Local high school students can receive tips on writing college essays, assistance in studying for standardized exams and even help with homework from one Binghamton University student group.
Setting the Road to Improvement Via Education (STRIVE), a BU student program, aims to help high school students make an easier transition into a college environment. The group was established at BU in 2005.
Teresa Florindi, current president of STRIVE, said the program is made up of undergraduate students who tutor local high school students in a variety of subjects.
On Thursdays from 3 to 6 p.m., members of the group advise students at Binghamton High School by helping them study for AP and Regents exams, giving tips on how to write college essays and assisting with homework.
These services help students obtain the grades and counsel they need to get into colleges across the country, members said.
In addition, STRIVE also holds various college-related workshops, such as how to register for financial aid. Another program hosted by the student group includes tours of the BU campus, which have been given to high schoolers in an effort to familiarize the students with colleges in the area.
At a recent tour, students were able to visit a residence hall, eat a meal in one of the dining halls and watch presentations from academic and student groups on campus, according to the group’s treasurer, Adam Goodstone.
One of the engineering presentations demonstrated how to take apart and reassemble a computer.
“We have enough connections on campus that if a high school student wants to learn about a certain organization or field of study, something can be arranged,” Goodstone said.
According to Florindi, the main goal of STRIVE is to raise college awareness in the Binghamton area and let students know that it’s an option for their future.
“Students need a motivator to make them believe they can get into the schools that they desire,” she said.
One success story from STRIVE is when seven BHS students were able to get into an accelerated learning program with the group’s assistance, Goodstone said.
“These students became very involved with the program after school, which encouraged them to study different subjects for college credit,” he said.
In addition to providing a safe after-school environment for study, and incentives such as free pizza, awards are given to students who attend STRIVE’s weekly tutoring sessions.
The program’s first sessions were held in a rented room at Trinity Memorial Church, until the organization was given space in the cafeteria of BHS.
Jessica Gochman, a former president of the program, said the move into the high school has boosted attendance for the meetings.
“It’s harder to access students when you aren’t around a high school,” Gochman said.
The group’s current president said she has plans to expand the program in the future.
Florindi said she hopes the program can extend its hours to reach students on different days of the week.
“We’ve also gotten on the announcements to send out messages and information to students,” Goodstone said.