Help for low-income or minority students

Scott Cohen / The Seattle Times

: 14-year-old Fuadi Said, left, a Garfield freshman, was among the students carrying a rowing shell to the water at the University of Washington this summer as part of Lakeside Educational Enrichment Program. LEEP, sponsored by the private Lakeside School, helps low-income and disadvantaged kids in public schools with a foundation and support to go beyond high school. What they learned from rowing: "You have to work together to succeed," said Minh Pham, a ninth-grader this fall at Ingraham High.

Are you a low-income or minority student in middle or high-school who wants to gear up for college?

A number of free programs offer tutoring, mentors, summer enrichment, SAT preparation, and college application and financial aid guidance and more.

Most have some guidelines to qualify, such as family income or what school you attend.

Here are a few to check out. For details, go to www.seattletimes.com/collegeguide, or ask your school counselor.

University of Washington Upward Bound Program, http://depts.washington.edu/ub/index.html, 206-543-9288.

One of several federally funded Upward Bound programs that serve schools throughout Puget Sound, offering classes and guidance for high-school students to graduate from high school and prepare for college.

Tutoring, help with senior projects, SAT test prep, classes for high-school credit, college application and financial-aid guidance. Also, a six-week summer program with a lecture course — last summer's was an astronomy course — that simulates the college experience as well as math, language arts, college guidance, and other elective courses.

Dates: Next summer program is scheduled for June 25 — Aug. 3, 2007. The rest of the program continues year-round. Students must remain in the program until graduation.

Cleveland, Nathan Hale and Franklin High School students in ninth or 10th grade who are either low-income or the first generation in their family to obtain a college degree. At least 35 new students accepted each year.

Application deadline in January/February through schools. Application, essay and letters of recommendation required.

Other Upward Bound programs: The following Upward Bound programs offer similar services:

North Seattle Community College at 206-527-3691serves Indian Heritage Middle College, Franklin High School, Roosevelt High School and Summit K-12; South Seattle Community College at 206-768-6676serves Evergreen High School and Tyee High School; and the City of Seattle works with Seattle University at 206-386-1027 to serve Ballard, Garfield, Ingraham, Rainier Beach, Chief Sealth, and West Seattle High Schools.

Washington Mathematics Engineering Science and Achievement, www.washingtonmesa.org/">www.washingtonmesa.org/, 206-543-0562.

Supports an increase in the number of people of color as well as women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Serves 5,000 students in the state. Dozens of high schools and middle schools served in the Puget Sound area.

Provides mentors in industry, engineering competitions and SAT prep; helps students write essays and plan for college; college tours, two-week summer programs for middle- and high-school students exploring fields in science, and month-long math program in August for eighth-graders.

No requirements for K-12 students except an interest in math or science.

Students selected in September. Admissions forms can be obtained from teachers at schools.

Seattle Early Scholars Outreach GEAR UP

One of several federally funded GEAR UP programs promoting college readiness that serve various schools throughout the Puget Sound area, where at least 50 percent of students qualify for free or reduced lunch. GEAR UP stands for Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs.

Academic skill-building, counseling, parent workshops, financial-aid and college-admission workshops, career exploration, leadership training, self-esteem-boosting activities and college visits. Also offers tutoring, college-entrance-test prep, math workshops, debate, college fairs and more. Serves more than 5,500 students in the middle schools listed below as well as Cleveland, Franklin, Garfield and Rainier Beach high schools.

Students must have attended middle school at African American Academy, Aki Kurose Middle School Academy, Madrona K-8 School, Meany Middle School, Mercer Middle School, Seahawks Academy or Zion Preparatory Academy between spring 2001 and spring 2005.

Dates: Year-round.

Contact: Site coordinators at schools or call 206-543-6436.

Other GEAR UP programs: These programs are slightly different and serve different schools: Evergreen State College GEAR UP project at 360-867-5801 serves Clover Park and Oakville schools; the University of Washington Two Valleys One Vision at 509-865-8677 serves Skagit Valley and Eastern Washington schools; and the Washington State GEAR UP at 360-753-7884 program serves Bellingham, Everett, Federal Way, Monroe, Vancouver and some Eastern Washington school districts.

Lakeside Educational Enrichment Program, www.lakesideschool.org/leep/.

A partnership between the Lakeside School and Seattle Public Schools with the goal of motivating and empowering students to succeed in high school and aspire to go to college.

During the six-week summer program intended to boost students' confidence, students take math, English and geography classes and also learn to row, camp, hike and give public speeches. They also engage in art projects. The program follows students through graduation, providing college counseling, community-service opportunities and college tours. At least one spot at Lakeside has been given to a LEEP student each year for the past 10 years, so they have a chance of attending Lakeside with financial aid.

Students around the Greater Seattle area who are in eighth grade and are going into their first year of high school. Priority goes to low-income students. Approximately 100 students accepted each year.

Apply in February. Contact Wendy Russell at (206) 368-3600.

Educational Talent Search Program at South Seattle Community College, www.southseattle.edu (click "Programs & Courses" then "High School Programs"), 206-768-6474.

A federally funded program that helps low-income and first-generation college students get into college.

Career and college-exploration workshops, college tours, financial-aid and scholarship workshops. Located at Chief Sealth, West Seattle and Cleveland high schools. Also at Denny Middle School, Career Link Academy and Middle College High School.

Middle- and high-school students who attend the designated schools and who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents, low-income, and first-generation college students. 600 students served each year.

For more info, contact your school's career center or call 206-768-6474.

Other Talent Search programs: University of Washington program serves schools in Sedro- Woolley, Marysville, and Mt. Vernon; call 206-616-1948 or logon to depts.washington.edu/talent/#">http://depts.washington.edu/talent/#

Washington Education Foundation's HERO Program, 425-416-2046.

HERO, which stands for Higher Education Readiness Opportunity, is an advocacy program for academic middle — B and C grade average — students who haven't seriously considered attending college but have the potential. The program seeks to increase the number of men of color who enroll and graduate from college by helping them become more prepared for college.

Staff keep students on track to graduate and go to college through bi-weekly progress reports, academic advising, after-school programs, leadership development, motivational speakers and college visits. Also provides SAT and WASL test prep as well as seminars in August for eighth-graders to prepare for high school and for 10th-graders to prepare scholarship essays for the Achievers Scholarship Program.

Eighth- to 10th-graders at Cleveland, Kent-Meridian, Truman, Foss, Foster, Lincoln, Clover Park, Mt. Tahoma, and schools in Eastern Washington. Also working with about 10 feeder middle schools. The program targets African-American and Latino boys, but accepts girls. At least 600 students accepted into the program each year.

More info: Contact HERO staff at school, counselors or principals, or the number listed above.

Rainier Scholars, www.rainierscholars.org/ or 206-407-2111.

Aims to prepare "talented young students of color for long-term success and college graduation" by placing students in rigorous public-school academic programs or private schools (program begins in the summer before sixth grade) and providing support services for students and their families over the next 10 years.

YMCA of Greater Seattle Black Achievers, 206-322-6969, www.seattleymca.org/page.cfm?ID=mmPrograms&locationID=13&catId=28Offers high-school youth opportunities to explore career options, develop leadership skills, prepare for college and participate in service-learning and social activities.

Participants focus on career clusters including arts and humanities, law and government, health, engineering, communications, business and computers, while they are mentored by community volunteers. Scholarships are also available to college-bound seniors who are active in the program.

Education Access Network, www.EducationAccessNetwork.org, 206-527-8400.

Provides financially disadvantaged students with free and low-cost (sliding-scale) access to courses and programs aimed at helping students prepare for and succeed in higher education. Courses include comprehensive test preparation (SAT, ACT, etc.), college-admission application preparation, general college planning, math review and English grammar/writing review. The classes meet primarily at the University of Washington.

College Access Now, www.CollegeAccessNow.org, 206-252-2312.

This Seattle-based free program helps low-income students with SAT/ACT preparation, college applications and financial aid.

University of Washington Dream Project, www.dreamproject.washington.edu, 206-616-5791.

Partners UW students with first-generation and low-income students at selected area high schools (for now, Chief Sealth, Renton and Foster). As part of a UW class, the high-schoolers are assisted by the college students in the admissions process, including test prep, writing application essays and finding scholarships.

Making Connections, http://depts.washington.edu/womenctr/programs/makingconnections.html, 206-616-2366, 206-685-1090, or email: womens@u.washington.edu.

UW Women's Center program aimed at high-school girls provides weekend workshops in math, science and technology; mentoring; college-prep workshops for families.

U-DOC, summer program offered by the University of Washington School of Medicine's Office of Multicultural Affairs; www.myomca.org.

Three-week residential program in July to introduce students to college life and the medical and dental professions. Activities include shadowing area docs, working in the anatomy lab and academic preparation in science and mathematics. Applicants must be Washington state high-school sophomores or juniors from disadvantaged backgrounds and/or from groups underrepresented in medicine and dentistry; 14 will be accepted. Room and board provided at no cost. Find applications at www.myomca.org (click "Pipeline: K12") by December 1; deadline is March 1, 2007. More info: Felicity Abeyta at fabeyta@u.washington.edu or 206-616-5522.

Journalism Summer Workshop, www.seattleu.edu/jsw/. Contact Associate Professor Tomas Guillen at 206-296-5343 or tomasg@seattleu.edu.

Aims to increase the number of people of color in journalism. Selects high-school students from throughout the state. During the workshop, students live on campus. All expenses, including food and lodging, are paid.

Students receive intensive instruction from journalists and university professionals. During the workshop, students interview and photograph newsmakers. After the workshop, professional journalists assist students in getting their stories or photographs published by news organizations. College scholarships are awarded to outstanding workshop participants.

Dates: Applications must be submitted by late March. Final selections are made by early May. Workshop usually operates for a week in late June. Applications can be downloaded from the workshop homepage.

Science Splash, www.seattleu.edu/splash.

Four-week summer-science and math-enrichment program at Seattle University for 30 girls about to enter eighth grade. Hands-on activities; work with scientists on field research, leadership and community service opportunities; mentors; and last week spent at IslandWood camp on Bainbridge Island. Students are selected with a special consideration for diversity.

Researcher Miyoko Wolf contributed to this report.

	University of Washington Upward Bound Program	Washington Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement	Seattle Early Scholars Outreach GEAR UP	The Lakeside Educational Enrichment Program	Educational Talent Search Program at South Seattle Community College	Washington Education Foundation's HERO Program
About	One of several federally funded Upward Bound programs that serve schools throughout Puget Sound, offering classes and guidance for high-school students to graduate from high school and prepare for college.	Increases the numbers of people of color as well as girls in science, technology, engineering and mathematics careers. Serves 5,000 students in the state. Dozens of high schools and middle schools served in the Puget Sound area.	One of several federally funded GEAR UP programs that sets up students to succeed in high school and that promotes college readiness at schools throughout the Puget Sound area, particularly at those where at least 50 percent of students qualify for free or reduced lunch. GEAR UP stands for Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs.	A partnership between the Lakeside School and Seattle Public Schools, LEEP serves to motivate and empower students to succeed in high school, with the idea of helping them go on to college.	A federally funded program that helps low-income and first-generation college students get into college.	HERO, which stands for Higher Education Readiness Opportunity, is an advocacy program for academic middle — B and C grade — average students who haven't seriously considered attending college but have the potential. The program seeks to increase the number of men of color who enroll and graduate from college by helping them prepare better for the experience.
Goals	Tutoring, help with senior projects, SAT test prep, classes for high-school credit, college application and financial-aid guidance. Also, a 6-week summer program with a lecture course — last summer's course was on astronomy — that simulates the college experience. Math, language arts, college guidance and other elective courses.	Provides mentors in industry, engineering competitions, SAT prep; helps students write essays and plan for college. Offers college tours, two-week summer programs for middle- and high-school students exploring fields in science, and month-long math program in August for 8th-graders. Dates: Year-round.	Academic skill-building, counseling, parent workshops, financial-aid and college-admission workshops, career exploration, leadership training, self-esteem-boosting activities and college visits. Also offers tutoring, college-entrance-test prep, math workshops, debate, college fairs and more. Serves more than 5,500 students in the middle schools listed below as well as Cleveland High School, Franklin High School, Garfield High School and Rainier Beach High School.	During the 6-week summer program intended to boost students' confidence, students take math, English and geography classes and also learn to row, camp, hike and give public speeches. They also engage in art projects. The program follows students through graduation, providing college counseling, community-service opportunities and college tours. At least one spot at Lakeside has been given to a LEEP student each year for the past 10 years, so they have a chance of attending Lakeside with financial aid.	Career- and college-exploration workshops, college tours, financial-aid and scholarship workshops. Located at Chief Sealth, West Seattle and Cleveland High Schools. Also at Denny Middle School, Career Link Academy and Middle College High School.	Staff keep students on track to graduate and go to college through bi-weekly progress reports, academic advising, after-school programs, leadership development, motivational speakers and college visits. Also provides SAT and WASL test prep as well as seminars in August for 8th-graders to prepare for high school and for 10th-graders to prepare scholarship essays for the Achievers Scholarship Program.
Dates	Next summer's program is scheduled for June 25 — Aug. 3. The rest of the program continues year-round. Students must remain in the program until graduation.		Year-round
Eligibility	Cleveland, Nathan Hale and Franklin high-school students in 9th or 10th grade who are either low-income or the first generation in their family to obtain a college degree. At least 35 new students accepted each year.	No requirements for K-12 students except an interest in math or science.	Students must have attended middle school at African American Academy, Aki Kurose Middle School Academy, Madrona K-8 School, Meany Middle School, Mercer Middle School, Seahawks Academy or Zion Preparatory Academy between spring 2001 and spring 2005.	Students around the greater Seattle area who are in 8th grade and are going into their first year of high school. Priority goes to low-income students. Approximately 100 students accepted each year.	Middle- and high-school students who attend the designated schools and who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents, come from low-income families and are first-generation college students. 600 students served each year. Date: Year-round.	8th- to 10th- graders at Cleveland, Kent-Meridian, Truman, Foss, Foster, Lincoln, Clover Park, Mt. Tahoma, and schools in eastern Washington . Also working with about 10 feeder middle schools. The program targets African-American and Latino boys, but accepts girls. At least 600 students accepted into the program each year.
Apply/contact	Application deadline in January/February through schools. Application, essay and letters of recommendation required.	Students selected in September. Admissions forms can be obtained from teachers at schools. Contact: (206)543-0562, www.washingtonmesa.org/">www.washingtonmesa.org	Site coordinators at schools or call (206) 543-6436	Apply in February. Contact Wendy Russell at (206) 440-2788 or T.J. Vassar at (206) 440-2791; www.lakesideschool.org/leep/	Contact school's career center or call (206) 768-6474. Or contact (206) 768-6474, http://www.southseattle.edu/campus/facility/Department.asp?number=69	How to Contact H.E.R.O. staff at school, counselors or principals: (425) 416-2046.
Other programs	The following Upward Bound programs offer similar services: North Seattle Community College at (206) 527-3691 serves Indian Heritage Middle College, Franklin High School, Roosevelt High School and Summit K-12; South Seattle Community College at (206) 768-6676 serves Evergreen High School and Tyee High School; and the City of Seattle works with Seattle University at (206) 386-1027 to serve Ballard, Garfield, Ingraham, Rainier Beach, Chief Sealth, and West Seattle high schools.		These programs are slightly different and serve different schools: Evergreen State College GEAR UP project at (360) 867-5801 serves Clover Park and Oakville schools; the University of Washington's Two Valleys — One Vision at (509) 865-8677 serves Skagit Valley and Eastern Washington schools; and the Washington State GEAR UP program at (360)753-7884 serves Bellingham, Everett, Federal Way, Monroe, Vancouver and some Eastern Washington school districts.		University of Washington program serves schools in Sedro- Woolley, Marysville, and Mt. Vernon; call (206) 616-1948 or logon to depts.washington.edu/talent/#