Technology as a Tool

Project SOAR Take Home Computer Program
The Take Home Computer Program (THCP) ensures that every SOAR student has the opportunity to earn a free take-home computer complete with an educational software package that includes word processing, algebra tutorials, spreadsheet applications, database capability, games, etc. that will assist them in their school performance.

Students earn the computer by attending a three hour training session with a parent or guardian. During this introductory session, the student and parent are also introduced to the internet and how to access information about college entrance requirements and financial aid opportunities.

The computers are donated by private industry to SOAR partner, Oakland Technology Exchange West (OTX). With the help of community volunteers, OTX prepares the computers for SOAR students awhile emphasizing the use of technology as a critical part of the educational process. SOAR students and parents have earned over 3,500 take home computers participating in this program.

Scranton Performance Series
Scantron's Performance Series is a computer-adaptive assessment that automatically adjusts to each student's instructional level. Performance Series gives educators an accurate snapshot of students' performance across a range of subjects and skills in far less time then traditional tests. This data is used to design individualized lesson plans and worksheets for students in the SOAR After School Program as well as for intervention support.

Individual Student Plan (ISP) One of the major decisions that SOAR students and their families will make is how to plan for college. To help them in this process, SOAR has developed the Individual Student Plan (ISP). The ISP is a survey that staff use to begin talking with students about their plans for the future.  The ISP focuses on students' personal vision, hopes, goals, and plans.  By comparing student responses to information from a recent transcript, SOAR staff can help tie together student aspirations with immediate behavior, in class and out.

Eureka Career Information System

The Eureka Career Information System offers all the information a student could want about college, university, and the jobs that lie beyond.  Eureka's web-based services include data on over 800 college majors, 2500 institutions for higher education, and thousands of careers and jobs. Students can explore the degree requirements for any job they can think of, and the differences in salary depending on their final educational level. A variety of online questionnaires makes Eureka the perfect follow-up to the Individual Student Plan.

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