Bay City Public Schools :: Office of College Preparation

In August 2007, Bay City Public Schools began a pilot scholarship initiative, the Bay Commitment, with the Bay Area Community Foundation (BACF). The goal of this effort was to award 100, $2,000.00 scholarships to “first generation” graduating seniors to be used towards a degree at Delta College or Saginaw Valley State University. It was inspired by the belief that having access to continuing education is an investment in our children—our future. Continuing education benefits the person, the vibrancy of the area’s business economy and the quality of life for all our citizens. In May 2008, the Bay Area Community Foundation awarded 100, $2,000.00 scholarships to 2007—2008 graduates of Bay City Public Schools who had been enrolled in BCPS for at least six years to be used for tuition to pursue a post-secondary degree at Delta College or Saginaw Valley State University.

In response to the Bay Commitment initiative, Bay City Public Schools established the Office of College Preparation Services in Fall 2007. In its first year, College Preparation Services focused on informing the high school families and the community about the Bay Commitment scholarship opportunity through the following efforts:
  
 Advertised the Bay Commitment Application

• Senior Class Assembly Presentations: Central HS, Western HS, Wenona Center and Bay Arenac Intermediate School District Career Center
• Direct Mailings and School Newsletter Articles
• Presentations at local organizations and public libraries
• Bay 3 TV announcements

Assisted students and families

• Campus Visits (Delta College and Saginaw Valley State University)
• Q & A Sessions about the Bay Commitment, Financial Aid and College Planning
• Essay Writing Sessions for students
• Free Application for Financial Student Aid (FAFSA) Assistance
• College Goal Sunday (Delta College)

College Preparation Services also worked to expand their focus in the 2007 – 2008 school year by:
 

Establishing working relationships with Delta College and Saginaw Valley State University Financial Aid and Admissions Offices

Participating in the Review/Debrief of the scholarship pilot with BACF/Bay Commitment Steering Committee

Assisting with the SVSU Research project: “A profile of the post-secondary education Plans of Bay City Public School District students from the classes of 2008 and 2009”

Coordinating B.C.P.S. Grade 8 to 9 Transition Plan

• Established committee to review current Grade 8 to 9 Transition Plan
• Developed Grade 8 to 9 Survey for parents and students and compiled data
• Revised Grade 8 to 9 Transition Plan
• Implemented an enhanced Freshman Orientation Day at Central High School and Western High School

What’s next for College Preparation Services? 

• Expand our services into all high school grades
• Publish the SVSU research project results
• Further implementation of Grade 8 to 9 Transition Plan Timeline (2008-2009-2010)
• Launch College Preparation Services webpage
• Collaborate with High School Counseling Departments to publicize scholarship opportunities for all

Want to know more about us? Please feel free to contact our staff members for any college planning and preparation assistance you may need:

BCPS College Preparation Services
Office Hours: M – F 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Suzanne Murphy, Director
P: 989/671.8180
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Mary Stuart, Administrative Assistant
P: 989/671.8108
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