By serving as role models and hosting a safe, fun Halloween event for younger children, Admission Possible Milwaukee students engaged in service in honor of Make A Difference Day, the largest community service movement in the country.

More than 150 Admission Possible students, staff and AmeriCorps members dedicated their Saturday morning hosting a Halloween celebration for younger children from a variety of participating community organizations, including Operation Dream, St. Aemilian-Lakeside and the Y of Metropolitan Milwaukee. High school students in Admission Possible’s college access program led younger participants in athletic games and activities ranging from painting pumpkins to reading scary stories. Admission Possible students served as role models to participating youth, and younger participants enjoyed the chance to interact with high school students on the path to college.

“I helped with face-painting and games like pin-the-tail-on-the-cat. It’s something so simple—I was here for a few hours, but I helped so many kids. I know we can make an impact by participating in community service projects like like we did today,” said Yasmine Outlaw, Admission Possible and Riverside University High School Class of 2013.

Admission Possible makes community service a key component for the low-income students participating in the organization’s free, after-school college preparatory programming. By encouraging students to serve, Admission Possible helps them recognize their potential to be leaders in their communities. Each student completes at least 16 hours of community service during the two-year program.

Admission Possible Milwaukee Program Manager Kelly Schaer gave thanks to all those who work so hard to make organization-wide events like Make A Difference Day a success.

“We are able to achieve results for our students because of the support we receive from the community,” Schaer said. “Our partnerships with high schools, colleges, and community organizations are critical to the success of our organization and our students. Make A Difference Day gives Admission Possible students and staff an opportunity to recognize that support and give back to our community. This year, our students had the chance to make a difference by helping younger children create Halloween memories—and everyone involved had a great time.”

Admission Possible Milwaukee makes making college admission and success possible for low-income students through an intensive curriculum of coaching and support. Launched in 2008, Admission Possible Milwaukee serves more than 500 low-income high school and college age students through its college access and completion programs. Nationwide, Admission Possible’s innovative and award-winning model serves 8,700 Minnesota, Nebraska and Wisconsin students in 2011-12 with plans to reach 20,000 students annually in 10 locations across the country by 2020. According to a 2011 Harvard study, participation in the program doubles a student’s chances of enrolling in college. As of January 2012, it will operate under the name College Possible.

Read more: http://admissionpossible.org/admission_possible_students_give_back.html