Waukegan to College (W2C) is an innovative program that assists both students and parents in understanding the process of planning for and enrolling in college. In 2009, the program was launched with 25 students. In the 2011-2012 school year, we served 51 immigrant and first generation college-going students and families. For 2012-2013, we will serve 60 students. Students and their families are members of Lake County United (LCU) member institutions. Students in W2C range from 5th grade through college. By starting students just before middle school, W2C establishes high academic expectations and the understanding that college is attainable. We offer one-on-one counseling, workshops, tutoring, a reading program, mentoring, advocacy, and connect our students with academic opportunities within the community and at college campuses. W2C follows its students through college, offering ongoing coaching to help students stay in school and earn a college degree.
Evelin started with Waukegan to College in 2009, her senior year of high school and dreamed of becoming a speech pathologist or teacher. Evelin is currently a full-time student at Carroll University in Waukesha, WI. She has successfully balanced a rigorous academic schedule, a part-time job, and no summers off from school. Evelin's hard work and dedication has paid off. Not only did she make the Dean's List, she also graduated in May 2014 with a Bachelor of Arts in Educational Studies, and a minor in Early Childhood Education. Evelin plans to continue her pursuit of higher education by working towards her master's degree in speech. We are very proud of what Evelin has accomplished. She is a great role model for our younger students and their families, and not only is she our first college graduate, she's also the first in her family to graduate from college.