Academics

All students take three academic courses (English Language Arts, mathematics, and college preparedness). Students are placed in groups and switched classes throughout the day as typically exercised in the “period system” practiced in high school. Placement of students into groups was determined based on the instructors’ reviews of individual academic transcripts taking into consideration coursework they successfully completed in high school. The placement process provided instructors with the ability to adjust their teaching content and approach based on the group’s level of established prior knowledge, mastery of content and English proficiency. The placement process allowed the institute to maintain its rigor and challenging curriculum despite the possible wide range of academic preparedness of participants.

a. English Language Arts.
In the English course students, students build confidence in reading comprehension, vocabulary, writing, speaking skills and media literacy. Formative assessments identify areas of potential growth, lessons are prescribed to improve performance, and summative assessments track progress and skill development.
b. Mathematics for College
In the math course, students build and reinforce foundational math skills, typically found in pre-algebra, algebra, geometry, pre-calculus and statistics, all dependent on their level and placement to prepare them for advanced courses. They progress through carefully paced, guided instruction, modeling and engaging interactive practice.
c. College Preparedness Course
The college preparedness course is designed to provide migrant students the knowledge, tools, and skills necessary to make a successful transition into college. Students will be introduced to the different college systems, admissions requirements, financial aid, university application processes, and special programs. Students will also learn the most fundamental skills needed to acclimate and succeed in college. The overarching goal of this course is to empower migrant students to pursue higher education as means to improve their personal, social, political and economic outcomes.

Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, & Mathematics: STEAM Immersion

Students are introduced to an array of careers STEAM and take part in hands-on workshops including coding, video game design, 3D design, website design, LED Digital Art Lighting, Electric Engineering, lighting and more. Clarifications of the many misconceptions about STEAM fields are addressed from professionals who have successfully overcome the barriers of being a minority within a minority field. These professionals share the work culture, and what the job entails on a day to day basis.

Civic Engagement, Empowerment & Leadership: A day at the State Capitol

Students engage in interactive workshops on developing self-knowledge, identifying, strengths as well as potential areas of improvements, managing conflict, and understanding others’ perspectives. Exposure to public speaking is incorporated in the institute to help students practice effective communication. In doing so, students learn to convey, negotiate or assert interests, desires, needs and rights. Students are taught about the importance of community involvement, volunteer service and organization participation. Role models reinforce the importance of civic participation in order to develop leadership which will increase awareness of local, state and national government.

Introduction to Medical & Allied Health Professions

Students experience a one-day introduction to careers in medicine. Students take part in lab activities led by medical students and hear from professionals in medicine about their journey and current careers. Students learn about the application process, how to prepare for the MCAT, specializations, and ways to better prepare for medical school while in high school.

Performing Arts and Cultural Studies

Students are led through a diverse curriculum based on team work, confidence-building and creative expression that includes theater and dance. As part of the Institute, students take part in a theatre and a dance performance. At the end, performers share their background, experiences, and behind the scene insights about choreography, costuming, stage presence and other techniques.

Recreational Enrichment: A day at the Aquatic Center

The day prior to graduation, students enjoy a recreational enrichment program designed to challenge students physically and mentally. The goal is to enhance student morale, encourage positive relations and most importantly develop memories outside of the Institute that create lasting and meaningful working relationships and friendships. Students enjoy an afternoon of activities in sit-on-top kayaks, hydro bikes, canoes and beach cruiser bicycles. The program at the Aquatic Center serves as a reward for the student’s hard work in the last two week.

Building Healthy Study Habits

After lunch, students partake in two hours of study time in the University Library and computer labs. Study hours are facilitated by Academic Advisors and Instructors and are design for student to complete the day’s homework, receive tutoring in concepts that may require additional clarification, and develop study habits that will transfer to high school and ultimately college.

Family Time

After the Recreational Time, students partake in Family Time, where they can call their parents for half an hour. Family Time gives students the opportunity to reflect on the concepts, experiences and interactions of the day, and share unique perspectives about their personal growth.

MSLI Graduation Ceremony

On the last day of the Institute, students take part in a meaningful closing ceremony. Students hear from the President of Sacramento State, a keynote speaker, and three students share their overall experience and growth in the past two weeks. The ceremony showcases the work of the students in all three courses: English, math and college preparedness. The event provides students the opportunity to share their personal reflections about what they gained from the institute and how it will influence their future decisions. Students receive a certificate of completion and earn three units of college credit upon successful completion of the academic coursework with a grade of C, or better.