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Making the Most of Summer Break

Dear Students,

As Student Success Coaches, we would like to take this opportunity to reach out and communicate with you directly. We understand that your academic journey can be challenging, but please know that we are here to support you every step of the way.

We want to remind you that your success is our top priority. We are here to provide you with guidance, resources, and support to help you achieve your academic goals. Whether you need assistance with time management, study skills, or navigating the university, we are here to help.

It is important to remember that you are not alone in this journey. For this reason we have created this entry to provide you with a direct message and to be able to contact us more directly. We hope you enjoy.

Student Success Coaches

Making the Most of Summer Break

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And just like that, the semester is over. Can you believe it? It feels like only yesterday we were opening our laptops and diving into the syllabus. Now it’s time to take a deep breath and reset. We know there are some of you who are going to just keep going through the summer, taking classes and continuing your path to graduation. But for others of you, classes are over until fall. While it’s important to take this time to rest and recoup, let’s not forget to keep our minds active. Between the trips and the fun, take a little time to casually review what you’ve learned throughout the school year. It will help reinforce your knowledge and keep your brain in tip-top shape for the next semester.

Summer break also presents fantastic opportunities for personal and professional development. Consider applying for summer internships in your field of interest. They can provide valuable experience and propel you closer to your goals. Summer is also an ideal time to seek out mentors. Connect with professionals in your industry or alumni who can offer guidance and insights into your chosen career path. The wisdom of mentors can be invaluable as you navigate your academic and professional journey.

Additionally, don’t overlook the possibility of securing scholarships. Look for scholarships tailored to students in your field or at your college level. Every little bit helps when it comes to covering the cost of education, and many students have managed to finance their entire education by just dedicating time to finding scholarships during the summer.

So, take the time to rest and recharge, but don’t drop it all. Ask yourself, what will your September self say to your June self once September arrives?  Will you look back and say, “I’m really glad I did what I did to help get myself ready!” Or will you say, “I wish I had done more to prepare myself.” Dedicate a little time to prepare yourself for the upcoming semester. Trust us, you’ll be thrilled that you did when the new academic year rolls around.

So, from the whole FocusQuest Team…Enjoy your summer break and make the most of it!

Ndala M. Booker, Ed.D.

Chief Student Success Officer

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5 Reasons to Boost Your Career with a Summer Course

5 Reasons to Boost Your Career with a Summer Course

Summer courses are the perfect opportunity to learn and improve your skills if you don’t have much free time during the rest of the year. They allow you to enhance your knowledge in a specific field, discover new areas of personal and professional interest, and broaden your skillset. Summer courses are characterized by their flexibility and short duration. You can attend them in-person, online, or in a hybrid format, and they usually last between one and four weeks, although they can also be just a few days long.

Moreover, the range of courses available is very diverse. You can choose from a variety of subjects such as languages, psychology, computer science, education, sports, personal well-being, the environment, communication, health, economics, art, and culture.

Here are 5 reasons why you should consider taking a summer course:

  1. Enhance your knowledge and skills: Summer courses can help you update your knowledge and acquire new skills. Lifelong learning is essential for anyone, and the short duration of summer courses allows you to focus on developing specific competencies and enriching your resume.
  2. Expand your network: Summer courses provide an excellent opportunity to meet and connect with other students, professors, and professionals, which can expand your network and potentially lead to future opportunities.
  3. Explore new areas of study: Summer courses offer the chance to learn new subjects, whether it’s to refresh your knowledge in a particular area, or explore a new field of interest.
  4. Choose from a wide range of topics: Universities, educational institutions, and associations offer a broad range of courses during the summer, making it possible to delve into any topic you find intriguing and perhaps even pursue further study in the future.
  5. Combine learning and leisure: You can also take summer courses for the pleasure of learning and exploring a topic of interest. Even if you think the course you choose won’t directly contribute to your professional growth, you can still acquire new skills that can be applied in both your professional and personal life.
    For some professions, such as teachers, summer courses taken at specific institutions can even count towards future public teaching positions.

Furthermore, it’s important to note that there are different scholarships and grants available to help finance summer courses.

So why not find the perfect summer course for you and invest in your personal and professional development? At FocusQuest, we understand the importance of continuous learning, and we are committed to helping you find the perfect summer course that fits your interests and goals. Our team of experts has carefully curated a selection of high-quality courses in various fields, such as data analysis, digital marketing, graphic design, and many more. Find here.

Whether you’re a student, a recent graduate, or a working professional, there is a course for you at FocusQuest. Let us help you find the perfect summer course and take the first step towards achieving your personal and professional goals.

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What Can You Learn from TED Talks?

What Can You Learn from TED Talks?

TED Talks are a series of online videos featuring thought-provoking talks from various experts in their fields. With over 3,000 talks available on the TED website, there is an endless amount of knowledge waiting to be discovered. In this article, we’ll explore what you can learn from TED Talks and why they are worth watching.

What Are TED Talks?
TED stands for Technology, Entertainment, and Design, and was founded in 1984 as a conference for bringing together experts in these fields. In 2006, the first TED Talks were posted online, and the series has since grown into a massive platform for sharing knowledge and ideas. Today, TED Talks cover a wide range of topics, from science and technology to art and music.

How Do TED Talks Impact Us?
TED Talks have the power to inspire, educate, and challenge our beliefs. They offer a unique opportunity to learn from experts in their respective fields, who share their knowledge, experiences, and insights in an engaging and accessible way. TED Talks can also help us expand our worldview by introducing us to new ideas and perspectives that we may not have considered before.

What Are the Benefits of Watching TED Talks?
There are several benefits to watching TED Talks. Firstly, they can help you learn something new or gain a deeper understanding of a particular topic. Secondly, TED Talks can help you stay informed on the latest research and trends in various fields. Finally, TED Talks can provide inspiration and motivation to pursue your own interests and goals.

Why Are TED Talks Great for Summer Learning?
Summer is a time for rest and relaxation, but it’s also an excellent opportunity to learn something new. TED Talks are a great way to learn during your free time, whether you’re relaxing by the pool or taking a break from your daily routine. With TED Talks, you can learn at your own pace and on your own schedule, making them the perfect tool for summer learning.

How Can You Find the Best TED Talks?
With so many TED Talks available, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. Luckily, FocusQuest has a Resources Section dedicated to recommending TED Talks on various topics, making it easy to find talks that align with your interests. In this section, you can find a variety of talks, including those related to motivation, education, inclusion, and rights, among others.

In conclusion, TED Talks are an incredible resource for anyone looking to expand their knowledge and learn something new. With their diverse range of topics and engaging speakers, there is something for everyone. So why not take advantage of your summer break to explore the world of TED Talks and discover what you can learn?

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A Strong Finish

Dear Students,

As Student Success Coaches, we would like to take this opportunity to reach out and communicate with you directly. We understand that your academic journey can be challenging, but please know that we are here to support you every step of the way.

We want to remind you that your success is our top priority. We are here to provide you with guidance, resources, and support to help you achieve your academic goals. Whether you need assistance with time management, study skills, or navigating the university, we are here to help.

It is important to remember that you are not alone in this journey. For this reason we have created this entry to provide you with a direct message and to be able to contact us more directly. We hope you enjoy.

Student Success Coaches

A Strong Finish

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We, here at FocusQuest, would like to take a moment to congratulate and celebrate you for where you are right now in your semester. It may have been a long and challenging journey, but I’m sure you’ve shown incredible determination and resilience in pushing through and getting this far. Whether you’re a freshman just staring out or a senior about to graduate, you should be incredibly proud of yourself for all that you’ve accomplished so far.

For those of you who are already finished, CONGRATULATIONS! You’ve worked hard to get to this point and now can take a well-deserved break before the next chapter of your academic life or professional life begins. You should feel proud of your achievements and confident in your ability to succeed in whatever you have chosen to do next.

For those of you who are almost there, keep pushing! The end is in sight, and you’ve got this! It can be tempting to let up and coast to the finish line, but I encourage you to stay focused and finish strong. Don’t let all the hard work you’ve put in so far go to waste. Make every effort to do your best in these final weeks and you’ll be amazed at what you can accomplish.

Remember, your hard work and dedication have gotten you this far, and that’s something to be incredibly proud of. Whether you’re graduating or continuing on to the next semester, take a moment to reflect on all that you have achieved and the challenges you’ve overcome. Wow!
Keep up the great work, stay focused, and finish strong! We are cheering you on every step of the way!

Dr. Ndala Booker

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How Companies Can Effectively Recruit from HBCUs

How Companies Can Effectively Recruit from HBCUs

The number of job openings increased to 10.7 million in September of last year, up more than four percent from the month before, according to the latest report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Since January 2021, job openings have been steeply climbing. Companies not recruiting at HBCUs may be missing out on promising future employees.

Companies like Gilead Sciences, Novartis, Google, Microsoft and more have created recruiting pipelines with HBCUs over the past few years.

Biopharmaceutical giant Gilead is working to build specific, personal relationships with HBCUs to facilitate recruitment. The company uses employees as liaisons to build relationships with officials at the nine HBCUs it recruits from. These liaisons are sometimes alumni of the school who now work for Gilead. The HBCU officials can then recommend their star students for internships and fellowships.

For Microsoft, the big tech giant has enticed Morehouse students to panels of alumni talking about entry-level positions at the company and careers in tech with the quintessential college bait — free Chick-Fil-A and the chance to win an Xbox.

“[University recruiting] is about finding the best talent right out of the gate and kickstarting lifelong careers,” Portia Kibble Smith, head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Karat. “It also creates an opportunity to source candidates from more diverse talent pools.  There are many diamonds in the rough.” 

Karat conducts first-round interviews for tech companies and has worked with HBCU students. In October, Karat signed on as a corporate partner for the new Morehouse Center for Broadening Participation in Computing. The company is providing 1,000 mock technical interviews for the center.

 

Here are some advices from Kibble Smith on how companies can effectively recruit from HBCUs:

What advice would you give to companies who want to hire more from HBCUs but don’t know how?

Identifying a list of HBCUs to target, even if they are not the most well-known or popular, is an important first step. Look at your employee base who are from HBCUs to help build that list.  Start small if needed to avoid a saturated recruiting market and build relationships with the institutions and student leaders.

Getting to really understand and know the students and professors/leadership at these colleges, because each is different, will help to also build a successful recruiting strategy.

Why should companies try to recruit from universities?

Companies that get an early start on university recruitment will have their choice of some of the best candidates.

That said, even in the current job market, we’re still seeing strong university recruiting and early career hiring demand, and the tail for peak university recruiting season now often extends well beyond the start of the new year for full-time and intern hiring. 

Why should companies look to recruit a diverse pool of candidates?

There is a huge need for more diverse hiring, especially in the tech industry when only five percent of software engineers are Black. Building diverse software development teams is both a priority and a challenge for many companies.

Compared to industry averages, the population of candidates during university recruiting season is far more diverse. Over the past three years, companies saw an average of 113 percent more applicants who were female or non-binary and 67 percent more applicants who were members of an underrepresented minority group during university recruiting season.

If a company wants to be successful, they will need a diverse group of employees who will have diverse backgrounds and ideas to share as they build products and services for today’s market. It’s a great business decision!

What can companies do to recruit and hire more Black and brown students?

The opportunity for candidates to redo interviews is huge for candidates who have had limited exposure to technical interviews.

Research shows that more than half of HBCU computer science students had never had a practice interview before entering the job market, which puts them at a disadvantage. Offering interview redo opportunities is a good way to level the playing field by giving candidates the interviewing experience they need to put their best foot forward. Our data shows that redos not only create a more inclusive hiring process, but they also improve hiring efficiency for companies.

Also having diverse recruiters can help.  Having someone who can relate to the students is always key and it shows the candidates that your company has a commitment to diversity.  If you’re not showing that commitment, then it will be difficult to attract the talent. 

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Discovering the Heart and Soul of HBCU Academic Culture

Discovering the Heart and Soul of HBCU Academic Culture

As an intermediary between students and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), we are passionate about helping students discover the heart and soul of HBCU academic culture. HBCUs have a long and rich history of providing African Americans with access to higher education, and today, they continue to offer students a unique and vibrant educational experience.

At the heart of HBCU academic culture is a strong sense of community. HBCUs are known for their close-knit communities and family-like atmospheres, where students often form lifelong friendships and connections. Many HBCUs have small class sizes, which allows for more personalized attention from faculty members and greater opportunities for collaboration and discussion.

In addition to a strong sense of community, HBCUs also place a strong emphasis on social justice and activism. HBCUs have a long history of promoting social justice and civil rights, and many continue to be centers for social and political movements. Students at HBCUs may be encouraged to engage in activism and community service as part of their education, and many HBCUs offer programs and courses focused on social justice issues.

Another important aspect of the heart and soul of HBCU academic culture is academic excellence. HBCUs provide challenging and rigorous academic programs that prepare students for success in their chosen fields. Many HBCUs have strong programs in STEM fields, education, social sciences, and the humanities. In addition, HBCUs often have faculty members who are highly regarded in their fields and who are dedicated to mentoring and supporting students.

The heart and soul of HBCU academic culture is also about personal and professional development. HBCUs are often dedicated to developing the whole person, and many provide students with a range of resources and support services to help them grow personally and professionally. These resources may include counseling and career services, leadership development programs, and opportunities for research and internships.

At Focus Quest, we share and choose to elevate the values that define HBCU academic culture. We take pride in working with these institutions and helping students discover the unique and enriching educational experiences they offer.

We encourage students to consider HBCUs as part of their academic journey, as these institutions provide a community-focused, socially-conscious, and academically-rigorous education. Success is within reach, and HBCUs are a powerful pathway to achieving it.

Don’t hesitate to choose an HBCU to improve your chances and your success.

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Spring Into Renewed Action

Dear Students,

As Student Success Coaches, we would like to take this opportunity to reach out and communicate with you directly. We understand that your academic journey can be challenging, but please know that we are here to support you every step of the way.

We want to remind you that your success is our top priority. We are here to provide you with guidance, resources, and support to help you achieve your academic goals. Whether you need assistance with time management, study skills, or navigating the university, we are here to help.

It is important to remember that you are not alone in this journey. For this reason we have created this entry to provide you with a direct message and to be able to contact us more directly. We hope you enjoy.

Student Success Coaches

Spring Into Renewed Action

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It’s April and spring is upon us. For some, we have the opportunity to see nature literally wake up before our eyes. The science of spring has proven to increase our mood, well-being, and energy. Simply taking time to observe the beautiful changes can allow us to be more present, grounded, and connected. Create space- even if just for a moment- to take it all in and breathe; be still from the work of life and breathe.   

Let the transforming landscape also serve as a reminder that everything, and everyone, requires a reset, a renewal of sorts. Because sometimes, as days, weeks, and months go by, we panic about all the things we planned at the beginning of the year that we have yet to complete and, in some cases, start. Or, we may be so focused on what we determined at the beginning of the year that we don’t see or consider new opportunities. Whatever our situation, every day we wake up with breath in our lungs, we can and should take advantage of the restart.

 So, let’s break it down like this: April is the first month of the year’s second quarter. Technically, that’s a new beginning, right? Make this season of your life about starting fresh. Reflect on how you started the year. Make sure to celebrate the big and small wins [be grateful]; acknowledge any losses and don’t dwell there [honor wholeness and truth]; pivot as necessary [plan + be in the moment]; and keep moving forward [take action, every day]. 

Grant yourself grace to intentionally reset, recalibrate to center, and truly bloom in this season, fully walking out the life for which you were created. Are you with me?

Dr. Jaché Williams

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Pentagon announces Howard University as the first HBCU to lead university-affiliated research center

Pentagon announces Howard University as the first HBCU to lead university-affiliated research center

The Pentagon has chosen Howard University to lead a university-affiliated research center, its first partnership with a historically Black college or university, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced this week.

“To sharpen America’s technological edge and to strengthen America’s outstanding military, the department is committed to investing even more in HBCUs and minority-serving institutions,” Austin, the first Black secretary of defense, said Monday.

Howard will receive $12 million per year for five years in funding, according to a news release. This is the first university partnership primarily sponsored by the Air Force, and this is the first time the department accepted submissions from universities to become an affiliated research center, according to Howard University President Wayne A. I. Frederick.

The new consortium will focus on tactical autonomy, an Air Force program that aims to develop technologies that require minimal human supervision, according to the branch’s website. The center looks to take advantage of Howard’s science, technology, engineering and math programs.

Austin described the technology as “central to US security in our changing world” and said the military needs the creativity and ideas of students in these programs to continue advancing the advantages American soldiers have on the battlefield.

“Responsibly used autonomous systems make our military faster, smarter, and stronger,” he added. “Howard’s new research center will protect our most precious asset—and that most precious asset is our men and women in uniform.”

The university will also focus on diversifying the pool of scientists and engineers that work with the Defense Department, according to the news release, and it will lead eight other HBCUs, including Hampton and Tuskegee universities, in the research effort.

Frederick told that this is “an enormous opportunity” for faculty and students to “work on cutting edge research in a technology space that is ever evolving.”

“It’s going to put us in a unique space to develop techniques and capabilities and skillsets that we otherwise wouldn’t,” Frederick said, adding that this partnership will allow the university to expand to other areas of research in the future.

The program “really emphasizes that for the country to be successful and for the country to compete, to continue to be competitive in terms of research, etc., that you have to diversify what that work force looks like in the arena of research,” Frederick said.

The Pentagon currently has partnerships with 14 other universities across the country, including Georgia Institute of Technology, University of South California and the University of Maryland.

From Focus Quest we believe that this announcement of Howard University as the first HBCU to lead a research center affiliated with the university is a significant development that has numerous advantages. This decision will create more opportunities for African American students and researchers to excel in fields that have traditionally been dominated by white scholars. Additionally, it will provide the Pentagon with a more diverse pool of talent and ideas, leading to better solutions and innovations. The research center will also serve as a model for other institutions to follow, promoting the importance of diversity and inclusion in academic and research settings. Overall, this news represents a major step forward in promoting equity and excellence in research and education.

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What’s The Science? An Examination Of What HBCUs Are Doing With The Bezos Millions

What’s The Science? An Examination Of What HBCUs Are Doing With The Bezos Millions

MacKenzie Scott was married to Amazon founder Jeff Bezos for 25 years before their divorce in 2019. In April of that year, Bezos and Scott reached a settlement in their divorce that gave her a four percent stake in Amazon, valued at $38.3 billion at the time. 

 

She vowed to give billions away–and has. In July and December 2020, Scott announced $5.8 billion in gifts to colleges and various nonprofit and charitable organizations, The Washington Post reported. Of that, $800 million went to institutions of higher education, with Historically Black Colleges and Universities getting substantial amounts. The charitable donations to HBCUs by Scott, who still had a net worth of $27 billion as of December 2022, were doled out in two parts.

So where did the money go? What are the HBCUs doing with the Bezos millions?

In July, MacKenzie Scott Gave $150 million to HBCUs to six schools: Xavier University, Tuskegee University, Hampton University, Spelman College, Morehouse College, and Howard University. Then she donated more to a slew of HBCUs in December.

As we can see, Jeff Bezos’s $100 million gift to many universities in the United States has far-reaching benefits. The funds will help increase access to education for a greater number of students, improve campus infrastructure, and create new economic opportunities for communities. Additionally, the investment will support research and innovation, promoting scientific discoveries and solutions to global challenges. Most importantly, Bezos’s gift will promote social equity by ensuring that more students from underprivileged backgrounds have access to higher education. All in all, this generous contribution has the potential to transform the lives of countless students and communities for the better.

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It’s Time for a Break!

Dear Students,

As Student Success Coaches, we would like to take this opportunity to reach out and communicate with you directly. We understand that your academic journey can be challenging, but please know that we are here to support you every step of the way.

We want to remind you that your success is our top priority. We are here to provide you with guidance, resources, and support to help you achieve your academic goals. Whether you need assistance with time management, study skills, or navigating the university, we are here to help.

It is important to remember that you are not alone in this journey. For this reason we have created this entry to provide you with a direct message and to be able to contact us more directly. We hope you enjoy.

Student Success Coaches

It’s Time for a Break!

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Springtime! And with spring comes…Spring Break! (Wild applause!) So relax, breathe, have some fun. Take that break. You deserve it! After spring break, you may find it hard to get your head back into the game, and that is normal. But if you just take a moment to remember your goal and your purpose. Remember your “why”. Why are you in school? What is it that you want? Why do you want it? Can you see it? What does life look like once you have it? In other words, what does your success look like to YOU? If you keep those pictures in your head, it will be easier to step back into the academic routine with your head in the game! As usual, we are cheering you on every step of the way.
FocusQuest is focused on you. Our desire is that YOU are also focused on you!

Dr. Ndala Booker

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