Western Washington University
PAE-10: Affordability and Access Programs

WWU does not participate with federal TRIO programs at this point, we abide to Washington state programs.

WWU has a number of programs that minimize the cost of attendance for low-income students. Specifics on these programs are listed in the credit fields below and more information can be found on this web page: http://www.finaid.wwu.edu/scholarships/pages/wwu_scholarships.php

WWU has a SCOT analysis which highlights the diversity task force. The force makes a strong effort to educate faculty and staff to support and serve minority and low-income students. http://www.wwu.edu/eoo/docs/Diversity%20Initiative/SCOT%20Analysis%20-%20Faculty.pdf

College Success Foundation (CSF): Washington Achievers/Governors Scholars/Leadership 1000 Scholars Programs The goals of the CSF programs are to increase the retention and graduation of low-income, first generation and foster youth college students identified and supported by the College Success Foundation. SOS acts as a liaison between the student, the College Success Foundation and various campus offices including Financial Aid. Viking Advantage Program The goal of this program is to help insure the retention of up to 250 new students from low-income and/or first-generation families. Students will be assigned an advisor to work with them on academic, personal and social issues. In addition peer mentors will be assigned to each student in the likelihood of their integration into the campus community. Target Population: First-generation and/or Low-income new students Number: Up to 250 students Partners: Admissions, Financial Aid, University Residences, Tutoring Center, Ethnic Student Center CSF--Washington Achievers The Achievers Scholarship Program is a non-traditional, multifaceted scholarship program that supports students from 16 high schools in Washington State with high percentages of low-income students. Achievers Scholars receive support services while in high school, in addition to being assigned a mentor in high school as well as a college mentor. The Achievers Scholarship Program was generously funded in 2001 with a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. (From CSF website, B.S.) Target Population: First-generation and/or Low-income college students Number: 35-40 students each year (36 students: 2010-2011). Total: 120 students Partners: College Success Foundation, Admissions, Financial Aid, Housing, FIGs Strategies for Success (SFS) Program - The goal of this program is to help insure the retention of 250 new students from low-income and/or first-generation families. Students will be assigned an advisor to work with them on academic, personal and social issues. In addition peer mentors will be assigned to each student in the likelihood of their integration into the campus community. Target Population: First-generation and/or Low-income new students Number: 250 students Partners: Admissions, Financial Aid, University Residences, Tutoring Center, Ethnic Student Center

The WWU Scholarship Center is available to assist students and their families as they search and apply for scholarships. The awarding of a scholarship represents not only a significant source of financial assistance, but recognition of your special achievements and an investment in your potential. -Palmer Scholarship The goal of this program is to provide academic, social and personal support to Palmer scholars. Target Population: Students are low income, first generation Number: 5-10 students Partners: Palmers Scholarship Foundation, Tacoma CSF-- Governor’s Scholars (Washington State Governor’s Scholarship for Foster Youth) The Governor’s Scholarship for Foster Youth is a scholarship program that helps young men and women from foster care in Washington State continue their education and earn a college degree. Eligible students must meet specific criteria. Proceeds from the Governor’s Cup - an annual golf tournament – provide funding for approximately 40 new scholars each year. Scholarship award amounts range from $2000 to $4000 depending on the college of attendance. Target Population: First-generation and/or Low-income college students Number: 1-5 students each year (4 awarded for 2010-2011) Partners: College Success Foundation, Admissions, Financial Aid, Housing, FIGs CSF--Leadership 1000 Scholarship Program The Leadership 1000 Scholarship Program is a scholarship program funded by individuals, foundations, or businesses and provides college scholarships to deserving students who need assistance attending an eligible four-year college or university in Washington State. A Leadership 1000 Scholarship can be customized around a general set of requirements requested by the donor. Scholarships are provided by benefactors and are generally $6,250 per year for four years for a maximum of $25,000. Target Population: First-generation and/or low-income college students Number: 1-20 each year (12 awarded for 2010-2011) Partners: College Success Foundation, Admissions, Financial Aid, Housing, FIGs Detailed Info: http://www.finaid.wwu.edu/scholarships/pages/wwu_scholarships.php

ACCESS PROGRAM: GOALS: To retain at least 85% of the program’s participants from year 1 to year 2 in college. Students’ transition from high school to college will be supported by providing quality individualized and personalized advising services, access to social and campus integration opportunities, a peer mentor program, and connections to and an understanding of available campus resources. Students in the Access Program are identified by the Admissions Department as being high-achieving but academically at-risk students based on Admissions criteria. Target Population: First-generation and/or Low-income new students Number: Up to 25 students per year Partners: Admissions, FIGs (First-Year Interest Groups), Tutoring Center

Student Transitional Education Program (STEP) Early Move-in Orientation Student Outreach Service’s Student Transitional Education Program (STEP) provides first-generation and/or low-income first year students an intentional orientation to Western’s educational experience, by emphasizing academic preparation, social integration, and campus and self-awareness. Through this program, students begin the acclimation process and familiarize themselves with resources and a new set of academic and social expectations. Students gain the tools and knowledge necessary for a successful transition to the college environment and the skills for a successful collegiate career. Goals: To orient first-generation and low-income students and their parents to Western and to the Strategies For Success (SFS) program. Also, to apply the purpose of the SFS program and support the retention of first-generation and low-income students from year one to year two. Target Population: First-generation and/or Low-income new students Number: 50 students Partners: Woodring College of Education, Ethnic Student Center, Western Leadership Advantage – L.E.A.D.S. Program, University Residences and Dining Services, WWU President’s and Vice Presidents’ Offices