Abigayle Mccusker Reflects on the SEAD Program

This past June, I had the honor to work with twelve dedicated scholars in their pursuit to attend a 4-year college. These scholars are a part of the SEAD (Strengthening Educational Access with Dartmouth) program, and came from Oxbow, Stevens, and Lebanon high schools. At the end of their Sophomore and Junior school years, scholars spend a full week on the Dartmouth campus where they receive engaged mentoring from Dartmouth students and staff about what it is like to attend college.

As a former high school student who grew up in a rural NH town, I knew how valuable this experience could be and jumped at the opportunity to apply as a summer mentor. From the first day the scholars arrived, I knew the week was going to be fun-filled for all the staff and scholars. Outside of instructional time, we took the scholars mini-golfing, swimming, rock climbing, and even to the top of the Dartmouth bell tower! Though we were not actively teaching the scholars during these excursions, it was some of the most valuable time. This is when I learned all their names, backgrounds, and stories. Connecting on a personal level with the scholars helped me when it came time to give them advice on college and their applications because I already knew their interests, strengths, and hobbies.  

Mixing students from different high schools was certainly a challenge - they didn't all know each other and came from different learning dynamics - but nonetheless by the end of the week they were singing and dancing with each other! I loved watching the scholars collaborate together both in and out of the classroom. For example, each day scholars took an intro to design thinking class with Dartmouth engineering/physics professor Mattias Fitzpatrick. In this class they had to collaborate together both in and out of the classroom on how to "think like an engineer";and create a product that would help benefit the community. Scholars spent days crafting models and prototypes, and on the last day presented their "pitches" to us. The scholars reported back really enjoying this class because it taught them the pace and feel of a college like class. 

On the last day of SEAD summer we gave our farewells to the scholars. This wasn't goodbye for too long - in the fall we will start working with them again to finalize their college essays and start the application process! SEAD summer taught not just the scholars but the mentors as well how important access to college preparation is. Having an opportunity to attend college creates a better future for these scholars both academically and financially. It was a very fulfilling experience being able to  assist them in this process, and I wish them all nothing but the best as they head out to their new horizons.