Contribution Form
Sorry all the daily blog and reflection updates needed to moved to Andrew Cseter Facebook page (it’s public so get all the current and review all past daily posts on Facebook).
Reason: This 2,168-mile kayak experience (Bemidji, MN to New Orleans, LA) from mid-August to mid-October, 2024 is about reflecting on the journey that many college students take during this time of the year. This is to celebrate those starting college for the first time, those students continuing their educational goals, and those who are coming back to finish their academic journey. This is to reflect on all students’ academic journeys – the ups and downs, the twists and turns, the hard work, uncomfortable nights, doubts and fears, and the celebrations of several wins along the way. Also to appreciate the educators, coaches, mentors, advisors, administrators, and supporters of our college, tribal, and university students. Enjoy the journey – this paddle is for all of you.
College and Universities: There are 1,181 trade schools, community and technical colleges, and universities in the 10 states that share the Mississippi River (Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Louisiana). In these states alone, there will be over three million students pursuing certificates, associate’s degrees, licensures, bachelor’s degrees, master’s, advanced degrees, and Ph.D. (National Center for Education Statistics, 2024 Fall). Many of those colleges and universities are within 10 miles of the Mississippi River.
About the Journeyman: Andrew Cseter has worked in higher education for nearly 40 years for the sole purpose of improving college access and college success. Cseter’s main focus in advising, mentoring, teaching, managing programs, and quality improvement for individuals who have traditionally been underrepresented and underserved in colleges and universities. Especially first-generation college students, students coming from limited-income backgrounds, students with disabilities, recent immigrants, and veterans as they manage their competing priorities, find a sense of belonging, and earn associate’s degrees, bachelor’s degrees, and advanced professional degrees. Since the late 1980s, Cseter has obtained over $55 million through federal TRIO programs, foundations, and corporate sponsors to ensure successful outcomes for students to receive tutoring, mentoring, global experiences, academic support, career development, navigating college, and financial literacy skills as they pursued their academic personal and professional goals.
Cseter retired in August, 2024 and is using this journey to reflect on and celebrate the transition to retirement.
Ways to Contribute (contributions will begin July 1, 2024 and continue to October 31, 2024)
- Mile by the penny (my route is 2,168 miles) = $21.68
- Mile by the nickel (my route is 2,168 miles) = $108.40
- Pick your significant mile marker = $50.00 / for each mile marker (i.e., where you went camping or visited, where met or married your significant other, where you went to school, etc)
- Open Individual/Corporate Sponsor, usually able to contribute $300 or more
- You can also contribute directly to your own personal organization
- Navigation Supporter and Encourager – indicate how you can assist in my journey through housing, a warm shower and a meal (for those living within a few miles of the Mississippi River); or through morale support, prayers and cheering from afar.
You decide where your contribution will go:
- Educational Opportunity Association Foundation (www.eoa.org) – scholarship funding for first-generation college students, veteran students, and/or students with disabilities from any of the 10 mid-west states along the Mississippi River or river contributors.
- Educational Quality Enhancement (https://eduqe.org/) – an agency that provides quality assurance, grant-making, organizational and leadership change with a focus on educational programs quality improvement.
- Support the journeyman of the Kayak – Mississippi River College Challenge
- Pick you own organization
If applicable, contributions are for the 2024 tax year and PDF tax letters will go out during the week of November 10, 2024 to the email address provided. Your tax-deductible donation (will be tallied with others) and will be presented to each designated organization on the following dates:
- November 19, 2024 at the EOA professional conference in Minneapolis, MN (for contributions designated for EOA Foundation)
- April 7, 2025 at the Quest for Excellence Conference in National Harbor, Maryland (for contributions designated for EduQE)
