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School-To-College Program

The BASF Foundation

Learn about our Foundation and the many ways to donate.

Our School-To-College (STC) program is a yearlong high school mentoring and tutoring curriculum that inspires underserved and ethnically diverse students from Balboa High School to attend college - an option many of these students never knew existed. The STC program provides guidance, insights and opportunity for student in grades 9-12.

It is the dedicated volunteer work of our legal community that helps these students realize the dream of going to college.

How Does it Work?

As a mentor you'll work intensively with the students during weekly after school classes. Mentors help students explore possible career paths, advise on the long-term benefits of attending college and coach them through the entire college application process.

Students also go on tours to college campuses in the Bay Area and on the East Coast as well as other field trips, including college fairs.

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What is the Curriculum?

The sophomore component involves helping the students explore their possible career paths, identifying obstacles they may face and discussion of their ethnic background.

Mentors work with juniors and seniors on the college and financial aid application process, tour colleges locally and on the East Coast, and prepare for SAT exams.

Grades 9 - 12 take advantage of the tutoring component. As a tutor you will assist students in instruction  in any of the following: English, Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Calculus, Life Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, History, American Democracy, Economics, and Spanish.

Who Can Volunteer

  • Attorneys
  • Law students
  • College graduates
  • College students attending a 4-year university
  • Paralegals and administrators
  • Financial aid/career counselors
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Mentor Requirements

  • Writing, editing and research skills
  • Willingness to make the commitment of regularly attending STC classes
  • Ability to listen, guide, support, care and communicate openly with high school students.
  • Willingness to work with students with some behavioral problems but great academic potential.

 

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Other Volunteer Opportunities

  • Be a one-time guest speaker describing your college experience, major course of study, and career outlook (10-20 minute discussion)
  • Be a one-time guest instructor discussing a specific course of study or college application subject. Examples: facilitating a workshop on Personal Statements, Financial Aid, SAT/ACT/Subject SAT, Money Managing for college students. (45-90 minute presentations)
  • Invite STC students to events or activities at your alma mater. Examples: lecture series', general events, lecture by a favorite or inspirational professor, panel discussions
  • Be a one-time panel discussion participant at a STC class session or STC event. Examples: STC parent night or expressing your experience on a college related topic

If you cannot make a commitment to being a mentor but would like to be involved with STC, email us at stc@sfbar.org and we'll help find an option that works for you. Or call Sandy Restrepo at (415) 782-9000 x8762.

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Steps to Volunteering

  1. If you wish to become a mentor please download the Information for Prospective Mentors (46KBPDF) and fill out the STC Mentor Application and fill out the STC Mentor Application (67KB WORD) and send it to us by:
    • Email:
      Sandy Restrepo at srestrepo@sfbar.org
    • Fax:
      Sandy Restrepo at (415) 477-2388
    • Mail: 
      Sandy Restrepo
The Bar Association of San Francisco
301 Battery Street, Third Floor
San Francisco, CA 94111
  2. We will be in contact with you shortly to begin volunteering with the School-To-College program.
  3. If you would like to confirm that your STC Mentor Application was received please call Sandy Restrepo at (415) 782-9000 x8762.
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School-To-College Partners

San Francisco 49ers
BASF welcomed the support of the San Francisco 49ers in 2004. Since that time the 49ers have helped to raise STC's visibility in the community, increase funding, and recruit a greater number of students into the program.

Revolution Prep

Revolution Prep, the best SAT preparation available, is a critically important partner with the School-To-College program. Since 2006 Revolution Prep has been offering:

  • Six-week course, valued at $499 per student, for only $25 per School-To-College student
  • BASF members $100 off its SAT tutoring package

To find out more about this partnership, read the press release.

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