Kansas abogado de inmigración una autoridad de la ley

John Hanna

The Associated Press

Topeka,kan. – Cuando los políticos y la policía en todo el país quieren acabar con la inmigración ilegal,a menudo llegar a un mismo hombre: un abogado de Kansas poco conocidas, con una liga de la hiedra que la educación es el arquitecto detrás de muchas de las leyes de inmigración del país más controvertido.

Kobach kris no pudo asistir porque el punto al oeste de la diabetes,pero se refiere a sus esfuerzos en la inmigración como un sustituto para el servicio militar.

“No pueden llamarlo basura del acoplado parque,que es el tipo de comentario se enteró de los defensores de nuestro lado,”, Dijo Michael hethmon,director del instituto de la ley de inmigración con sede en Washington reforma.

Kobach propuesta de proyecto de ayuda a las leyes y,después de que se adopten,funcionarios de los trenes para hacerlas cumplir. si las leyes son cuestionados,él va a los tribunales para su defensa.

su proyecto más reciente fue asesorar a las autoridades de Arizona en una nueva ley que faculta a la policía para interrogar a cualquiera que se sospeche que están ilegalmente en el país. los críticos dicen que viola las disposiciones de la Constitución en contra de búsqueda e incautación irrazonable al permitir que la policía de participar en un perfil racial.

pero insiste en Kobach un oficial de detener una furgoneta llena de una violación de tráfico tiene una sospecha razonable de sus ocupantes son inmigrantes ilegales si ninguno de ellos tiene un identificador,la camioneta se desplaza una ruta conocida de contrabando y el conductor es evasivo.

“No me podría importar menos si provienen de México o Alemania o Japón o China,-Dijo Kobach,que hable con el aire afable de un profesor universitario,incluso al hacer comentarios hirientes política. “El extranjero que también está aquí con intenciones terroristas pueden llevar a cualquier pasaporte. no se trata de la raza o el origen nacional “.

ante la ley fue aprobada el mes pasado,Kobach pasó varios años de consultar con su patrocinador principal. y él tiene un contrato de $ 300-una hora-para enseñar a los diputados en el condado de Maricopa,que incluye Phoenix,para hacer cumplir las políticas de inmigración.

detractores no están impresionados por grados Kobach en Harvard,Oxford y Yale,o la beca codiciada casa blanca se desempeñó durante George W. primer mandato de Bush.

mientras que en la casa blanca,creó un programa de justicia post-9/11 departamento que requieren los inmigrantes de 25 países de mayoría musulmana que ya estaban en los estados unidos que volver a registrarse con el gobierno federal. las libertades civiles argumentó que condujo a las detenciones injustificadas de los inmigrantes que respetan la ley.

», Se promueve como absolutamente,positivamente ser un erudito en estas cuestiones constitucionales,y él es un error,”, Dijo el fabricante de cerveza proyecto de ley,un abogado de Dallas que ha enfrentaron con Kobach en los tribunales por las leyes de inmigración en Farmers Branch,Texas.

Kobach,un republicano toda la vida de 44 años de edad con moviestar se ve bien,aprendí cuando era un adolescente Topeka que la diabetes le impediría una cita deseada con el punto del oeste. su enfoque en materia de inmigración desarrolladas después de septiembre 11,cuando, como,ayudante del fiscal general John Ashcroft,él y otros funcionarios del departamento de justicia aprendido algunas de las 9 / 11 atacantes habían vivido en los estados unidos de forma ilegal.

“Fue una oportunidad perdida de dimensiones trágicas,”Kobach dijo. “Que la realización golpeó a casa conmigo. la gente decía,”¿Cómo podríamos haber evitado esto? “Después de salir de Washington,regresó a Kansas y de un trabajo en la universidad de los profesores de la escuela de la ciudad de Missouri-Kansas ley que él había tenido desde 1996,después lanzó una campaña para el congreso.

,que perdió.pero Kobach llamado la atención a impugnar una ley de Kansas, que las clases de tipos reducidos a los inmigrantes ilegales. sobrevivió a la ley,pero los conservadores frustrados tomó nota de su obra.

Lou Barletta alcalde,de Hazleton,pa.,Kobach llamó en 2006 para discutir una propuesta de multar a los arrendadores que alquilen viviendas a inmigrantes ilegales y negar permisos a las empresas contratarlos. Kobach luego defendió la ley en la corte federal.

el alcalde dijo que se puso en contacto después de una noticia Kobach informe citado diciendo Hazleton tenía la autoridad para promulgar dicha ordenanza,contradiciendo otros juristas.

“Es realmente sólo tuvo una conversación para darse cuenta de que realmente sabía lo que estaba hablando,”Barletta recordó.

Kobach escribió en gran medida y, a continuación defendió una ordenanza similar en el parque de valle,mo.,que fue confirmada por un tribunal federal de apelaciones.

el año pasado,defendió Farmers Branch,Texas,en una demanda federal que afectan a su derecho propietario. y este año,representó a los residentes de Fremont,neb.,fuera de Omaha,ya que obligó a votar por sus propuestas de inmigración.

jueces federal revocó el poder a los agricultores y las ordenanzas de Hazleton,pero ambos están en apelación.

Kobach también escribió artículos de una ley de 2008 Missouri lucha contra la inmigración ilegal y este año elaborado una propuesta de éxito en Idaho exige a los empleadores a la pantalla de los trabajadores.

Kobach dijo que ha consultado con los legisladores en al menos otros seis estados en las diferentes medidas.

“Yo diría que él es el cerebro detrás de la mayoría de ellos,”, Dijo Chishti Muzaffar,director de la oficina del Instituto de Política de la migración en la escuela Universidad de Nueva York de la ley.

Kobach,elegido presidente del Partido Republicano del estado de Kansas en 2007,dejar de fumar a principios del año pasado para lanzar una campaña para la secretaria de Estado. su primera propuesta de los legisladores: requieren nuevos votantes para probar la ciudadanía cuando se registren y hagan todos los votantes mostrar una foto de identificación en las urnas.

“Usted puede tomar medidas para hacer frente a los problemas de seguridad nacionales y todavía queda el problema de millones de personas aquí ilegalmente de tomar puestos de trabajo en una recesión de los residentes legales,”,dijo.críticos sugieren de inmigración de trabajo Kobach está diseñado para impulsar su carrera política. un “kris krazy Kobach” sitio web cuenta con un blogger anónimo que exhorta a los seguidores para poner fin a la carrera Kobach.

arizona representante del Estado. Sinema Kyrsten,un demócrata de Phoenix y del abogado que votó en contra de la nueva ley de su estado,Kobach dijo que no se debe subestimar.

“Lo que me preocupa,-Dijo,”Es que hay todos estos legisladores en todos estos estados que piensan que él es un buen tipo y quiere seguir su consejo.”

Hispanic Business Owners Partner with Kent State Students

Hispanic business owners in Northeast Ohio teamed up with Kent State University Managerial Marketing students last spring to discover potential new customer groups. The market segmentation projects were facilitated through The Partnership for the Minority Business Accelerator (PMBA).

PMBA is a partnership between Akron Urban League, Akron SCORE and Kent State University.   The partnership offers African-American and Hispanic business owners in Medina, Portage and Summit counties intensive, comprehensive support to improve their businesses.  PMBA partners assist businesses in achieving their goals through services like business development strategies and mentoring.

Kent State students were grouped into teams and asked to complete a customer analysis for each business owner. At the end of the semester, business owners chose the best plan.  Yamatzy De León-Mettee, president and CEO of YDM Marketing & Management Solutions was one of several participants in the project.

“It was a really great experience,” she says.  “The students put in a lot of work, and even though some of the groups didn’t win, I was able to use their information.”

Maria Maculaitis, president of Contractor Connection Inc., also received a market segmentation analysis.  Maculaitis says although students may have not initially known a lot about her company, they still provided her with good information.

“I truly enjoyed working with the students,” she says.  “I was very interested to see what their insight was on how to move forward on a marketing plan with today’s current mindset.”

The business owners weren’t the only ones who benefitted from the project.  Students who created the plans had good things to say as well.  Senior Managerial Marketing major Sydney Bennett says the experience was something she could have never gotten in another class.

“The most fulfilling part of the project was definitely finishing and knowing that all the hard work that we had contributed was worthwhile for someone, not just a grade,” Bennett says.

For more information about PMBA and the businesses involved, visit www.pmba1.org.

-         Katie Young

SALSA Offers Support, Activities and Learning Opportunities

By Lindsay Kuntzman

Kent State’s commitment to inclusion and diversity can be seen in the university’s student organizations. With groups such as Black United Students, the Catholic Student Association or the Kent Indian Students Association, there is something for everyone to join.

For Hispanic students on campus, the Spanish and Latino Student Association, commonly referred to as SALSA, provides support, activities and learning opportunities.

Dr. Geraldine Hayes-Nelson, associate dean of undergraduate studies and SALSA co-advisor, says the organization offers a place of unity for Hispanic students on campus and an opportunity for individuals interested in supporting, promoting awareness and experiencing the Latino and Hispanic culture.

“The Latino culture incorporates various groups with Latin American roots that are unique in their own way,” Hayes-Nelson says.  “SALSA allows Hispanic Kent State students to come together and celebrate their own uniqueness and educate the rest of the campus community.”

Jeannette Reyes, sophomore broadcast journalism major and SALSA president, says she became a leader in the student organization so she could help encourage Hispanics to attend a great university and give them a sense of community.

“College students, no matter what nationality or race, can get a little homesick,” Reyes says.  “It can feel worse when you’re far away and there are few people like you around. SALSA makes sure Hispanic students don’t go through the college experience alone.”

To develop a sense of community, SALSA offers activities and events like salsa dancing, study tables where students can study together and converse in Spanish and Spanish Night which offers Spanish food.

One recent event, the Black and Brown Dialogue, held in October, focused on issues experienced by both Latinos and African Americans.  Sponsored by SALSA and Black United Students, the event allowed student and community leaders to discuss topics relating to minority resources, poverty and education.

Vania Alvarez-Minah, enrollment manager and student services advisor for Kent State University at Geauga Campus’ Twinsburg Center, serves as SALSA co-advisor as part of a practicum in Higher Education and Student Personnel. She says the Black and Brown Dialogue was an opportunity for the campus community to discuss particular topics and develop an understanding of the issues facing minority groups.

“While SALSA is a way for its members to have an official presence on campus, the organization also allows other individuals to develop an understanding about a different culture,” Alvarez-Minah says.  “SALSA is here for anyone who might have questions or need support.”

SALSA’s activities and events are always open to non-Hispanic students interested in furthering their knowledge about a different culture.

“I think SALSA especially benefits the student body because, if someone is not from a diverse area, there can be an unintentional ignorance,” Reyes says.

Hispanic or non-Hispanic students interested in participating in SALSA may contact Alyssa Hall, SALSA recruitment officer, at ahall20@kent.edu.

For more information about student groups and organizations at Kent State, visit http://www.kent.edu/studentlife/activities/index.cfm.

The Recipe for Success

Three Steps to Follow for a Positive First Year in College

By Lindsay Kuntzman

The first year in college can be overwhelming with new classes, new teachers and new friends.   But, students can adapt to the changes and have a successful first year by following three pieces of advice from Kent State University’s associate director of student success programs, Joanna Liedel.

1. Get involved

Liedel says students can transition from high school to college by taking part in activities at their chosen college or university.  At Kent State, the Center for Student Involvement offers different volunteer, leadership and cultural opportunities for students.  By joining organizations and attending special events, students can make friends with similar interests, network with professionals and build résumés.

1. Attend class

Liedel says first year students might be tempted to skip class when they learn that attendance is typically not recorded in college courses.  While sleeping in or hanging out with friends might be enticing, students who choose not to go to class can fall behind on assignments, miss important lectures and fail to connect with professors.  Liedel says that by attending class, students should receive better grades, could make friends and might even find a professor to act as a mentor.

1. Take advantage of resources

All colleges and universities have a wealth of resources for students.  From libraries to recreation and wellness centers, students have countless opportunities at their disposal.  Liedel encourages students to take advantage of the resources, which can help make the transition from high school to college.  For example, Kent State has an Academic Success Center which offers free tutoring for students.  By using resources, students will learn and strengthen the skills needed to succeed at the university and will meet individuals willing to help them with future goals.

Procter & Gamble Supports Latino Education with a $1.5 million pledge to the Hispanic Scholarship Fund

Cincinnati, OH, Oct. 1st, 2009
Procter & Gamble (P&G) (NYSE:PG) and the Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF) are pleased to announce that P&G is awarding $1.5 million under the company’s Live, Learn and Thrive™ global cause to support HSF, the leading Hispanic organization devoted to awarding university scholarships. The grant will be provided over the next four years to support scholarships to increase participation from Hispanics in the STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) areas, as well as sponsoring educational outreach programs.

This contribution will help award 192, $2,500 scholarships to eligible Hispanic students nationwide in the next four years. Thanks to the support of companies like Procter & Gamble, the Hispanic Scholarship Fund has given over 90,000 scholarships to students in need worth over $250 million in the past 34 years. Two-thirds of these students were the first in their families to go to college.

“Through the Live, Learn and Thrive Scholarship program, P&G is enabling a cadre of academically talented, low income, first in family to attend college students complete an important new step in realizing the American dream. And, by focusing on STEM majors, P&G is strategically investing in future career paths destined to assure continued success and leadership of our country in this ever competitive global economy. We salute P&G and the scholars!” said Frank D. Alvarez, HSF President and CEO.

While Hispanics are the largest ethnic minority in the United States, they unfortunately are not keeping up when it comes to educational attainment: according to HSF, Latinos have the lowest high school and college completion rates of any racial or ethnic group, registering a 23.8 percent high school dropout rate, the highest of any major racial or ethnic group (ages 16 to 24), compared to 7 percent for non-Hispanic whites. Moreover, as per data from the Census report Educational Attainment in the United States: 2008, out of the total population, only 13 percent of Hispanics 25 and older have a bachelor’s degree, as per data from the report.

In addition, data from the study, “Confronting the ‘New’ American Dilemma, Underrepresented Minorities in Engineering: A Data-Based Look at Diversity,” from the National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering (NACME) reveals that the number minority students pursuing STEM degrees and careers has flattened out or even declined in recent years: out of the 6,404 doctoral degrees in engineering awarded in 2006, only 98 went to Latinos and Latinas.

Following its commitment to advance the Hispanic community, P&G has been a long-standing corporate partner of HSF for over 30 years and has donated more than $3,000,000 to help educate future Hispanic leaders. Under its global Live, Learn and Thrive™ cause, P&G aims to contribute to the success of Hispanic students and even make higher education a more realistic goal by helping build a pool of exceptional talent and empowering possible future employees, who will continue to enhance the company’s dedication to cater to the needs of its consumers.

“At P&G, we believe in having a workforce and business partners that reflect the markets and consumers that we serve, and to fully value and learn from all of their experiences, insights and talents so we can meaningfully improve the lives of our communities. As part of our efforts to improve life for children and youth, we’re proud to make this Live, Learn and Thriveâ„¢ grant in recognition of the programs HSF delivers on behalf of Hispanic students,” said Edgar Sandoval, P&G’s General Manager, North America Marketing.

Sandoval, a former recipient of an HSF scholarship while he was pursuing his engineering degree, was inducted into the prestigious Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF) Alumni Hall of Fame as the “Inspirador” (the motivator), in recognition of his personal achievements and the hard work and sacrifice made in pursuit of a college education. His scholastic success testifies to the great positive impact that an HSF scholarship can have in a student’s life.

This year’s Alumni Hall of Fame Gala took place in New York on Sept. 30th, and was hosted by Natalie Morales, NBC’s “Today” Co-Host and National Correspondent. Created in 2002, the HSF Alumni Hall of Fame honors Hispanics who demonstrate the power of higher education and highlights how attaining a college degree can change individual lives and society as a whole for the better. As an inductee, Sandoval will join a select group of Latino professionals who have been recognized, including former Surgeon General Richard Carmona, U.S Ambassador to Mexico Tony Garza and Time Warner Vice President Lisa Quiroz.

HSF’s scholarship application period is now open now and will run until Feb. 28th, 2010. General application requirements include having a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA and be pursuing or planning to pursue their first undergraduate or graduate program. For more information on how to apply for these scholarships, please visit www.hsf.net

About the Hispanic Scholarship Fund

Founded in 1975 as a not-for-profit, the Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF) is the nation’s preeminent Latino scholarship organization, providing the Latino community more college scholarships and educational outreach support than any other organization in the country. During the 2007-2008 academic year, HSF awarded almost 4,100 scholarships exceeding $26.7 million. In its 33-year history, HSF has awarded in excess of 86,000 scholarships, worth more than $247 million, to Latinos attending nearly 2,000 colleges and universities in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands. For a scholarship application or more information about HSF, please visit: WWW.HSF.NET.

About Procter & Gamble and Live, Learn and Thrive.

Three billion times a day, P&G brands touch the lives of people around the world. The company has one of the strongest portfolios of trusted, quality, leadership brands, including Pampers®, Tide®, Ariel®, Always®, Whisper®, Pantene®, Mach3®, Bounty®, Dawn®, Gain®, Pringles®, Charmin®, Downy®, Lenor®, Iams®, Crest®, Oral-B®, Duracell®, Olay®, Head & Shoulders®, Wella®, Gillette®, Braun® and Fusion®. The P&G community includes approximately 138,000 employees working in over 80 countries worldwide. In these countries and beyond, P&G is committed to improving lives for children in need through its global cause, Live, Learn and Thrive. Every day P&G Live, Learn and Thrive™ is helping children get off to a healthy start, receive access to education, and build skills for life. Please visit http://www.pg.com for the latest news and in-d! epth information about P&G, its brands, and Live, Learn and Thrive.

copyright © 2009

Student Financial Aid

Making “Cents” of Affording Higher Education

By Lindsay Kuntzman

Selecting a college or university can be one of the most important decisions in a person’s life – sometimes, it’s a decision that can be influenced by money.  Although paying for college can be expensive, there are ways to lessen the financial burden.

Mark Evans, director of student financial aid at Kent State University, offers the following advice on financial assistance:

1. Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

Evans says every student should fill out the FAFSA as it serves as a foundation for federal and state aid, as well as institutional grants, loans and scholarships.  He advises that students fill out the form soon after January 1 of each year, as some colleges and universities began awarding aid early in the year.  At Kent State, approximately $300,000,000 is offered to students by the beginning of March.

2. Use online search engines

Search engines, such as FastWeb, locate scholarships based on the specific information an individual enters.  Additionally, Evans says many colleges and universities provide internal search engines.  For example, Kent State offers the Scholarship Search Qualifier, which locates scholarships specific to the university.

3. Talk to high school guidance counselors

As a high school junior or senior, you should contact the school guidance counselor, who usually has information about different scholarships, Evans says.

4. Talk to parents, grandparents or other relatives

Students might be eligible for aid through their relatives’ place of employment.  Evans says that some employers will offer assistance programs for their employees and/or dependents.

5. Ask about major-specific scholarships

Sometimes, the major that a student is pursuing will offer scholarships specific to that area of study.  Evans advises students check with the department or college that houses their area of study.  For example, a music student might be eligible for scholarships specific to that degree through the College of Arts.

6. Use college or university resources

Often, colleges or universities will provide counseling or assistance for the financial aid process.  Evans says Kent State’s student financial aid Web site, www.sfa.kent.edu, offers calculators for individuals to estimate their costs, as well as financial aid videos and brochures.  To make a complex topic accessible for everyone, videos and brochures are offered in both English and Spanish.  Evans says financial aid offices provide students and families with the information needed to understand the financial aid process.

How to Prepare for College Courses

Specific High School Classes Help Students Succeed in College

By Lindsay Kuntzman

While college is usually more challenging than high school, high school students can prepare themselves.  Sherylynn Chapman-Thomas, assistant director of admissions at Kent State University, says that by following a college preparatory curriculum, students will have the building blocks needed to adapt to college academics.

The following curriculum is recommended by the Ohio State Board of Education for students interested in attending college:

• 4 units of English

By taking four units (the same as four years) of English, students will be better prepared for writing at the university-level.  Chapman-Thomas also says that it will prepare students interested in pursuing advanced degrees.

• 3 units of mathematics

It’s recommended that students take algebra I and II and geometry.  However, Chapman-Thomas says students should also consider what college major they might want to pursue.  For example, students interested in pursuing a business degree might want to take calculus and accounting.

• 3 units of science

During high school, students should gain laboratory experience.  Also, students should, again, take into account possible majors.  For example, students interested in nursing or the medical field might want to take biology, chemistry and physiology.

• 3 units of social studies

For social studies units, classes such as World History, American History and American Government will provide students with a foundation for college-level social studies courses.

• 2 units of foreign language

Students must take the same language to satisfy the two units of a foreign language requirement.

• 1 unit of the arts or an additional unit of a foreign language

Chapman-Thomas says students have a little more leeway when it comes to the one unit of the arts or an additional foreign language.  Students can receive credit for courses in art, theatre, dance, etc. or take one more year of a foreign language.

In addition to the recommended courses, Chapman-Thomas encourages students to take advanced placement or honors classes in high school, if able.  Taking advanced classes can help students receive college credit or test out of college courses.  At Kent State, students can take the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) test through the university’s Career Services Center.  If students score a 50 or better on their CLEP test, they will receive university credit hours.  Advanced Placement (AP) scores of three or higher can also earn a student college credit or placement into advanced college-level courses at Kent State.

For students who might not have followed the college preparatory curriculum, admission into college is still possible.  At Kent State, students who do not meet all of the admissions requirements can always be waitlisted or recommended to one of the university’s seven Regional Campuses.

Partnership for Minority Business Accelerator Proves Successful

Program Earns National Recognition and Experiences Client Growth

By Lindsay Kuntzman

Despite hard economic times, a program that aids minority-owned businesses is proving to have quite an impact. The Partnership for the Minority Business Accelerator (PMBA) recently received national recognition and has witnessed tremendous growth for its clients. PMBA provides education, mentoring, networking and training to African American and Hispanic-owned businesses. The program is a collaboration between Kent State University, the Akron Urban League and Akron SCORE, and is funded by the GAR Foundation.

National recognition came from the University Continuing Education Association, an organization that provides leadership for policies that advance workforce and professional development. The partners received awards from the association’s Outreach and Engagement division and the Marketing and Publications division.

Iris Harvey, Kent State vice president, university relations and chief marketing officer, says receiving the national recognition is an honor for the university.

“These awards not only position Kent State as a leader in executive education, but reflect the positive impact the university can have on the community,” Harvey says.  “Additionally, the awards validate the importance and success of the PMBA program.”

PMBA earned the Outreach and Engagement Community of Practice Innovations in Outreach award. The award is given to association members who originate or enhance successful outreach programs that prioritize social, educational and economic issues. PMBA strives to improve economic inclusion, urban assimilation and individual entrepreneurship for minority-owned businesses.

Gary Sutherland, chairman of Akron SCORE, says, “Akron SCORE is extremely proud of the success achieved by PMBA in such a short time period. The strength of the partners and achievements of the program contribute to the viability of these minority-owned businesses.”

Along with the Innovations in Outreach award, the Kent State Outreach Marketing team won the Marketing and Publications’ Visual Identification: Logo Implementation bronze award for the PMBA logo. The award examined the development of the logo and the manner in which it was applied to different media, such as postcards, Web sites and posters.

K. Marie David, Kent State director of outreach marketing, says it is rewarding to be recognized at a national level.

In addition to the University Continuing Education Association honors, the PMBA program received a Departmental Service Recognition award from Kent State’s Division of Enrollment Management and Student Affairs. The award is given to programs that involve different university departments and community partners in their creation and implementation.

Bernett Williams, president and CEO of Akron Urban League, says, “The Akron Urban League is excited about the impact PMBA has already made in supporting the sustainability and the acceleration of African American and Hispanic-owned businesses in our community. The partnership between Akron Urban League, Kent State University and SCORE has proven to be such a valuable resource in these tough economic times.”

Client growth and success has helped demonstrate the program’s value.

One client company, YDM Marketing and Management Solutions, which provides Hispanic and global marketing solutions, as well as human resource support, training and development and other language solutions, started in February of 2007.

Yamatzy De León-Mettee, founder and owner of YDM Marketing and Management Solutions, says PMBA has helped her focus and determine the direction of her start-up company.  She learned about the program through networking and an acquaintance of PMBA director, Veronica Cook-Euell, and is thankful to be a part of it.

“PMBA has been a catalyst in the continuing development of YDM,” De León-Mettee says.  “The program provides great benefit to my professional growth and business development. Through my involvement with PMBA, I was able to participate as a project with a Kent State Marketing class.  I met several students from that experience, one which will be a summer intern for my business this summer.  I am grateful for the many opportunities that PMBA has afforded me and I know that my involvement with the program will contribute to the long-term success of my business.”

As part of that long-term success, De León-Mettee says SCORE counselors coached her as she developed a business plan to ensure future growth and direction, which she didn’t have when she started the company.

A second client company, ClarkTel Communications, a provider of telecommunication systems, computer networks, security equipment and CCTV systems, was recently able to secure a significant project – worth a quarter of a million dollars.

Terence (Terry) Clark, founder, president and CEO of ClarkTel Communications, attributes PMBA to playing a role in securing the project, as a result of business-to-business networking.

Clark says he participated in Akron Urban League programs since ClarkTel’s founding in 1996.  It was during one of their workshops that he learned of PMBA and became a client.

“PMBA’s been a positive experience,” Clark says.  “They start by providing a comprehensive review of the company where they examine different procedures, the operations plan and strategic plan.  Then, they review those facets and come back with a list of recommendations for improvements.  SCORE counselors worked with us and provided mentoring to help with the recommendations.”

In addition to the comprehensive review, Clark says that the workshops PMBA provides have been beneficial.  He also credits the program’s success to director Cook-Euell.

“I would most definitely recommend PMBA to other business owners,” Clark says.  “It’s had some major benefits.”

More information about PMBA may be found at http://www.pmba1.org/.

What to Consider when Selecting a College

By Lindsay Kuntzman

With so many colleges and universities to pick from, it can be a daunting task to find the right one.  Sherylynn Chapman-Thomas, assistant director of admissions at Kent State University, recommends considering three areas when deciding what college or university to attend.

1. Fit

First, students should determine their preferences – do they want a public school, a small campus, an out-of-state school, etc.  Once students have their criteria, they should look for schools that meet them.  Chapman-Thomas advises students visit the schools that meet their preferences, as that can help them determine how they would fit in at the school.  In addition to visiting the campus, Chapman-Thomas also suggests that minority students make sure there are on-campus programs specifically for minorities, to help them fit in and adjust to the school.  For example, Kent State has the Student Multicultural Center which provides academic support specifically to minority students.

2. Academics

Besides trying to find a school that meets students’ personal criteria, it’s also necessary to consider the academic programs.  Chapman-Thomas encourages students to contact professors in the programs they are interested in and ask questions about required classes, internships and job placement rates.  Additionally, many colleges and universities will offer college fairs or open houses where students have an opportunity to learn more about majors and programs within academic departments.  Kent State usually offers a summer open house for high school seniors and academic interest programs twice a year for prospective students.

3. Price

Finally, although financial aid is available, it’s important to consider the cost of tuition.  Chapman-Thomas says when trying to compare colleges and universities, students should make comparisons between the educational and social opportunities available and the price of tuition.  A school with a higher tuition should still be considered if it offers more services to students than a school with a lower tuition cost.

To begin researching potential colleges and universities, students can begin their search online.  College and university Web sites will offer information related to the three areas mentioned above by Chapman-Thomas.

Helping Brothers Out

Kent State mentoring program reaches out to the community

By Lindsay Kuntzman

Kent State University is not only impacting the education of students on campus, but other students in northeast Ohio through its mentoring and community outreach program, “Helping Brothers Out.”

The Helping Brothers Out (HBO) program began in 2006 and is a collaboration between Kent State’s Adult Student Center and the Student Multicultural Center. While both of these centers offer mentoring programs and academic assistance, and the individual colleges on campus provide academic advising, the HBO program offers a male perspective from male mentors.

While the on-campus component of the program serves African American males, mentors from the HBO program advise students and young adults of both genders and all races in the community. Dr. E. Timothy Moore, associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, says there is value in someone from a college institution taking the time to talk about possibilities for the future.

Taking the time to talk with younger students is becoming more important as there is an increasing push to expose children to thinking about college, even as early as fourth grade, says Marion Styles, Kent State’s northeast Ohio minority community liaison and the assistant director of the Adult Student Center.

By visiting students at a younger age, mentors are able to help them prepare for college. Moore says that the university can’t hope for incoming students to have the qualities and skills needed to succeed; the program intends to impact young students while they are impressionable. Preparing students early for higher education helps ensure they won’t become at risk when attending college. Risks include not being able to strike a balance between studying and socializing in the college environment or failing to achieve a high grade point average.

“Students need to protect their GPA. That might mean choosing between going to a party or studying for an exam,” Moore says. “A high GPA has the ability to generate scholarships and jobs for students. Employers and schools will look at grades.”

While Moore stresses GPA with students, Styles says he likes to challenge younger students by asking what they want to be when they grow up.

“When you ask kids what they want to be, it’s usually the next LeBron James, or some type of professional athlete,” Styles says. “But, I tell them, ‘You need to have a back-up plan,’ because no matter what happens to you in life, no one can take a degree away from you.”

Styles and Moore both view the program as a way to recruit and retain students by providing them with the skills needed to succeed at college and life.

“The world is out there, and we want to send good people out into the world,” Moore says.

Individuals interested in mentors speaking at their school or community center may contact Moore at 330-672-2062 or tmoore@kent.edu or Styles at 330-672-7941 or smarion@kent.edu

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