How Waukegan to College Supports the Whole Family

When a student joins Waukegan to College, their whole family is welcomed into a long-term partnership focused on college readiness and well-being. The program is designed for all Waukegan students, many of which are first-generation, who have big dreams but may not yet know how the college application, financial aid, and scholarships systems work. Families are invited into workshops, advising conversations, and events so they can understand each step, ask questions, and feel confident supporting their child at home. Over time, this shared effort between staff, tutors, and parents helps students see college not as a distant idea, but as a real and achievable goal.

 

Who the Program Serves

 

Waukegan to College serves students who live and learn in Waukegan, Illinois, typically entering the program between 4th/5th and 11th grade. Many are first-generation college students, which means they are often the first in their families to pursue a four-year degree. The program focuses on building strong academic skills, especially in math and reading, so students can be ready for advanced coursework in high school and beyond. Families who may be unsure how to navigate middle school, high school, and college decisions gain a trusted guide who walks beside them year after year.

 

From Middle School Goals to College Dreams

 

Imagine a 6th-grade student from Waukegan who enjoys school but is not sure what comes after high school. In their first year with Waukegan to College, they meet one-on-one with an academic coach to strengthen reading skills and build confidence, often through personalized “Read to Achieve” tutoring sessions. Tutors help with homework and test preparation, while also teaching organization and time management, so school feels more manageable.

 

As this student moves into 8th and 9th grade, they begin setting specific goals: keeping grades up in math and English, exploring interests through field trips, and talking with advisors about high school course choices. Waukegan to College regularly takes students to cultural institutions, college campuses, and career sites, which helps them imagine themselves in new environments and see how education connects to future careers.

 

By 11th grade, this student has a clearer sense of their strengths and possible college majors. They attend family workshops like “College Admissions 101” and “What to Look for on a College Visit,” often offered in both English and Spanish, so parents can fully participate. Together with an advisor, the family reviews graduation requirements, college entrance expectations, and scholarship timelines, step by step. For many Waukegan to College students, this kind of steady support has contributed to high rates of college enrollment, millions of dollars in scholarships, and a growing number of graduates earning degrees across the country. 11th grade is also the year where students are eligible for a mentor. Mentors are long-term relationships for supporting high school and college students with challenges beyond the academic, including mental health, social, and career goals. It helps to have a trusted adult who has already gone through the tough parts help rising college students through their life, education, and career decisions.

 

What Families Can Expect Over Time

 

When your child joins Waukegan to College, support grows and changes as they move through school:

• In grades 4-8, families can expect strong academic foundations in reading and math, individualized tutoring, and early goal setting.
• In early high school, advising focuses on course selection, time management, and leadership, while college and career exposure increases through field trips and workshops.
• By 11th grade and beyond, students receive focused guidance on applications, financial aid, scholarships, and the transition to college, including ongoing support to persist to graduation.

Throughout these years, parents are invited to academic advising sessions, campus visits, and monthly workshops that respond to real questions from Waukegan families, including stress management and emotional well-being. This holistic approach helps students not only succeed academically but also grow in confidence, resilience, and leadership. 

 

Enrollment Is Open: How to Connect

 

Waukegan to College is actively welcoming new families this spring, and now is a meaningful time to explore whether the program is a good fit for your child in grades 4-11. Families can connect by attending an open house or information session, reaching out online, or responding to current recruitment invitations shared in the community and on social media. Asking questions now about schedules, expectations, or transportation can help your family feel ready before enrollment closes.

 

Choosing to join Waukegan to College means surrounding your student with a community that believes in their potential and walks with them from middle school into college and career. For many Waukegan families, that first step into a workshop, tutoring session, or campus visit has been the beginning of a journey that leads to college acceptance letters, degrees, and new opportunities that were once hard to imagine.

 If you have a student in grades 4-11 and are wondering what is possible, this is a powerful moment to say yes and see what a long-term partnership can make possible for your child.

Apply today: https://www.waukegantocollege.org/for-students