COACHING and MENTORING

Since most of our students are the first in their families to go to college, they have not had the benefit of hearing from family members about what to expect from the college experience. Being a college student is a lifestyle change which impacts all the various aspects of their lives so having a coach will guide them through the transition.

Our mentors help students to monitor their own progress with their degree plans, as well as meeting Hendrick program requirements.  They also help students think through important decisions regarding other aspects of their lives. Mentors are the students’ cheerleaders and encourage them to stay focused on the achieving their goals.

From a student’s perspective, Mentors provide the following:

• open communication with a Success Coach provides relevant mentoring and informal counseling
• a resource for a student to go to for positive reinforcement, who is a trusted adult who listens and cares, provides an ear to brainstorm problem-solving, understands how to prioritize, and gives general guidance
• reminds the student to be accountable to himself or herself regarding the expectations that are placed on the student
• regular dialogue to be able to provide support in a timely manner (connection to tutors or other assistance)
• a positive link in the student’s network for life beyond college

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CAREER GUIDANCE

As is often the case with young adults, many students are not sure what their career paths should be or what majors to pursue. We help them to explore career options, take interest and aptitude assessments, and think through their choices.  Each student is assigned a Student Success Coordinator who provides career readiness advice and guidance throughout their time in College.  Hendrick Scholarship Foundation also partners with Career Spring a national non-profit supporting FGLI students, graduates, and career seekers with career information, skills, professional networks, and employment opportunities. 

ACADEMIC PLANNING

To keep our students focused on their goals, we meet with them regularly to ensure that they are taking the courses that are required for their degree plans. Whether it is changing majors or having unexpected life events or not being able to get into certain classes, the best laid plans often need to be reworked so through ongoing academic planning, our students always have a resource to help create action plans on how to reach their goals. 
At the conclusion of each semester, the student’s support team convenes to conduct a comprehensive review of the student’s academic progress, successes, and areas for continued growth.  During this meeting, the team collaborates to establish goals and identify strategies to support the student’s ongoing success.  The discussion also focuses on preparing for the upcoming semester, reviewing the student’s degree plan to ensure progress toward graduation, and discussing career readiness and future opportunities.  
The team consists of the Student, Mentor, Student Coordinator and Student Success Manager, ensuring a collaborative and holistic approach to supporting the student’s academic achievement, personal growth, and career development.

LIFE SKILLS AND PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOPS

During the years that students are in college, they move from being teenagers into adulthood. They need to be able to make informed decisions about issues such as where to live, how to market themselves to potential employers, how to be choose wisely when buying a car or renting an apartment, how to maintain a budget or monitor and maintain credit, etc. Our financial workshops are facilitated and sponsored by First United Bank Plano.  Along with financial guidance we also offer workshops on soft skills and career readiness skills including crafting an elevator speech or being a self-advocate.

ACCOUNTABILITY

Students are required to turn in class schedules at the beginning of each semester and their grades at the end of each semester.

Transcripts are reviewed each semester to ensure that students are choosing classes that apply towards their degree plan.

Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5. If a student drops below 2.5, s/he will not be eligible for a scholarship the following semester until the GPA is restored by taking courses at their own expense.

STUDENT ACTIVITIES

Orientations

New students are required to attend a 1 day orientation during the summer before their first semester in college. During the orientation, students will learn about a variety of topics, ranging from how to choose and register for classes, how to find academic support, and how to get involved with student life.

Workshops

Students will participate in workshops throughout the year. Topics include financial literacy, fine arts experiences and career readiness.

Fundraisers / Ambassador Opportunities

So that students appreciate the hard work that their community puts into activities and events that maintain funds for future scholars, students are required to be an ambassador at one event each year.  These events include our annual TASTE Gala, The North Texas Giving Day online event and various speaking engagements in the DFW area.

Holiday Luncheon

At the end of every year, HSF invites the students, coaches and donors to come together to celebrate. Thanks to the generosity of Mr. Rutledge Haggard, the event is held at the Haggard Party Barn in Plano, TX. Graduates are honored and students speak to their successes and triumphs.