Keeping in mind that the burgeoning population of Hispanics are the fastest growing demographic in higher education, statistics from last year’s event shows that about 50 percent of attendees were from Hispanic families where no one had previously pursued a college degree. This matches up well with Montclair State where more than a third of students are the first member of their families to pursue a college education.
After a successful launch in 2017, Montclair State University will hold its second annual Hispanic Student College Institute (HSCI) July 31 through August 2, 2018. The event, fueled by social media and internet outreach, is billed as an “empowerment” program for college-bound Hispanic students and is part of Montclair State’s push (as a newly minted Hispanic-Serving Institution or HSI) to be a trailblazing higher education university in attracting, educating and nurturing Hispanic college students.
Last year, Montclair State, which achieved HSI status in 2016, attracted more than 200 high school juniors from 11 states to their first HSCI event, which lasted three days. These students were fully immersed in college life experiencing dorm life, college preparation workshops, practice college interviews and a college fair where students interacted with their peers, as well as faculty, staff and current students. In addition, guidance on career and majors was provided on a one-to-one basis to help students clarify their choices and come up with a plan for their academic futures – including eligibility for scholarship and grant monies.
The big idea for the HSCI and the event came from Jordanna Maziarz associate director Admissions, Recruitment and Community Engagement for Undergraduate Admissions. Her inspiration, however, came from another event she attended.
“I went to something similar at a conference in the Midwest and realized we could do something like that here with a Montclair spin, making it more relevant to our school and students,” Maziarz said. “I submitted a proposal for this, which received a lot of support. It has become a university-wide effort with 35 to 40 faculty, staff and volunteers to plan it and bring it forth.”
Maziarz hopes HSCI not only encourages Hispanic students to attend college but also be successful once they get there, whether they attend Montclair State or not, and well after they complete their studies. Keeping in mind that the burgeoning population of Hispanics are the fastest growing demographic in higher education, statistics from last year’s event shows that about 50 percent of attendees were from Hispanic families where no one had previously pursued a college degree. This matches up well with Montclair State where more than a third of students are the first member of their families to pursue a college education.
This reality presents a special challenge for those new Hispanic students. Higher education is a completely new experience for them with no point of reference within the world they live. Rafelina Vargas who served as a peer mentor at last year’s HSCI event said, “There is some handholding. They’re young adults and don’t know what they have to do. They’re still in high school so they ask, ‘do you live on campus? Do you have a TV and a refrigerator?’ When I said, ‘yes, of course,’ they say ‘oh, that so cool!’ They are used to getting permission for things like getting a hall pass or going to the restroom. It’s a whole new world for them, and it can be overwhelming.”
Part of the whole new world they are facing even before they set foot on campus as students that was covered last year and will be part of this year’s program is preparing for college, now. Students need to be knowledgeable in financial aid options, how to search for the right college for them and navigating the application process, including essentials of essay writing and putting their best foot forward public speaking and participating in the college interview.
Crystal Vega, a peer mentor for HSCI sees public speaking and the interview process as a significant obstacle for some of the students to whom she spoke. “Some are quiet and shy, but they all want to be here,” Vega said. “Many are first-generation college students and don’t have that professional in their family for support. The program gives them the universal things like interview skills to give them the confidence to try and succeed.”
Last year, students were carefully monitored and surveyed to improve future programs and better serve student needs. Maziarz previewed some of the changes in this year’s event.
“Two additions are a college fair with other area schools and mock classroom experiences, which will be offered in different disciplines [mock science, arts, liberal arts, etc.], so students get a taste of life in a college classroom. These will be taught by Montclair State faculty,” Maziarz explained.
Back by popular demand to speak at the event will be Ines Rosales of "Good Day New York" (an alumna of Montclair State), as well as Dr. Jean and Wilfredo Betance -- all speakers from last year.
Maziarz is making this event more of a family affair. “This year, expanded parent programming will be available on topics including financial aid, the college search process and supporting your student during the application cycle. These workshops will be delivered both in Spanish and English.”
The event is free, and there is no cost to students for participating in the Institute. The application process opens in January and will close April 1.
The particulars of the program stress that participants in the Institute will live on campus in a residence hall while they engage in career exploration and goal setting initiatives. As such they will participate in workshops on topics related to the college search and application process, including mock interviews, creating a resume, making the most of your college visits, financial aid literacy and application essay writing. Additionally, they will work on developing leadership and public speaking skills.
In addition, there will be ample opportunities to interact and network with Montclair State student leaders, faculty, staff and alumni and engage in discussions around social justice. The program also includes special panels to discuss issues facing the Hispanic community in New Jersey, and students’ concerns about college.
Jonathan Preciado from the Montclair State class of 2010 and 2012 for his Masters of Business Administration gives his alma mater high marks for standing behind the HSCI event this year and last year (when he was a volunteer in the program).
“Being a student with a Latin American background, I was delighted to see Montclair receive the recognition of being a Hispanic-Serving Institution,” Preciado said. “I think it’s one thing for an academic institution to promote that and use it as part of a marketing campaign, but it’s another thing for that institution to take two steps forward taking a proactive approach to get those students on campus and let them know what Montclair has to offer and most importantly show them the value of a higher education.”
Student participants will also earn a certificate of completion for inclusion on their resumes and college applications.
For more information, visit https://www.montclair.edu/admissions/hsci/ •
Montclair State University fue nombrada Institución al Servicio de Hispanos (HSI, por sus siglas en inglés) en marzo de 2016. Para celebrar este nuevo nombramiento, y cumplir con el compromiso de educar al estudiante hispano, la universidad será anfitriona de un instituto universitario para estudiantes que estén en los grados once y doce en la escuela secundaria en septiembre y que se identifiquen como hispanos. Cuándo: 31 de julio de 2018 - 2 de agosto de 2018 Dónde: Montclair State University Precio: • Gratis. No hay ningún costo para los estudiantes que participen en el instituto. • Los estudiantes que participen en el Instituto: • Vivirán en una residencia de estudiantes en el campus • Explorarán las carreras universitarias disponibles • Participarán en seminarios sobre búsqueda de universidad y el proceso de acceso a la universidad incluyendo simulacros de entrevistas, redacción del currículum, aprovechar las visitas a las universidades, información sobre ayudas económicas y redacción de ensayos • Interactuarán y crearán una red de contactos con líderes estudiantiles, profesores, antiguos alumnos y personal de Montclair State University • Participarán en debates sobre justicia social, los problemas a los que se enfrentan la comunidad hispana en Nueva Jersey y las preocupaciones de los estudiantes sobre la universidad • Participarán en charlas inspiradoras de oradores y ponentes • Tendrán la posibilidad de recibir becas • Desarrollarán habilidades para hablar en público y liderazgo • Obtendrán un certificado de participación para incluir en sus currículos y en las futuras solicitudes a la universidad