Message from the Director of College Engagement
This year I have the pleasure of working with the largest graduating class at Amy Biehl High School. My purpose as Director of College Engagement is to prepare and assist students with their transition to college. This work begins in the 9th grade by exposing students to the idea of going to college and continues through the 12th grade when seniors are required to take and pass two college classes at either the University of New Mexico (UNM) or Central New Mexico Community College (CNM).
There are four main components to the senior year:
1. Dual-Credit
2. Passage
3. College Advisement
4. Senior Project
Dual Credit
A program that allows high school students to earn college credit while still enrolled in high school. At Amy Biehl, seniors take college courses that are directly related to their senior project. As a result of Amy Biehl being chartered under APS, there is currently no charge for dual credit courses. Books for two courses during the senior year will be paid for by Amy Biehl High School. However, a student is responsible for the cost of books if they are taking a dual credit course prior to their senior year or plan on taking more than the required two courses during their senior year.
Passage
Seniors are required to take ‘Passage’ as part of their senior year curriculum at Amy Biehl. ‘Passage’ is designed to be utilized as a tool in order to assist seniors with their dual credit courses, college research, admission to college, exploration of scholarships and financial aid.
College Advisement
College advisement can occur during ‘Passage’ and on an individual basis. Students will become familiarized with the college admission process which includes:
• The college application
• The college essay
• Letters of recommendation
• Scholarship exploration
• Financial Aid
• Residential Life
• Campus Involvement
• Academic Support
Senior Project
Seniors are required to volunteer 100 hours with a community organization in the Albuquerque area. The Director of College Engagement and the Director of Civic Engagement work in collaboration in order to connect dual credit courses with the student’s senior project. The volunteer hours are supervised by the Director of Civic Engagement and her team.
I am excited to have the opportunity to work with your sons and daughters over the course of the senior year. Together we will continue to cultivate a group of scholars who are compassionate about their community.
Sonia Archuleta
Director of College Engagement
