SEATTLE/SOUTH KING COUNTY – Today isn’t an average day for students in 275 schools in our region. Today is DiscoverU, a day to build excitement around college and career exploration across Seattle and South King County. As part of the first-ever DiscoverU, students of all ages – kindergartners through high school seniors – will think about their interests and reflect on their futures by engaging in activities and conversations. This effort includes many districts, including Auburn School District, Federal Way Public Schools, Highline Public Schools, Kent School District, Renton School District, Seattle Public Schools and Tukwila School District.
This is what’s happening in schools today as part of DiscoverU:
- All school staff are wearing college gear
- Educators are sharing their education or career pathways
- Students are participating in fun activities that explore their college/career interests
DiscoverU is happening outside of classrooms, too. Local community organizations, such as the Boys and Girls Club of Rainier Vista and Communities in Schools – Renton, are embracing DiscoverU and carrying this important message into after-school programming.
DiscoverU is being supported by the region’s school districts and community organizations because research shows students who think and plan for their futures do better in school. This day is designed to help all students think about how education can help them achieve their dreams.
Today is also the day many students in the region take College Board assessments, such as the PSAT and SAT. This year, the region’s Race to the Top grant is allowing thousands of students to participate in the College Board assessments for free and in school, removing all barriers to admission testing. Please click here to read more about this opportunity.
The public is invited to participate in DiscoverU by joining community dialogues tonight and tomorrow at select Starbucks stores across the South Seattle and South King County region. These conversations, hosted by the Road Map Project, are in support of DiscoverU and will focus on the importance of postsecondary education. Topics will include: what college means for families, helping children realize their dreams, learning about resources and the barriers students face to attending college (2 and 4 year). Please click here to see the dialogue schedule.
DiscoverU serves as the kickoff to a year’s worth of events to support high school seniors navigating the college application process. College Application Completion Events are starting up this week. These events will provide one-on-one support to students researching colleges, filling out applications and drafting personal statements. In the coming months, other events will focus on helping students with financial aid and the final steps to enrolling in college. A list of these events can be found at discoveruwa.org.
For more information about DiscoverU, please visit discoveruwa.org.
Posted in: College and Career Readiness