About EIP

What is the Early Identification Program?

George Mason University's Early Identification Program (EIP) is an innovative, multiyear college preparatory program for first-generation college-bound middle and high school students. Established in 1987, EIP works in partnership with six local public school systems
School System Partners

Arlington Public Schools (1988)
Fairfax County Public Schools (1987)
Falls Church City Public Schools (1998)
Manassas City Public Schools (2004)
Manassas Park City Public Schools (2004)
Prince William County Public Schools (1991)

, to increase the number of students who will be the first in their family to attend college by heightening their academic aspirations.

EIP's specific objectives are to:

Identify students who have academic potential and need further support
Identify students who are strong academically but may need guidance and support
Encourage students to consider attending college
Increase students' interest in academics and develop their leadership skills
Educate and support EIP parents as they assist their child in their pursuit of college.

Acclaimed as a national model Awards and Recognition

1991 - U.S. Department of Education
1991 - American Association of Higher Education
1996 - Community Initiatives in Education Award, Quality Education for Minority Students (QEM)
1998 - Invited to the White House by President Clinton to the unveiling of his High Hopes for College initiative
1998 - Attended the White House for the signing of the legislation for High Hopes for College
2000 - Governor's Partnership in Education Award
2000 - Partnership Award, Arlington County Public Schools
2001 - Civic Award, Arlington County Public School Administrators
2001 - Martha Wyatt Award, Hispanic Committee of Virginia
2006 - Northern Virginia Community Foundation

, the Early Identification Program is staffed by dedicated administrators, teachers and tutors
Early Identification Program Staff

Director - Hortensia B. Cadenas
Associate Director - Khaseem Davis
Tutoring Coordinator - Margarita M. Jaramillo de Abreu
Business Manager - Rebecca Flores
Office Manager - Guelila Fornetti

, who make academics exciting to students by showing them they can learn challenging material and can be the first in their family to attend college. Program activities are free, and most are held on Mason's Fairfax and Prince William campuses:

Tutoring sessions with university students and community volunteers
Math review workshops
College prep workshops
Leadership development
Cultural experiences
Three week summer academic enrichment program

George Mason University guarantees admission to those students who successfully complete the EIP program and who meet the University's admission requirements. Mason offers at least four tuition scholarships to EIP students and actively pursues support for other scholarships from private sponsors and donors
Sponsors and Donors

The Bailey Family Foundation
Bank of America
Booz • Allen & Hamilton
Clark Winchcole Foundation
Diversity Advisory Board
The Emerson G. & Dolores G. Reinsch Foundation
The Freddie Mac Foundation
The Klaassen Family Foundation
John J. Norman Scholarship Donors
Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Pierce
Northern Virginia Community Foundation
O'Shaughnessy-Hurst Memorial Foundation, Inc.
Soza Associates
University Life Senior Staff, George Mason University
Wachovia Foundation
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.