Innovations Award given for Compact for Success program
Since 2000, the Compact for Success program has not only opened the door for Sweetwater District students to attend college, but it has gained numerous local, state and national recognitions. At the most recent Western Regional meeting of the College Board Advocacy and Policy Center, the Compact for Success was honored for its innovative efforts of preparing students for college.
The CollegeKeys Compact Innovation Awards are given in the categories of "Getting Ready," "Getting In," and "Getting Through." Only one award is given per category in each region. Sweetwater was honored under the "Getting Ready" category and was among 16 national winners for 2012.
"These institutions are creating and implementing programs to help more students prepare for and pursue a college education," said College Board President Gaston Caperton. "Congratulations to this year's CollegeKeys Compact Innovation Awards winners for leading the charge toward the common goal of a 55 percent graduation rate by 2025, and in giving our students the best possible opportunities to succeed in college and beyond."
The CollegeKeys Compact was launched in October 2007 following a two-year review of independent research, policy and practices in academic preparation and planning, admission, financial aid, and retention. A report issued by the College Board found that too many college-qualified low- and moderate-income high school graduates do not enroll in a four-year college program because of a combination of poor preparation, low expectations and financial barriers. The goal of CollegeKeys Compact partners is to see that students from low-income backgrounds are represented in, and graduate from, colleges and universities at the same rate as their more affluent peers.
Superintendent Dr. Edward M. Brand received the award on behalf of the Sweetwater District and said that the award represented the efforts of the entire district.
"When we created the Compact for Success we knew that it wasn't going to be an easy road," said Brand. "The students, teachers, administrators and the entire Sweetwater team have stepped up to ensure that not only are our students ready for college, but that they are enrolling and succeeding beyond their high school careers."