Western Washington University
PA-7: Affordability and Access

WWU has a number of programs that minimize the cost of attendance for low-income students. Specifics on these programs are listed in the credit fields below and more information can be found on this web page: http://www.finaid.wwu.edu/scholarships/pages/wwu_scholarships.php

The Dean of Students unit provides cultural competency training opportunities for staff within the unit to better serve a broad array of students from diverse backgrounds. The Dean of Students unit encompasses Viking Union Facilities, Student Activities, Outdoor Recreation, Student Outreach Services, and the Office of Student Life. The Counseling Center provides Professional Development and Training in order to keep current on issues facing different communities of students, the professional and intern staff attend trainings to examine issues of race, culture, sexual orientation, gender and gender transitioning, religion, and spirituality as well as staying apprised of needs of particular student populations.

SummerStart and Transitions program: The Student Outreach Services department participates in the summer start and transitions programs that includes incoming first-year and transfer students and their families. This is an orientation, advising and class registration program. http://www.nssfo.wwu.edu/summerstart/index.shtml Student Outreach Services serves first-generation, multicultural and non-traditional students and engages students in personalized academic coaching, peer mentoring and specialized programs using a global and multicultural focus to support student persistence and academic achievement. An early move-in program is also designed for first-generation/low-income students to assist in their transition to WWU. http://www.wwu.edu/depts/sos/ The Ethnic Student Center (ESC): The ESC is a community that supports historically underrepresented ethnic students and allies by providing a social atmosphere and inclusive environment where we engage in identity exploration and strive for cultural awareness and academic excellence. http://as.wwu.edu/esc/ Jump Start Program The goal of this program is to help insure the retention of up to 250 new students from low-income and/or first-generation families. Students will be assigned an advisor to work with them on academic, personal and social issues. In addition peer mentors will be assigned to each student in the likelihood of their integration into the campus community. Target Population: First-generation and/or Low-income new students Number: Up to 250 students, 60-70 Parents Partners: Admissions, Financial Aid, University Residences, Tutoring Center, Ethnic Student Center Strategies for Success (SFS) Program - The goal of this program is to help insure the retention of 250 new students from low-income and/or first-generation families. Students will be assigned an advisor to work with them on academic, personal and social issues. In addition peer mentors will be assigned to each student in the likelihood of their integration into the campus community. Target Population: First-generation and/or Low-income new students Number: 250 students Partners: Admissions, Financial Aid, University Residences, Tutoring Center, Ethnic Student Center College Success Foundation (CSF): Washington Achievers/Governors Scholars/Leadership 1000 Scholars Programs The goals of the CSF programs are to increase the retention and graduation of low-income, first generation and foster youth college students identified and supported by the College Success Foundation. SOS acts as a liaison between the student, the College Success Foundation and various campus offices including Financial Aid.

The WWU Scholarship Center is available to assist students and their families as they search and apply for scholarships. The awarding of a scholarship represents not only a significant source of financial assistance, but recognition of special achievements and an investment in a student’s potential. Western Washington University categorizes its scholarships into three sections which serve the following: Incoming Freshman and Transfer, Undergraduate, and Graduate Students. WWU Scholarships for Incoming Freshmen and Transfer Students: Merit Scholarships - Merit based scholarships are most often determined by very high qualifiers including high GPA, high test-scores, extra curricular or community activities, and excellent letters of recommendation. Diversity Scholarships - Western Washington University has included in its design for excellence the need to diversify its student body, faculty, and staff. Western offers scholarships to this diverse group of students who demonstrate strong academic promise, talent and community service activity. WSAC - Washington Student Achievement Council. The state of Washington funds a variety of financial aid programs to help students and their families pay for college. High School Scholarships Other Scholarships Undergraduate Student Scholarships: We offer over 600 scholarships to Undergraduate students annually. There are three sections of scholarships: Departmental, Non-Departmental and Diversity scholarships. In addition, each department awards one or two partial tuition waivers. Recipients of tuition waivers must be full-time undergraduate students enrolled on Western's main campus. Non-Departmental Scholarships - The university offers a number of scholarship programs that are not restricted to a specific major or department. Diversity Scholarships - Western Washington University offers scholarships to a diverse group of students who demonstrate strong academic promise, talent and community service activity. Departmental Scholarships - The university's colleges and departments offer scholarships to outstanding students majoring in specific programs of study. WWU Graduate Student Scholarships: Western Washington University offers over 300 scholarships to Graduate students annually. There are three sections of scholarships: Departmental, Non-Departmental, and Diversity scholarships. For the Departmental scholarships, click on the department for a listing of the corresponding scholarships. Non-Departmental Scholarships - The university offers a number of scholarship programs that are not restricted to a specific major or department. Departmental Scholarships - The university's colleges and departments offer scholarships to outstanding students majoring in specific programs of study. Detailed Info: http://www.finaid.wwu.edu/scholarships/pages/wwu_scholarships.php

Compass 2 Campus The Western Washington University Compass 2 Campus Mentorship Initiative is a pilot program implemented by House Bill 1986 which passed both Houses of the legislature on April 21, 2009. The program is designed to increase access to higher education by providing an opportunity for students from traditionally underrepresented, low income, diverse backgrounds in Whatcom and Skagit counties to be mentored by C2C students. In addition, Student Outreach Services office receives a list of admitted students who are indicated to come from low income families. SOS reaches out by sending mail and calling, offering advising, counseling and support to those students.

We do not provide scholarships specifically for part-time students. Most of our scholarships are directed to full-time students.

The WWU Associated Students Child Development Center (CDC) participates in the State's Early Achiever's Quality Rating and Improvement program. We provide high quality care and education for children of student parents and working professionals of Western Washington University. Tuition for student parents is based on income and is subsidized by the Associated Students. The CDC serves 56 children ages 2-5 each quarter. The program manager and teaching staff provide a safe and healthy environment for young children, supporting the social/emotional, physical, and intellectual growth of each child. The CDC also supports students interested in careers in early childhood education by providing a place for service learning projects, classroom observations, practicum and internship experiences as well as educational outreach activities. Parents benefit from special events for the entire family and participation in a parent advisory board. The CDC is not only child centered, but family centered, meeting the special needs of student parents and welcoming parent involvement in the center.