The Larsen Group

Circles of Change:  Conversations with Dr. Zara Larsen

 on Change Leadership and Career Fulfillment

August 27, 2008

“San Miguel High School:  The Spirit of Community, Faith and Zeal”

Guests:  Elizabeth Goettl, President

Dr. Celistino Fernandez, Founder and former Chairman of the Board of Trustees

Anchoring Points:

1. San Miguel College Preparatory High School is dedicated to providing access to high quality college preparatory and professional career education for children from families of limited financial means.

2. The first graduating class of 37 students from May 2007 is 100% matriculating to college, with the benefit of $3.2 million in scholarships of which 75% were based on merit.  Many of the students had entered with a 6^th/7^th grade foundation.

3. This is about transformation through education:

• Lasallian, Christina Brothers base with experienced Catholic and lay faculty
• Fourth of the 19 schools nationwide operating to the Cristo Rey model where students envision their future and earn over 50% of the cost of their education through simultaneous corporate internships
• Four extended days (six, 65 minute classes) and one day a week in entry level professional setting
• Professional dress, beginning training and practical skills for the workplace
• Community service projects, as well as select extracurricular offerings
• Creating a college culture from Freshman Day 1

             Upper class mentors and tutoring by peers

             All students have a least one summer experience on a college campus

             Seniors’ photos and letters of college acceptance proudly displayed

             Very high expectation of attending college, with the support system

                 to enable the students to get there – focus on retention

4. The campus is 45,000 square feet, open, non-institutional facilities with several new classrooms, recreational and multi-purpose buildings.  Current enrollment is just under 300, with capacity set for 400 and thus over 65% of the operating budget to come from corporate internships.

5. Internships are in for-profit and non-profit organizations around Tucson, and the students are receiving RAVE reviews, backed up by on-the-job evaluations and reinforcing training at San Miguel.

6. We are grateful for all those who have/continue to contribute to our compelling mission.  Opportunities to help:

• Come for a visit (near the Tucson Airport, Valencia and 12^th street)
• Consider sponsoring a position in your firm ($20,990 per year per position shared by four students, with San Miguel covering all insurance costs and transportation)
• Capital Campaign continues, with opportunities for building and classroom naming
• Recommendations for future students; interview-based admissions process

7. As leaders, our roles at San Miguel continue to be energizing and life changing for us personally – to be part of changing the lives of these children who may not have been given this chance for a future otherwise.