College Connections Hawaii received a $48,000 grant from the state Department of Education to prepare students for the College Board’s SAT exam. Between now and May, CCH plans to teach 14 classes on five islands, including Kaua‘i, to help students
College Connections Hawaii received a $48,000 grant from the state Department of Education to prepare students for the College Board’s SAT exam. Between now and May, CCH plans to teach 14 classes on five islands, including Kaua‘i, to help students raise their scores for the most widely used college entrance exam in the country.
The new DOE funds will provide partial tuition waivers worth $250 to the first 190 qualifying students.
Hawai‘i’s public school students have the lowest SAT scores of all 50 states. In 2005, Hawai‘i’s public schools combined math and verbal average was 959, compared to a national average of 1020.
The target score for admission to UH Manoa is also 1020. According to CCH Executive Director Wren Wescoatt, students can raise their scores significantly. “A quality SAT class can help students increase their scores by 100 points or more. That can make a huge difference in where they can attend college,” Wescoatt said in a press release.
For the first time since 2003, CCH will be offering SAT classes on Kaua‘i. Students may apply online at collegeconnections.org or with a paper application available from school counselors or by calling 866-233-0777.
To qualify for the waivers, students must be enrolled at a DOE school (including charter schools) and be eligible for free or reduced-price lunch. Classes are planned at the following locations, and are all open to students from any school:
Kapa‘a High School: Feb. 18 – April 29; Island School: Feb. 25 – April 29; Waimea High School: March 18 – May 27.
