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Washington State Achievers Program

Program that Works

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Summary

Funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the program engineered the redesign of 16 high schools throughout Washington State to increase academic rigor and relevance, as well as develop supportive relationships in school. Each year 500 low-income high school seniors are provided with Washington state college scholarships that cover full tuition and fees.

Target Population

Low-income and underserved high school students in Washington State.

Goal(s)

To provide diverse, low-income, and underserved Washington State students with the education and resources they need to earn four-year degrees.

Program Highlights

College awareness and mentorship begins in middle school to create a college-going culture.
Students also attend a four day college success workshop during the summer before their senior year.
Mentorship continues during the first two years on campus.

The Facts

Year introduced:2005

Number of schools:16 Washington State High Schools

Costs:The program began with a multi-million dollar grant, but specific costs were not reported

Region:West (Washington)

Partners

Higher Education

Business

Non-Profit / Philanthropy

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
The College Success Foundation

Government

Evidence of Impact

Level 2 - Participating high schools have seen dramatic increases in graduation rates, college awareness, Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate course completion, and college enrollment. As compared to other school, Achievers high schools had higher levels of admission course requirement completion, graduation within six years, and a lower need for remediation. However, no statistical significance tests were reported.

Study 1:

Expanding access and opportunity: The Washington State Achievers Program: A formal program evaluation reported by IHEP with comparative data analyses and results from a multi-cohort survey and interviews. Investigated outcomes include success in college and the workforce. Also reports descriptive data of participating high schools. A formal program evaluation reported by IHEP with comparative data analyses and results from a multi-cohort survey and interviews. Investigated outcomes include success in college and the workforce. Also reports descriptive data of participating high schools.

Study 2:

Celebrating five years of the Washington State Achievers Program: Preparing all students for college and work: Provides a program description and case studies of successful students. Also reports descriptive data of participating high schools and scholars.

Extent of evidence:Longitudinal survey and interview design in the formal program evaluation.

Evidence of replicability:A branded program at multiple high schools, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Contact Information

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College Success Foundation
1605 NW Sammamish Rd, Suite 200
Issaquah, WA 98027
(425) 416-2000
http://www.waedfoundation.org/Achievers.aspx