The Future's So Bright...

Picture of panel I was invited on behalf of CASA to take part in an innaugural event with the Schuler Scholar program. The program was started by a former CEO of Abbott and his daughter. It focuses on high schools along the north shore from around Evanston



The students preparing for our panel discussion about internships and non-profits.

to the Wisconsin line. In junior high, they begin searching for the brightest students who may not have the means to access a higher education. (I was told last year Standford accepted 4 students from Waukegan H.S.-a first for ANY H.S.) They help them prepare for the top colleges and universities in the classroom and out in the real world. It could be working on the applications, attending leadership camps or a briefing on which fork to use when out to dinner. They began this when they found many of the under-resourced students would get to college and drop out because they felt overwhelmed by the social details. So, now the program makes sure that when the students do get in to the Ivy Leagues etc, they feel like they fit. The hope is that someday these scholars will return home and help another student in need of access. So today I, along with a dozen other reps from organizations, met with 60 of these scholars. It was a chance for them to work on their networking and interview skills with us. And it was a chance for US to find some possible interns looking for connections. They were so kind and interested in what CASA does for abused and neglected children. Several had their own personal stories to share with me about being placed in foster care. Every one of these scholars is proof the future is looking bright.