University to host first College Summit workshop

COLUMBUS – The Ohio State University will host a college application and preparation workshop for 40 Ohio high school students July 28 through 31. The workshop will be conducted by College Summit, a national non-profit organization, which assists students from low-income families with admissions materials.

Mac Stewart, vice provost for the Office of Minority Affairs, said the College Summit event is the first of its kind in Ohio and will provide students with a critical start in the admissions process.

“We are pleased to host this important effort on our campus,” Stewart said. “Navigating through the college search and selection process can be complex and overwhelming. Ohio State is committed to assisting young Ohioans who want to pursue a college education in every way possible.”

University staff members and community volunteers will help students develop personal essays, review admissions and financial aid forms and deadlines, discuss ACT and SAT requirements, and provide college and career counseling. Students also will eat and stay overnight in campus residence halls to familiarize themselves with college life.

College Summit Vice President for New Sites Mora Segal said the students’ stay on campus is a key part of the overall experience.

“Ohio State is respected nationally as one of the country’s finest public institutions,” Segal said. “Holding our initial Ohio workshop in Columbus will give students a chance to complete their college portfolios and receive a unique feel for what the university is like.”

The Ohio initiative was made possible through the assistance of U.S. Reps. Deborah Pryce and Ralph Regula.

Workshop participants are pre-selected by their local school districts for their academic and leadership potential. Segal added that 79 percent of students from low-income families who participate in the College Summit workshops attend college, compared to the national rate of 46 percent.

Stewart said that the College Summit initiative will enhance Ohio State’s own goals for diversity.

“The workshop is a welcome opportunity to showcase the many opportunities that Ohio State has to offer to these talented students.

“The most important part of this collaboration is that students receive the tools they need to attend the college of their choice,” he said.