The Cyril Paumier Scholars

"Why Not Me? Step It Up!" Program

For 2023, the OMHS leadership team determined several program possibilities that would benefit a greater number of students while having a long-term impact. Increasingly, colleges and universities are making the SAT test optional, or that they do not include standardized tests in their application process. The OMHS team also recognized that providing a six-week course over the summer can limit student participation.

 

Research has shown that one of the best predictors of students being best prepared for college and career is having access to, and successful completion of, challenging instruction in high schools, including Advanced Placement (AP), Dual Enrollment, Gifted & Talented courses, and others. This is according to the College & Career Readiness & Success Center at American Institutes for Research, which notes that “AP coursework and tests provide students with opportunities to acclimate to college-level expectations. Various researchers have concluded that scoring a 3 or more on AP exams and a 4 or more on IB [International Baccalaureate] exams is a meaningful predictor of persistence in college.”

​

They also note that early college and dual/concurrent enrollment coursework are additional accelerated learning options under a well-rounded education. “Gold standard” research, as identified by the U.S. Department of Education, shows that students taking college-level courses in high school are more likely to be successful in their postsecondary pursuits.

 

The OMHS School Improvement Team designed The Cyril Paumier Scholars "Why Not Me? Step It Up!" Program to assist students in completing challenging instruction. This program encourages students to register for rigorous coursework and college-level classes with OMHS teachers and staff providing support and resources to bolster their success.

 

This program directly aligns with OMHS’ partnership with Equal Opportunity Schools (EOS), a partnership focused on “strengthening educator and system leader capacity to break down barriers to increase access, belonging, and success in rigorous college and career-prep secondary school courses for students of color and low-income students so that they may thrive in their postsecondary pursuits and life goals.”

 

In order to increase student interest and confidence in taking upper-level classes and college coursework, OMHS wants to provide better support for students as they move up in course levels. The Cyril Paumier Scholars "Why Not Me? Step It Up!" Program will provide students with resources and support throughout the entire school year. Students will participate in a variety of activities, such as time-management discussions, social and emotional coping strategies, and after-school AP test review sessions.

 

At the end of the school year, students will be invited to hear the experience of their peers who moved up in course levels. At the start of the following school year, students will be invited to the "Why Not Me? Step It Up!" Program Summit and are encouraged to participate in yearly activities such as time management and organization, social/emotional learning (SEL) activities, strategies, and support for taking advanced coursework - AP, Dual Enrollment, Gifted & Talented (GT), and Honors.

​

 

OMHS 2023 Funding Request

Our partners have fully funded the program to support African-American students and students of color in 9th - 12th grade enrolled in Honors, GT, AP, or Dual Enrollment courses, and to provide assistance that includes, but is not limited to, the following:

​

5-6 staff members

(e.g., teachers, support staff, liaisons, school counselors)

for:

~Program planning and preparation

~Providing after-school sessions for students approximately two times per month beginning in June 2023 and continuing through May 2024

~Planning and attending approximately three evening events with students and their families

​

and other support, including:

~Food & refreshments for the students' after-school programs

~Family and student multiple-evening event assistance

 

These funds cover the costs of The Cyril Paumier Scholars "Why Not Me? Step It Up!" Program beginning this summer and will do so through the school year of 2023-24.  With the incredible and gracious support of the Paumier Family and Christ Episcopal Church, students will be prepared to achieve higher education and/or workplace goals after they graduate from Oakland Mills High School.