Guaranteed Admissions Program offers qualifying students automatic college acceptance
Sileisha Ioane was a senior at North Thurston High School when she received an unexpected letter: She had been admitted to The Evergreen State College as part of the Guaranteed Admissions Program.
“I didn’t know that was a thing, honestly, until I got an email and a letter saying I was granted admission to Evergreen,” said Sileisha, now a freshman at Evergreen studying environmental science. The first in her family to attend college, she credits the Guaranteed Admissions Program with helping her navigate the process.
“It opened the door to college to me,” she said.
At North Thurston Public Schools, we have hundreds of students with similar stories to Sileisha. We are a district committed to graduating students who are future-ready and prepared for their next steps.
For many, the next steps will likely involve employment, career training, or continued education. Today’s graduates have multiple pathways to choose from: apprenticeships, military, on-the-job training programs, certificate programs, or two- and four-year degree programs. Our talented high school college and career counselors help students explore their options and choose a college or training pathway that best suits their career goals and interests.
For students pursuing a four-year degree, a partnership between North Thurston Public Schools and several Washington colleges now makes the application process easier. The Guaranteed Admissions Program allows students who meet prerequisite admission criteria the promise of admission to five state colleges and two private universities in Washington. Rather than applying and waiting, students will know earlier that the opportunity for college is there.
Take a closer look: Students on track to graduate while maintaining a minimum 3.0 GPA are eligible for guaranteed admission to Central Washington University, Eastern Washington University, The Evergreen State College, Western Washington University, and Washington State University in Pullman. Our district also partners with Pacific Lutheran University in Parkland and Saint Martin’s University in Lacey, but with slightly different requirements.
Why this program works: When acceptance to multiple colleges comes automatically, students can spend less time worrying and more time weighing their options. “Applying to college can be complicated, and we want to simplify the process,” says Sarah Rich, the district’s executive director of student achievement. “We want to make sure students know when they’ve met the criteria to get in, especially if they haven’t historically seen themselves as college-going.”
The program introduces a college option to students like Sileisha who might not have otherwise considered themselves college bound. A number of students accepted to a college or university through this program are surprised and excited to have the opportunity to further their education.
“This program can be a huge boost for first-generation college-goers and students who have historically been marginalized,” says Rich.
Students opting to attend college in Washington might find the cost surprisingly affordable. Washington boasts some of the country’s most generous state financial aid programs. One state program, the Washington College Grant, provides free money for college to families of four making up to $107,000.
The Guaranteed Admissions Program is a fantastic benefit for students exploring a four-year degree. North Thurston Public Schools is one of the state’s first districts to partner with colleges in this effort, and we are proud to offer this opportunity for our students.
As a school board, we recognize a four-year degree is just one of several options for our students. We are equally supportive of all types of career and college training. Helping students find their pathway and take that next step is critical to why we serve. We want our students to feel empowered and to be future-ready.
Dave Newkirk and Gretchen Maliska are leaders on the North Thurston Public Schools board in Lacey.