SOAR Scholars Program Opens Doors and Raises Awareness About Independent Schools

The Admission office undertook the initiative with the twin goals of diversifying the applicant pool and introducing these nontraditional students to the world of independent schools. Last year, Rivers launched its inaugural SOAR session. Potential SOAR scholars are nominated by teachers, coaches, and others; those selected visit campus for two days. On the first day, the scholars—teamed up with current Rivers students—attend classes and experience a day in the life of the school. The second day brings programming for the entire family and coincides with Homecoming to give the scholars a broader view of the Rivers community.

Karin Narcisse Stafford, director of multicultural outreach and associate director of admission, oversees the program and handles the complex logistics of the visits. We recently sat down with her to talk about SOAR and the ways in which it is setting up nontraditional students for success.

How did the SOAR program come about?
Director of Enrollment Management Yassine Talhaoui and I were talking about how we can provide access to families for whom independent school is not in their thought process. Yassine had had previous experience with fly-ins, the version that boarding schools sometimes provide. We brainstormed the idea of a two-day program. It’s about access and what that really looks like for students not from traditional programs or from sending schools. 

What does Rivers hope to accomplish through the program?
One, we hope to grow our diverse student population to include everyone—students from all types of backgrounds and experiences. Two, it’s a way to get our school's mission out into the community, where parents are looking for another school choice for their kids, and to give information about independent schools to families who wouldn't necessarily think about it and/or know how to access such schools. 

How is the SOAR program structured, and why was this structure created?
It’s structured to be a two-day information workshop program. On the first day, visiting students attend classes, so they see what it's like to be in an independent school classroom, a day when they live in the community and follow the same schedule our students go through. The second day is structured for parents/caregivers and students. The Saturday program is intentionally held on Homecoming; we want them to meet our community. They arrive in the morning and spend the entire day on campus. They have breakfast, they get a tour, parents and caregivers  attend a financial aid workshop, and they meet the entire admission team. Students attend a workshop on interviewing and the application process. They hear from Jenny Jun-lei Kravitz, director of institutional equity, and Multicultural Programming and Outreach Committee members; Head of School Ryan Dahlem says hello. Students attend an application interview workshop. There are also many touchpoints, informal ones, during breaks. It’s about community building and information. And it’s a family event; parents can bring younger siblings.
  
What were some highlights of this year's SOAR visits? 
This year we had a record number of applications. The highlight was that we had 100 percent attendance. Families left here incredibly happy, informed, and comfortable. They felt like this is a place where they could see their children grow and thrive, and that is the goal.  

What kind of feedback did you hear afterward? What kind of follow-up do you provide?
I had a debrief a week later, and I received emails. The families all talked about how they felt comfortable here; they enjoyed meeting parents and meeting us. They were able to see themselves here and had a feeling that they belonged here. The students had good matches with their student hosts. Our faculty said the SOAR students were highlights in their classrooms. They were very positive; the SOAR kids left an impression. And attendance at the follow-up meetings has been 95 percent. All families are excited. 

Beginning at the end of November, I hold one-on-one meetings with the families. After that, there’s one more meeting as a group before the application deadline. And whether they’re admitted or not admitted, I'll meet with them again after admission decisions go out. And then once they’re here, I continue to support them. 

Any further thoughts?
I thought it was great. This year the applicant pool was even stronger, and it’s a great thing as a school to be part of this. It reflects what Rivers is and what it will become in the future. We are living our mission, and that makes me happy.