Students & Families
Are you ready to begin your journey to college?
We are accepting applications through November 30, for the second semester, starting in January 2025. You can learn about our application process below.
**We have limited space for high school students, so apply early**
Waukegan to College is a team of experts who will guide your student through a pathway of success. With family support, workshops, tutoring, resume building, scholarships, and more, we can create brighter futures for Waukegan's scholars.
What We Do
Our approach is student-centered and holistic in nature. Parents are welcome and encouraged to participate in program elements such as academic advising, college campus visits, and workshops. We focus on academic success and the whole person, emphasizing well-being, self-care, and leadership.
95%
6-year college graduation rate
$10M
in financial aid and scholarships
84%
of students with
> 3.0 GPA in math
and English
131+
colleges and universities accept our scholars
83
total college graduates since 2009
FOR FAMILIES
Family-Based Academic Advising
We help families not familiar with the US educational system understand how it works, especially post-secondary education. We remove anxieties, increase knowledge, and offer home strategies to support their student’s classroom success.
Expanding Horizons
Yearly, we host 10+ field trips to cultural events and institutions, and career and technical venues, sparking student interest in learning and careers and motivating families/students to achieve their academic and participation goals.
Family Workshops
Monthly, 2-hour sessions on "College Admissions 101", "How to Manage Stress and Anxiety” and “What to Look for on a College Visit” are some of the topics we cover, both in English and Spanish. We pick and update topics based on family feedback and top concerns.
FOR STUDENTS
Read to Achieve
Personalized, 1:1 sessions with a coach for struggling readers helps build confidence and increases comprehension and competency. A big win is a student who discovers reading for fun!
Tutoring & Mentoring
Our volunteer tutors help students complete homework assignments, study for tests, and learn organization and time management skills, among other tactics. We pair personal mentors with students needing more support and guidance.
Preparation for College Access
From standardized test prep, to College Week, where rising seniors learn about the college application process, we empower students to make informed choices. The work continues at Application Boot Camp when students focus on their applications and families learn about financial aid and FAFSA.
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​For seniors, days are full: submitting school and scholarship applications; attending weekly Scholarship Club meetings; early action/early decision strategies… we are here to guide them through the critical activities and big choices.
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At our Decision Day party in May, we celebrate all the hard work and great results!
College Persistence
Math Skill Building with Khan Academy
Khan Academy’s online learning tool, along with individualized coaching by our volunteers, allow students to progress and accumulate knowledge at their own pace, from tackling basic skills to deciphering and solving more advanced equations.
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