SEATTLE/SOUTH KING COUNTY — Wednesday, Oct. 16, won’t be an average school day for the region’s students. This special day 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 will think about their interests and reflect on their futures. This effort includes 275 schools in the following districts: 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 DiscoverU will look like in schools:
- All school staff will wear college gear
- Educators will share their education or career pathway
- Every student will participate in a 10-15 minute college and career exploration activity during the school day
Community organizations are also participating in DiscoverU and carrying the message into after-school programming.
During the week of DiscoverU, the Road Map Project, Puget Sound Educational Service District and other partners will be highlighting related efforts that are also working to help students realize their college and career dreams. Members of the media can expect daily updates on the following items starting Oct. 14:
Monday, October 14
Counselors in many of the region’s middle and high schools are now receiving support from students involved in the University of Washington’s Dream Project. These new College and Career Readiness Assistants are working in 18 high-need schools as part of Project 6 of the region’s Race to the Top grant.
Tuesday, October 15
In celebration and support of DiscoverU, the Road Map Project will host community conversations at five Starbucks stores across the region. The discussions will center on postsecondary attainment and what college means to families and community. The first community conversation will be Oct. 15.
Wednesday, October 16
This is DiscoverU day! Schools and community organizations across the region will take part in activities related to career and college. Additionally, the region’s Race to the Top grant is allowing thousands of students this fall to participate in the College Board assessments for free and in school, removing all barriers to admission testing.
Thursday, October 17
DiscoverU kicks off the Road Map to College campaign, a year of support for students navigating the college enrollment process. Starting the week of DiscoverU, College Application Completion Events will provide one-on-one support to high school seniors who are working on their college applications.
Friday, October 18
The work of the Puget Sound Coalition for College and Career Readiness (formerly the Puget Sound Caucus) is helping more students attain postsecondary dreams. This group of regional superintendents and community college presidents works to create supportive connections between high school and postsecondary programs.
Information about media opportunities will be included in future updates.
To learn more about DiscoverU and the Road Map to College, please visit discoveruwa.org.
Posted in: College and Career Readiness