GRANT CYCLE #2 DOLLARS - THE MOSTE COLLEGE FAIR!

Dear 5 For Fairness Community,

I am writing to give everyone an update on MOSTE and, more
importantly, let the community know where this hard earned grant money
was allocated.

On Saturday, November 20th, MOSTE had its annual College Fair at Mount Saint Mary's Doheny Campus in Downtown LA. The entire event was underwritten by the 5 for Fairness grant!  What does this means exactly?  It means every single dollar raised directly benefited the girls, their families, and mentors.

Bus transportation was provided for our 5 middle schools and over 150 scholars, mentors, parents, and teacher liaisons were in attendance.  The college fair hosted 25 universities including Stanford, UCLA, Princeton, Barnard, Tufts, Mt. Holyoke, Franklin & Marshall, Notre Dame, and Harvard, just to name a few!  For our 7th and 8th graders, this is truly the first introduction they've ever had to the college life and the admissions process.  For others, it's an exclusive opportunity to speak to college admissions officers one-on-one and make a great impression!

The day began with a light continental breakfast followed by a welcome and introduction by myself and More MOSTE Co-Chair Cindy Lopez.  I was elated to announce that my scholar, whom I've been a mentor to since she was in 8th grade, was accepted into Mount Saint Mary's this past Friday!!  She will be the first in her family to attend college and I couldn't be more proud of her!!  After the applause (smile), our Program Manager, Sarah Graham, announced a once in a lifetime contest for our scholars - MOSTE is in need of a pledge and we've tasked our girls to write it!  (See attachment for contest details)

The day continued with a college panel consisting of returning MOSTE scholars now in college, followed by break-out sessions for students and parents.   Middle school scholars attended the "Financial Aid and Admissions" workshop and our high school scholars were asked to choose two of the following three topics: "Come Fly with Me (Study Abroad Programs)," "How to Make Money and Change the World with Technology" and "College Life." 

Meanwhile, parents remained in the auditorium for the "MOSTE Parent Forum."  I wish you all could have heard some of our parents speak about their daughter's experience in MOSTE.  One parent's daughter is now at Syracuse University with ZERO out-of-pocket contribution because of her financial aid package and MOSTE scholarship.  There were so many inspiring testimonials like this!  (Honestly, I LOVE the college fair!)

After the workshops, the girls and their families walked the halls where the college representatives were set up.  Once they visited each booth and spoke to all the universities present, everyone congregated outside for lunch.  All in all, it was a very inspiring day! 

I promise you every single girl in attendance at the fair now believes college is within her reach.  Parents were made aware of the tools and resources available in order make this dream a reality.  Most importantly, families understand MOSTE is here to support and guide their efforts.  I'm am certain we've empowered young women and changed lives today.

On behalf of the MOSTE organization, I'd like to extend our sincere gratitude to everyone that voted. 

THANK YOU 5 for Fairness!!
YOUR GRANT MADE A DIFFERENCE!

Respectfully,
Alejandra Valenzuela
President, MOSTE

P.S. I will try and post pictures as soon as they're available!