Step Outside the Box…Step into the Community:

Step Outside the Box…Step into the Community: Stimulating Community Collaboration and Engagement through Access Committees Crystal Bessix Jeremy Jones Dionne Maxie

Today’s Agenda • What is an access committee? • Why have an access committee? • How to develop an access committee? • Case Study & Data • The Model

Step Outside the Box… What is an access committee? Group of community members representative of a minority population that build internal and external bridges for the 4C’s of effective community engagement: Collaboration Communication Cultural Climate Change Liaison to the community and your organization

…Step into the Community Why have an access committee? To increase the recruitment, access, and persistence of African-American & Latino students in education both K-12 and higher education Promote a cultural climate within institutions, organizations, and the community Develop institutional focus and support for minority communities Create pathways to leadership Empowerment Build consensus Give voice

The Benefits Who can benefit? Parents College Recruiters Researchers Administrators Minority Populations Church leaders Colleges & Universities Nonprofits & Organizations Businesses Consultants The Benefits • Provide the ability to conduct research • Make policy changes • Systematic change • Increased community engagement • Active participants • Cultural impact

How to develop an Access Committee Crafting a Community Access Campaign Identify the need and available resources of the targeted gap group e.g. large percentage of black students not enrolling in college Identify liaison internally – someone who responsible is working with students or community Identify community leader externally – principal, teacher, pastor, business owner Gain buy-in from administration Financial support from the organization – budget line item, resource sharing Host community forum Develop structure

Focus groups conducted Town Hall Meeting Panelists Retreat Cultural Events Fiesta de Graduacion Senior Gala MLK Day of Service Activate Meetings Case Study

A View Inside: The Data Points

Indicators for Success The indicators for participation in BEAC and HEAC can no longer be measured by attendance at events. As a result of the data submitted through BEAC and HEAC activities and process are now refocused to reflect diversity, recruitment, access, inclusion and persistence of minority students.

Diversity Management C.A.D.E Council for Access & Diversity in EducationTM Development of access committees for further systematic change in higher education institution C.A.D.E.T.S TrainingTM– Community leaders as ambassadors for your organization

Diversity Management R.A.P – Strategies for Minority Success To mobilize access committees and strengthen community engagement Components of Community Access Campaign: Recruitment - enrollment Access – right of entry; admission; way in Persistence – preservation; maintenance; continuation

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Step Outside the Box…Step into the Community: