About 100 students, all high school seniors in Brooklyn, recently caused quite a stir by marching. But it was a very different kind of march. These low-income high school seniors were all smiling. Why? Because they were marching to the post office to mail their applications for college.
They want higher education
Their gray sweatshirts all bore the name "Brooklyn Collaborative," the name of their school, the Brooklyn Secondary School for Collaborative Studies. These students are marching with smiles on their faces and hope in their hearts. They were told to forget about college. But they didn't. Now their message is clear, and they are marching to show everyone that they, too, can have access to higher education in the United States.
They are not alone
Since 2011, the marches have grown to include several New York schools. NYC Outward Bound Schools formed a network of Expeditionary Learning schools in partnership with the NYC Department of Education, and the network is growing. These college-preparatory schools offer challenging academics, community and character to NYC public schools in all five boroughs, to ensure that all students, including those from low-income families, have an opportunity to attend college.
Not just in NYC
More than 1,600 low-income high school seniors are now marching across the nation. They are strong and determined in spite of life obstacles. As one student, Amanda Martin-Lawrence, expressed after mailing her college application: "I am going someplace and no one can stop me. We did it. Against everything - we did it."
They are determined and setting a fine example for other upcoming high school seniors everywhere.
For more details about the Brooklyn Collaborative, visit www.bcs448.org
For more details about NYC Outward Bound Schools, visit www.nycoutwardbound.org
