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College Bound Scholarship
Targeting Efforts to Eligible Students
OSPI's Disclosure of Free and Reduced Price Information Agreement form authorizes school staff to access the list of free- and reduced-price lunch eligible students. Because College Bound is a state education program, schools are then able to target eligible students. This strategy has proven very effective.
IDEAS
Everyone is in the same spot at the same time – it doesn't get much easier! Whether you fill out a paper application or complete the online version, conferences are the perfect time to sign up students.
Meet with Students in Small Groups
Teachers and counselors tell us that meetings with small groups of 5 – 7 students are a great way to enroll them. You can answer questions, give them a pep talk about the importance of college, ask them to get their parents’ signature, and follow-up by collecting the signed signature pages. Voila – the circle is complete!
Direct Mail (No, not junk mail)
Ask your principal or superintendent to write a letter to eligible families informing them that their student may be eligible for the College Bound Scholarship. An official letter with good news (rather than unpleasant news) is sure to catch the family’s attention. Following up with personal or automated calls often seals the deal.
Phone Campaign
This strategy allows you to explain the program thoroughly and develop rapport with eligible families. Gather a team together, order a pizza, and conduct your own College Bound phone-a-thon!
Community Sign-up Event
Tacoma, Spokane, Vancouver, Lake Stevens, Yakima, and Tri-Cities have hosted community sign-up events with as many as 1,100 students and families attending.
These events, hosted at a local college, build community support for College Bound, gain commitment from civic and academic leaders, and promote the importance of higher education.
Students and families hear inspirational anecdotes, enjoy local talent, (drum lines, school bands, etc.) and take the College Bound pledge as a group – fun, moving, and effective.
Pizza, Sub-Sandwiches, or an Ice Cream Social
Host an early evening event for eligible students and families - parents have a night off from cooking and you can explain the program.
Set up computers and printers in the library to sign-up students online or help them fill out paper applications. Having interpreters available and the application in other languages works well in many communities.
Contact
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