The Ohio State University

YOUNG SCHOLARS PROGRAM

A primary mission of Ohio State's Office of Minority Affairs is to offer services and programs which facilitate the achievement of urban youth at The Ohio State University.  In this effort, the university established the Young Scholars Program (YSP).  Founded in 1988, YSP is a comprehensive pre-collegiate and collegiate program designed to enhance the academic, personal, and career development of Young Scholars.  The program strives to increase the number of low income students, including African American, Latino/Hispanic, Native American, and Appalachian students in their pursuit of a college degree.  As a statewide program, YSP is a collaborative effort between The Ohio State University and the nine largest urban school districts in Ohio (Akron, Canton, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, Lorain, Toledo, and Youngstown). 

THE PROCESS OF BECOMING A YOUNG SCHOLAR

Nomination, Selection, and Induction
Each spring, teachers, principals, and guidance counselors nominate sixth-grade students from the nine largest urban school districts in Ohio:  Akron, Canton, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, Lorain, Toledo, and Youngstown.  Students are interviewed and selected on the basis of academic performance, test scores, leadership, community involvement, family circumstances, and other factors.  All of the students are from low-income families and are members of African-American, Latino/Hispanic-American, Native American and Appalachian minority groups.  In addition, a potential Young Scholar must be the first generation in his or her family to graduate from a four-year university or college with a bachelor's degree or beyond.

Public school officials, representatives from Ohio State, and members of the student's community make the final selection of the Young Scholars.  The program annually inducts 120 students statewide as pre-Young Scholars.  The pre-Young Scholars are formally inducted as Young Scholars in the 9th grade.  As part of the induction process, Young Scholars are encouraged to attend Ohio State and along with their parents must make a commitment to participate in all elements of the program.  Young Scholars must also enroll in college preparatory courses in high school and maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA.  Young Scholars who successfully complete program requirements are guaranteed admission to Ohio State, as well as a financial aid package based on their individual verified need.

YOUNG SCHOLARS PROGRAM STATEWIDE SUPPORT

Parent Alliance
The purpose of the Parent Alliance is to provide a mechanism that allows parents to participate in the planning and implementation of Young Scholars programs.  The Parent Alliance provides advice in key areas that directly affect Scholars and their perspectives, attitudes, experiences, and futures in YSP.  Working in partnership with Program Coordinators, public school staff, and community and civic organizations, the Parent Alliance provides a comprehensive support system for Young Scholars.  The Parent Alliance promotes and encourages educational, social, and cultural development for Scholars and their families.

The Samuel DuBois Cook Summer Academy
Our high school (grades 10-12) Young Scholars participate in the annual two-week residential summer academy which is held on Ohio State's Columbus campus.  Formerly know as the Summer Institute, the program is now known as the Samuel DuBois Cook Summer Academy in honor of distinguished Ohio State Alumnus Dr. Samuel DuBois Cook, President Emeritus of Dillard University.  While on campus, Scholars participate in challenging and interactive morning classes (e.g. CSI – Criminal Scene Investigation – classes with a focus on Criminal Psychology, Forensic Science and Intensive Writing). Additionally, Scholars are able to select from approximately 30 electives (i.e. College Preparatory and General Education Workshops) ranging from public speaking to dance, and they participate in a diversity lecture series. The Summer Academy contributes to YSP’s overall mission by exposing the Scholars to college life early so they are better prepared for their freshman year.

Cultural Diversity Awareness
Scholars attend a wide range of events that explore cultural diversity in the arts and promote cross-cultural sensitivity and acceptance of individual differences.  Cultural events include symphony, ballet, and Broadway productions.

City Summer Academy
Scholars entering seventh, eighth, and ninth grade participate in a one-week City Academy each summer.  This summer experience is designed to serve as a bridge between the end of one academic year and the start of the next.  Academics provide Scholars challenging workshops that build upon learned skills while exploring each Scholar's career goals.  Each workshop is designed with the school district's overall mission in mind and includes test preparation, computer literacy, and study skills.

Academic Assistance and Enrichment
Young Scholars are provided with numerous avenues to ensure academic success, including access to academic assistance and tutoring.  Scholars also have access to ACT/SAT training, career exploration, and workshops in mathematics, science and English.  If a Scholar's grades fall below the required 3.0 GPA, he or she must attend weekly academic sessions in an effort to meet the YSP academic standard.