The U.S. Department of Labor predicts that 90 percent of new jobs in this century will require college-level training. Research conducted by the Center for Regional Economic Issues at Case Western Reserve University indicates that more than 70 percent of new science and engineering graduates of local colleges leave Northeast Ohio to spend their degree capital elsewhere.
CSP offers a solution. More than 82 percent of our alumni live in Northeast Ohio, enriching the economic, social and cultural environment of our region. Across the state, only 72 percent of all college graduates remain in Ohio.
Approximately 86 percent of our college freshmen are retained into their sophomore year, compared to 74 percent nationally and 75 percent in Ohio. They also command higher paychecks, adding to the region’s economic base. According to a Census Bureau report, “the average lifetime earnings of a full-time, year-round worker with a high school education are about $1.2 million, compared with $2.1 million for a college graduate…”
In addition, each increase in college-educated citizens benefits our community for years to come. The children of college-educated parents are more likely to attend college themselves, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. CSP is good for the community and economy by helping to build an educated workforce and strengthening the regional economy. We are building a future workforce in this region through education.
WHAT DO WE DO?
CSP helps families and children by providing access to postsecondary education. CSP provides college access services to Cuyahoga County residents interested in enrolling in four-year universities, community colleges and vocational and technical programs. Our programs offer:
- Academic planning for higher education
- Financial aid advising and resources
- Scholarships
- College advising and resources
- Career advising and opportunities
- Encouragement
WHO DO WE SERVE?
CSP serves students in K-12 grades in Cuyahoga and Lorain counties, and adult learners who want to return to college in 11 Northeast Ohio Counties: Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain, Mahoning, Medina, Portage, Stark, Summit, and Trumbull.
Last year, CSP assisted 23,602 students through our advisory services in high schools and at our Resource Center in downtown Cleveland and through our Early Awareness, Educational Talent Search, GEAR UP and Learn-to-Work programs.
HOW MUCH DO WE AWARD IN SCHOLARSHIPS?
The scholarships average $1,300 per student and are renewable for four years, if the students continue to meet specified requirements. During fiscal year 2007-2008, CSP paid a total $2,865,715 in scholarships to more than 2,000 individuals. This represents a 6 percent increase in the number of students awarded scholarships from the previous academic year. For every scholarship dollar awarded, CSP advisors help students and adults fine an additional $13 in student aid. Last year that amounted to an additional $37 million in aid.
CSP also administers scholarships for companies and organizations for a fee. For fiscal year 2007-2008, CSP administered $584,833 for over twenty scholarship programs.
WHEN DO WE PROVIDE ASSISTANCE?
CSP helps Cuyahoga residents year-round. Our advisors work with students during the school year to academically and financially plan and prepare for postsecondary education. During the summer, the advisors help CSP scholarship recipients assess their financial aid packages. CSP takes high school and middle school students on college visits and cultural enrichment trips during in the spring and during spring and summer breaks.
CSP advises nontraditional students, adults and college students throughout the year. The CSP Resource Center is free and open to the public Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. and Saturday 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. The Resource center provides students with one-on-one counseling services in the areas of academic testing and college preparation, college research and applications, career counseling and financial aid. Usage of the Resource Center increased by 23 percent last year.
WHERE DO WE PROVIDE ASSISTANCE?
During academic year 2007-2008, CSP advisors worked with students on-site in 95 schools: 64 high schools, 31 middle schools and 5 elementary schools. These included 16 Cleveland Municipal School District (CMSD) high schools and 12 parochial high schools.
Our advisors also work with adults and nontraditional students at the Resource Center and in various community centers throughout Cleveland. CSP brings services on-site to additional targeted populations through special presentations and events.
WHERE ARE WE LOCATED?
CSP and its Resource Center are located in downtown Cleveland, Ohio in the BP Tower, 200 Public Square. The Resource Center is located at street-level and the CSP offices are located on the 38th floor of the building.
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WHAT IS OUR ANNUAL BUDGET?
CSP is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with an operating budget of $6.9 million. CSP’s fiscal year runs from August 1-July 31.
WHO ARE THE LARGEST DONORS?
CSP relies on the generosity of corporations, foundations and individuals. During fiscal year 2007-2008, our $100,000+ donors were The Cleveland Foundation, the Paul & Maxine Frohring Foundation, Inc. The John Huntington Fund for Education, Ohio College Access Network, the Jane D. White Fund of The Cleveland Foundation, Dworken & Bernstein law firm, Saint Luke’s Foundation of Cleveland and TG (Texas) .
WHO ARE PARTNERS?
CSP’s relationships bridge the gap between community agencies, school systems and higher education institutions. These partnerships help provide students with a seamless transition from middle school to high school to college to entering the workforce or graduate programs. Some of our closest ties are with the City of Cleveland, CMSD, Cuyahoga Community College, Greater Cleveland Growth Association, National College Access Network, Ohio Board of Regents, Ohio College Access Network and Vocational Guidance Services.