfort zone

What advice would you give to S2C scholars who are just joining the program?

Kat: I would say that S2C is going to give you so much helpful advice and really prepare you for college if you put in the work! You are being given this wonderful opportunity, one that has really impacted me in such a positive way. But be prepared to put in the work, don’t expect your mentors or anyone else to do the work for you.

Anjel: The advice that I would give would be to find a career that you think you will enjoy doing and not just something that you believe will pay you a lot. You won’t feel like you’re working if you’re doing what you like.

Alanna: Everyone in the program really cares about you and wants the best for you. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and use all the resources you have, including your mentor! Take every opportunity you can get and enjoy your last years of high school because time will fly before you know it!

BY ERIC SCOTT

One of the obstacles all families face when going through the college application process for the first time is making sense of the seemingly never-ending stream of acronyms. Getting your arms around what the PSAT/NMSQT, SAT and ACT exams entail is the tip of the iceberg. In the midst of clearing those hurdles, students and their families then quickly become introduced to what FAFSA is all about and how it may determine where a student might go to college.

For Citlaly, a Stevenson High School student, navigating the college “alphabet soup” became much easier for her family, thanks to her acceptance into the Stevenson to College (S2C) program. Participating in program and accompanying S2C workshops has made a huge difference in her college outlook.

“Before these workshops I didn't know anything about FAFSA. The workshops are really helping my family and I understand the process of applying to scholarships and colleges, and what we should do in order to have a positive experience visiting college campuses on the S2C field trips,” she said. “Both my parents and I understand more about FAFSA and scholarships. We are really striving high for where I can attend.”

In order to gain the most out of the program, S2C Scholars are paired with volunteer mentors who are trained to help guide students and their families through the applications and paperwork that can be overwhelming. In Citlaly’s case, and for other S2C Scholars, having a mentor by their side every step of the way has eased concerns. Citlaly says her mentor really helped open her eyes to a brighter future after high school.

“My S2C mentor has been helping me and showing me the endless possibilities of colleges I could attend. She really wants me to expand my horizon and strive for big things.”

Thanks to S2C, Citlaly is more focused on her future – knowing she has support on many levels to achieve her educational and career goals. She already knows what she’d like to do after college – and her choice leads her right back to school.

“In college, I am planning to study early childhood education. I am interested in being a teacher. Specifically, a special education teacher. I have always loved kids so much and I knew that I ultimately wanted to work with them.”

Thanks to the tools and resources provided by S2C, Citlaly has overcome barriers that once stood in the way of achieving her goals.

“This program is a helpful ‘push’ to get me to a good college and has really opened my eyes the endless possibilities that await after high school. Thanks to this program I don't have to worry so much about my future, but instead can focus on where I would like to attend and what I would like to study. And for that I will forever be grateful to the Stevenson to College program.”

BY ERIC SCOTT

Everyone is super busy these days and there’s just no extra time to devote your efforts to things you’d really like to do, right? Well, don’t tell that to Liz Brandt.

Many throughout Lincolnshire know her better as Mayor Elizabeth Brandt, who was elected to her current role in 2015. But on top of being a dedicated community leader and working mom of Stevenson High School graduates, she wanted to do more to help people and make a difference.

She realized what her next calling would be a couple of years ago while attending the Stevenson Foundation’s Local Scholars Reception. It was on that memorable night that she first learned of the Stevenson to College (S2C) program and decided right then and there that she had to be a program mentor.

“I got to meet each of the students in the program and hear their individual stories of their career aspirations and what college they would be attending. I personally knew one of the scholars since he had played basketball with my son. His father had passed away and he and his family experienced financial hardship. Listening to him speak that night ignited the desire for me to be involved in S2C and help future scholars. It was a moving and memorable night.”

Although she drew upon her past mentoring experience in helping teens on her son’s club soccer team prepare to apply for college scholarships, Liz was still a bit uncertain about opening a new chapter in her life as an S2C mentor. However, she said everything came together very quickly for her and it has been a very rewarding experience for her ever since.

After participating in S2C mentor program workshops, Liz felt she was well-prepared to partner with well-deserving Stevenson students and families in helping make their college dreams come true.

“I was a little nervous about our first meeting, but quickly relaxed. We shared a table with other scholars, their families and their mentors and enjoyed a nice pasta dinner together. Breaking bread was a good way to get to know one another as well as the other students and mentors in the S2C program. It felt like a family celebration and put everyone at ease.”

“I am working with twin boys who are student athletes and are blessed with a strong, involved and dedicated mother. They are all committed to S2C and come prepared and excited to each session. We've already had discussions about what classes to take, time management, NCAA requirements, and potential college majors. I have become a fan of their respective sports and am cheering their Patriot teams on!”

In describing how rewarding her S2C mentoring experience has been, Liz says it’s an incredible feeling to see her students and their family members realize that they can overcome the barriers to college that once stood in their way.

“The most rewarding aspect of being an S2C mentor is seeing an ambitious student work hard and realize their goal of college. S2C provides the tools needed for them to succeed, but it is the S2C students that put in time and do the rigorous work ultimately giving back much joy, fulfillment, and continued learning to their mentors. It is a unique and special relationship that I am grateful for!”

BY ERIC SCOTT

Looking ahead to college can be one of the more exciting times for Stevenson High School students and their families. Opening mailboxes at home to stacks of colored envelopes sent from schools across the country usually starts the process for Stevenson juniors, who also receive countless e-mails from colleges and universities fighting for their attention.

While many of our students look forward to campus visits and a big decision on where they’ll write the next chapter of their lives after graduation, others unfortunately can’t see beyond the seemingly immovable barrier standing between high school and a bright future. Sure, they dream of going to college too, but they and their parents feel isolated from the process and often have no idea where to start.

“My family didn’t have the knowledge of what was necessary to go to college and of all the parts that went into applying,” said Stevenson senior, Oscar.

Oscar’s fellow 2018 graduating classmate, Brian, has a similar story, “I feel alone in trying to understand the college world. My parents are sharing that exact same clueless feeling with me. I felt like I was missing crucial information about going and applying to colleges.”

For these Stevenson students and many others, the Stevenson to College (S2C) program is the key to overcoming barriers that seem insurmountable. With support from generous donors in the Stevenson community, S2C provides students with the mentoring, knowledge, and tuition assistance they need to make it to and through college.

“I would describe it as a college readiness program that will help first-generation students get to college and succeed throughout their college experience,” said Stevenson senior and S2C Scholar, Kat. “S2C has not only helped me in being able to go to college but it has also helped me believe that I was able to go.”

In addition to support from the S2C Program Manager and Stevenson faculty and staff, a network of dedicated S2C mentors works directly with students and their families to provide advice and strategic guidance every step of the way – starting in high school and continuing through college graduation.

“My mentor has been a really big help with my college applications and with applying to scholarships. He was able to go through my college apps with me and make sure I had everything done,” said Oscar in describing how his mentor has assisted him along the way.

Quite often, it’s the little things S2C mentors do that really make a big difference.

“My S2C mentor helped me face my challenges throughout junior and senior year with school work and the college applications,” Brian added.

Brian, Kat and Oscar now have opportunities to succeed far beyond anything they could have imagined when they walked into Stevenson for the first time as Freshmen. After thinking college was a distant, unachievable dream, all three have received multiple acceptance letters to colleges and universities from across the nation.

“I want to be a social work major and Spanish minor. Or possibly double major in both,” said Kat, who was accepted at no less than eight schools.

“I am planning to study engineering while in college as this field really interests me,” explained Oscar. His fellow classmate, Brian, is more focused on a medical-related career to help change the world. “I want to do something in my career that is interesting and make a difference.”

Thanks to S2C supporters and volunteers, all three along with many other students in the program are overcoming obstacles to college that no longer stand in their way. Where high school graduation was once the end of their education – now it’s only the beginning.

BY PHILLIP BRETTON

Laura Lacher knows what it’s like to be the first person in her family to attend college. The experience of “pioneering a new path” to higher education lies at the heart of her service as a volunteer mentor in the Stevenson to College program. The mother of four and a recipient of bachelor’s and MBA degrees talked about why she got involved with the S2C program:

What it’s like to be a first-generation college student:

“I remember that uncertainty, that separation. These young Patriots are unsure if they can succeed academically and socially, uncertainties that are shared by their parents and families. They need to talk through their thoughts about becoming first in their family to go to college. (A mentor is like) that aunt who cares about you but doesn’t live under your roof.”

The challenge of having parents who didn’t attend college:

“My mother somehow feared that sororities were a kind of religious cult. She intoned ‘You’re not Greek!’ and promptly shredded the brochure. It’s not that they don’t support you, it’s that they don’t understand what’s happening. I started out sneaking dresses back to school ahead of our dances, but over time you explain what it’s about, and they get it. My parents soon became big supporters of Greek life for those of my younger siblings who joined.”

Why she decided to become a mentor:

“I love being able to help someone make their future...brighter. (Alanna, to whom she is a mentor) never thought she would go to college. No one ever told her she could go to college.”

The growth she has seen in her mentee:

“She’s really come out of her shell and become more sociable. She’s made important gains in self-confidence and self-esteem. (After making an on-campus visit) I was so thrilled I actually got chills. I saw her dorm room, and we went for tailgating and a football game. I didn’t really know what to expect when she left for college, and it’s been my privilege to be able to continue to support her during these early weeks and months. I’m so proud of her.”

What being an S2C mentor has meant to her:

“I’ve gained another important person in my life. It’s somebody to share life with.”

* Picture: Laura Lacher (left) with her mentee, Alanna K., at an ISU football game.