From my years in Corporate America, residential real estate, and now in Education, I have attended multiple conferences. I learned something from each but at the Collaborative for Access & Successful College Outcomes (CASCO) Conference, I not only learned but I felt something as well. Through the essential questions that guided each conference session, I felt the deep compassion that each attendee had for their work in assisting underrepresented and first-generation students. Moreover, I believe that each person who attended or that was involved in this very special conference is committed to learning and doing more to help the students who knowingly and unknowingly need us most.

The keynote speaker, Aimee Eubanks Davis, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Braven, Chicago, IL (https://bebraven.org/) was phenomenal in discussing what I consider the missing link for most underrepresented college graduates. “Only 25% of about 1.2 million low-income or first-generation college enrollees will attain a strong first job or enter graduate school. That’s almost one million students every single year who aren’t on a path to the American Dream.” Wow! You may want to read this quote again to allow it to really sink in. The good news is that Braven is doing amazing work to close this gap and it is refreshing to see that colleges like Bowdoin recognize their work and are committed to making a difference in this area.

I was also intrigued by and welcomed the NO PowerPoint discussions that defined each session of CASCO. This quickly reminded me of an article that I read about Jeff Bezos, CEO of Amazon whereby he banned PowerPoint in meetings citing the reasons below: [1]
 Our brains are hardwired for narrative.
 Stories are persuasive.
 Bullet points are the least effective way of sharing ideas.
Without a doubt, this format was very effective and yes, brilliant to ensure a “think tank” of discussions and interaction among facilitators and attendees.

Here are just a few highlights from the three (3) sessions that I attended:
 The College of Wooster (COW) offers a class on Career Counseling. Kenyon College is trying to model the COW program.
 Bowdoin College offers a $5K grant for Internships.
 Bard College’s Office of Equity and Access supports a “culture of checking in.”
 Williams College offers a specific First-Generation Program.
 Re-imagining the “Activities” list on college applications to seek out non-cognitive values – life beyond the classroom, the time when the student is not eating or sleeping. This is important so as to not shut down students from the start with the term “extra-curricular” when so many underrepresented students are burdened by the demands of financially supporting themselves and/or their families, babysitting younger siblings, etc.
 Diligently brainstorm to seek the “content of character” per applicant/student.

In summary, Justin Fahey, Associate Dean of Admissions, Bowdoin College organized and facilitated a unique, one of a kind opportunity to learn, grow, and think unhindered by pretense or extreme formality. I will personally strive to remember and embrace the three G’s – Grace, Gratitude, and Growth in my daily practice, and interaction with students as noted by Janet Lohmann, Dean of Student Affairs, Bowdoin College in her closing remarks. Powerful.

“The CASCO Conference unites and empowers professionals from high schools, community organizations, and college admissions, financial aid, and student affairs* in building solid pathways for student success.”

[1]https://www.inc.com/carmine-gallo/jeff-bezos-bans-powerpoint-in-meetings-his-replacement-is-brilliant.html