305 Rise Mentees Take the Next Step ...

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of seeing several of our 305 Rise participant students attend a proposal writing workshop for Mobilize.org.

Mobilize, in a nutshell, is a nonprofit targeting Millenials (born 1976-1996) -- providing ways for them to identify problems and propose solutions facing this generation. This year, they are hosting a Summit, called Target 2020, whereby students submit proposals on how they would increase college completion rates in their community. At the Summit in June, held in Miami Beach, the students themselves will vote on the best proposals and the winners will receive up to $7,500 to implement their project.

I'm rooting for my 305 Rise participants, who are brainstorming some great ideas, including:

Empowering recently migrated international women attending MDC for the first time by helping them to create a network among themselves, hosting a speaker series with prominent international women, developing engaging workshops and partnering with MDC international clubs and departmental centers such as the Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies.




Creating a mentoring program for aging-out foster youth high school seniors by developing college informational sessions and tutoring sessions at MDC and partnering with local community organizations, such as  Miami Bridge and the Community Partnership for the Homeless.

Increasing young men's attendance and completion in higher education by establishing a forum where they can create a support network among themselves and by hosting workshops that build their capacity for leadership as well as provide information for college admission and success.

Other organizations partnering with Mobilize.org include:

• YouthBuild USA
• Public Allies
• Catalyst Miami
• MDC's Institute for Civic Engagement & Democracy (Center for Community Involvement)

Do you have ideas on how you would increase college completion at your school? You can share your voice and apply to attend the Target 2020 Summit here.