Samantha Rudelich - Reflections from Harvard’s Post-Secondary Success Institute

​Hi y’all, my name is Samantha Rudelich and I am in my second year of AmeriCorps service, currently at Downtown Boxing Gym. I previously served at The Brenda Scott Academy as a City Year Detroit AmeriCorps member and through that experience I found Downtown Boxing Gym. The gym is an after-school program located on Detroit’s east side that serves 3rd-12th graders from the metro Detroit area. We mentor them through academics, boxing, STEAM, social-emotional learning, and a host of other enrichment activities. My main focus is to build out the college and career readiness and literacy portions of the program.

I had the incredible opportunity to join 90 other professionals in the education field for an institute at Harvard University from June 23rd-26th. The program, “Post-Secondary Success: In Schools, Communities, and Families” brought together educators in a variety of sectors, pre-k through 12, higher education, and education-based organizations. The sessions covered general data trends in higher education over the last 25 years, a developmental perspective to encourage continuing education, and how to support low-income minority students in their educational paths. The important word we defined was “college” as any degree, certification, program, etc. that continues education after high school.

The institute only last four days, but the impact is immeasurable. We spent a considerable amount of time reflecting on our own educational experiences and the mentors that encouraged us to push through to complete our education journey. I felt inspired and energized by returning to a college campus and classroom. I walked a mile every morning to the campus and spent my nights in the local café reviewing notes, takeaways, and reviewing the next days readings. It was through this process that I realized how early my belief that I could go to college began, and how many people reinforced that idea along the way. Overall, my educational experience continues to be a deeply fulfilling one. I reflected on how I wanted the curriculum at the gym to enable our students to navigate the post-secondary world feeling empowered and aware of the “hidden curriculum” within higher education institutions. These unwritten rules, such as the importance of office hours, networking with professors, and being a strong self-advocate, often leave low-income students in the dark given the current public schools’ structure. Understanding the business of college can be the difference between successfully completing their degrees and dropping out. 

This experience broadens the perspective I contribute in our daily conversations on effectively supporting our students in their future success. I am thrilled by the ability to bring developmental and motivational theory to the table when discussing our programming. I feel fueled for these last months of service by the data I saw and the amazing professionals I connected with. I thank Michigan Nonprofit Association, Downtown Boxing Gym, and my previous Segal Education Award for funding this unique education experience.