nents is to "help families in some of the nation's
lowest income communities achieve the milestone
those students succeed in affording, attaining and com-
pleting an education beyond high school."
dents who attain a college degree are more likely to be
employed than those who do not obtain a college de-
gree. Therefore, the continued promotion by our organi-
others, is to promote a col-
lege-going culture.
over your next steps. What do
I want to do when I grow up?
Which school is the best one
for me? (Bona's of course!) I
am so overwhelmed by this
whole thing: Where do I
begin?
like déja vu. So, here is what we recommend to students
and their families who turn to Say Yes to Education for
insight:
journey of discovery. Discover your interests, ambi-
tions and share them with your family, teachers
and counselors. Learn about the different types of
colleges and the options already available. Talk to
students who are already embedded in the col-
lege-going culture.
No one can write your plan for you. It is yours. De-
velop lists of colleges to visit and the different
types of exams to take.
ests and ambitions, you'll need to know what skills
are required for your chosen career. Learn the
skills; understand the skills so that you are ready
when the time comes.
what you have learned and, most importantly, what you want to be.
You tell YOUR story!
garding the cost of higher education. Although foundations like Say
Yes and colleges like St. Bonaventure are great resources to support
some of the cost for incoming students, the costs go beyond tuition,
which is known as Cost of Attendance. This includes room and
board, fees (i.e. Technology, Student Activity, and Health Services).
Explore ALL options for funding, since there is more to finance col-
lege then just the tuition.
work will come together! As you hear from colleges, evaluate your
choices carefully. Discuss options with your family and counselors.
Contact the colleges you are considering to get your questions an-
swered. Leave no stone unturned, so to speak.
you need to commit yourself to completing the program to which
you are enrolled. Before you know it, you will be sitting with career
recruiters or applying to advance your degree.
a father of college-age children. The process can be overwhelming but
take comfort in knowing that there are resources to turn to. My message
to our newest members of the college-going culture: Become Extraordi-
nary. Go Bona's!
youth. Driscoll joined Say Yes Syracuse in March 2011. He is the father of
three, with his middle child completing a visit to Bona's in September 2014.
He has worked as a Division 1 college basketball official since 1998. He
notes that he was able to learn these skills through SBU's Intramural Coun-
cil. Learn more about Say Yes at