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We understand and celebrate that the Enrichment Program portion of SEO journeys is a true highlight for Scholars and caregivers. The EP team takes this joy and pressure seriously! We also would like to set you up with expectations for what is and is not realistic to expect throughout the Enrichment Program experience. Below you will find some common misconceptions and explain SEO's reasoning and stance through this process.
Misconception
Enrichment Programs are a right that Scholars have in the SEO program. As long as I show up, SEO has to give me the Enrichment Program that I want.
2. I will receive a nomination for the top choice Enrichment Program I rank on my preference survey.
3. If I get nominated for a program I am guaranteed admission to that program. I don't really need to put in much effort to my application because I am with SEO.
4. SEO programs will let me know WHY I didn't get nominated for or into a program. I work hard and deserve to know why I didn't get a nomination/admissions.
5. EP deadlines are suggestions, similar to homework assignments where I can get an extension as long as I explain my situation.
6. As long as I check my email once a week when I'm at SEO, that should be enough. I know. I can have my caregiver reach out if I need additional help/time.
7. I didn't get what I want with an Enrichment Program. My caregiver will get in touch to fix this.
8. As long as I get into an EP, SEO will pay for everything.
9. I can participate in as many programs I'd like this summer, I can stack programs!
Reality
Participation in Enrichment Programs are an earned aspect of the SEO journey. Staying in good standing at SEO, showing readiness for an EP and returning deliverables are all crucial aspects of the program.
2. Your preference survey is a suggestion that helps guide the EP team for programs that may be a good fit for you. You may receive a nomination for a program in your survey, and you may receive a nomination for a different program all together!
3. SEO does not control the admissions decisions for Enrichment Programs. SEO guides Scholars in applying for programs, however, program partners ultimately make admissions decisions. If you do not get into an EP then SEO will try to match you to a new opportunity.
4. The EP process is set up to mirror the college and job application process. When you apply for colleges and jobs you will not receive feedback on WHY, which can be hard to process. To mimic this feeling, SEO and partners will not provide feedback on nomination/admissions decisions.
5. EP deadlines are external and hard deadlines. SEO sets you up with a timeline to submit ahead of hard deadlines for when life happens. If you fail to submit your EP application on time, it will result in a loss of EP eligibility.
6. Checking and replying to emails in a 24-48 hour maximum timeline is acceptable with the EP team and partners. Even if the response is "I need more time" works. Emails should be written professionally. We are supporting Scholars on EPs because we believe by next summer you'll be ready for independent experiences. Caregivers should not be reaching out to "excuse" Scholar behavior. If there are emergencies, please contact PMs.
7. As with the other aspects of 11th grade, we expect Scholars to lead conversations with staff members. Having a caregiver reach out will not influence decisions. Caregivers WILL need to sign off on a permission survey for what their Scholar can/cannot participate in most holistically.
8. SEO helps Scholars apply for Scholarships and can cover gaps in tuition and travel expenses outside of New York City. If you get accepted into a program but do not receive a Scholarship, SEO will decide on a case by case basis if we can cover this amount or if you need to apply for another EP.
Personal items like suitcases, bedding materials, and day to day materials are not covered by SEO. For certain programs, particularly outdoor programs, SEO will pay for outdoor materials. Passports and spending money is fully covered by Scholars/caregivers.
9. SEO's goal is to provide opportunities for as many Scholars as possible and we have a limited budget and parternships to make this happen. If you get accepted and funded by a program that can count for your EP for the summer and will celebrate that opportunity for you! However, you will not receive an additional EP from SEO. If we find out that you are participating in another program you will immediately lose EP eligibility and this will reflect poorly on your SEO standing.
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