College QuickStart to help disadvantaged students get started on college quest

The Office of Admissions at Western Washington University, along with local non-profit Northwest Alliance for College Access, presents an intentional, interactive, and engaging collegiate experience for students who fall within the opportunity gap in Whatcom and Skagit counties.

Disadvantaged low-income, first-generation and multicultural high school seniors can begin to prepare for the college application process at the second annual College QuickStart, set for Aug. 23 to 25 on the Western campus, funded by a grant from USA Funds. Emphasizing academic representation, leadership ability and resume development, the program presents opportunities for students to familiarize themselves with collegial language, financial aid resources and the higher education climate.

Students participating in College QuickStart gain the tools and knowledge necessary for financial aid and college admissions applications, leveling the playing field in college admissions.

Roughly 60 students from high schools in Whatcom and Skagit counties will attend the program.

Program Components:

• College exploration necessary for the development of individual higher education plans
• Face-to-face workshops and opportunities for personal reflection
• Interactive and experiential learning activities to connect students to staff/faculty, community members, and college mentors
• Formative and Summative Assessment

Program Goals:

• To attain 100 percent of College QuickStart students who:
  • Complete the FAFSA pin process
  • Complete one community college application
  • Begin one university application (interested students only)
• To increase the number of College QuickStart students who can describe their higher education goals and assess the steps necessary to get there.

Learning Outcomes:

• A successful learner from College QuickStart will be able to:
  • Define their personal academic goals
  • Apply new learning to higher education applications for admissions
  • Identify challenges in applying for and obtaining financial aid
  • Describe the steps necessary to apply for financial aid
  • Identify a resource (person or place) for assistance in the application process at each local higher education institution of interest