Every August, we welcome our new and returning AmeriCorps members, serving as college access and success coaches. We conduct three weeks of intensive onboarding and orientation called Welcome Weeks. Every year, we look to refresh the experience by adding impactful new elements to our programming. This year’s goal was to center in-person learning and relationship building throughout Welcome Weeks. We held in-person training days at the Seattle Center, South Seattle College, and University Prep High School. This fostered new relationships at College Possible Washington while also exposing our community to some of the diverse neighborhoods across Seattle.
We look forward to hosting more in-person training in the Renton and Federal Way communities we serve this year.
In service of relationship building, we hosted an Admissions Representative Panel during Welcome Weeks. We had admissions officers from six colleges who shared information that included the admissions process, financial aid, scholarships, and student life. The panelists represented Gonzaga University, Pacific Lutheran University, Seattle University, Washington State University, Western Washington University, and George Washington University in D.C.
The panel gave our coaches first-hand information to share with their students and connect them directly with folks at these institutions who will provide personal support as they navigate the admissions process.
This year, we coordinated a campus visit hosted by the University of Washington Bothell, one of our partner colleges. Our coaches and staff heard from admissions, advising, and financial aid staff, got a campus tour, and ate lunch at the beautiful new campus dining facility. An opportunity like this gives our coaches an in-depth look at an institution where our students enroll as first-year or transfer students. We must begin the year by creating connections with our coaches and college staff that will significantly support students on their college journey.
As some spaces in our world become more virtual, we recognize the magic that happens when we are together in person. We look forward to how our coaches apply this in-person learning to their student mentorship and coaching. We are also eager to build new relationships in the school districts and communities that we serve. Stay tuned for updates on our coaches’ service journey this year.
