1. 13th Year Promise Scholarship
Gary Oertli, President
Elizabeth Pluhta, Executive Director of College Advancement and the Foundation
South Seattle Community College

2. South Seattle Community College
Located in urban metropolis
Main campus, Georgetown, New Holly
Comprehensive community college, also offers bachelor’s degrees
Serves 17,000 students annually
67% are ethnic minorities
44% speak English as their second language
Average student age is 31 years
51% are first-generation college students
Less than 300 students annually matriculate directly from high school

3. 13th Year Promise Scholarship
The 13th Year Promise Scholarship guarantees that all graduating seniors from two feeder high schools have the opportunity to attend South Seattle Community College tuition-free for one year.
Provides powerful combination of financial resources and student support

5. Why a 13th Year Scholarship?
“Tipping Point” research (CCRC/SBCTC):
K year college = success
Industry credential or continuing education
$7,000+ annual earnings for student
Annual benefit to economy and tax payers of $4,700/student
Remove financial barrier to higher education
Reaching groups traditionally underserved in higher education
Increase college enrollment from high school – avoid “10 year drift”

6. Innovation Process Foundation board retreat (2006)
Research and Program design (2007)
Pilot program launch (2007 – 2008)
First 13th Year students enroll in college (2008)
Assessment and creation of Readiness Academy (2009 – 2010)
Hire 13th Year Coordinator (2010)
Expansion and full implementation (2011)

7. High School Profiles High School 1 (Pilot) High School 2
Senior class – 85
94% students of color
67% Free/reduced lunch
Lowest performing school
61% meet state standards in Reading
12% meet state standards in Math
Senior Class – 220
70% students of color
55% Free / reduced lunch
Low performing school
76% meet state standards in Reading
43% meet state standards in Math

8. Doubles Direct Matriculation from High School!

9. 13th Year Student Success Results (2008 – 2010 Pre-Readiness Academy)

10. Assessment & Improvement
2008 – 2010
2011 – Beyond
Complete scholarship application form
Apply for financial aid (grants only)
Funds for tuition only
Complete scholarship application form
Apply for financial aid (grants only)
Complete Readiness Academy
College workshops
Placement Testing
Math/English Instruction
New Student Orientation
Funds for tuition, coordinator, instruction, etc.

11. 13th Year Readiness Academy
College 101 Sessions at high school (Fall)
Financial Aid Workshops(January)
COMPASS Placement test workshop (February)
COMPASS Placement Pre-Test (March)
COMPASS Improvement workshops (April)
COMPASS Placement Post-Test (May)
College Field Trip (May)
Intensive New Student Orientation (September)
Monthly advising meetings (September – June)

12. 13th Year Readiness Academy: COMPASS
COMPASS Placement test workshop (February)
Test Prep, Math/English Review
COMPASS Placement Pre-Test (March)
COMPASS Improvement workshops (April)
4 hours x 4 Saturdays = 16 hours for English
4 hours x 4 Saturdays = 16 hours for Math
COMPASS Placement Post-Test (May)
40% increased placement by at least one course level measured from pre-post test

13. 13th Year Readiness Academy: Orientation
Classroom Success
Classroom Simulation
Faculty Panel
2) Success Outside of the Classroom
Student Life
Resources (Tutoring, Advising, etc.)
3) Personal success
Balance / Time Management
Talking with family / friends about college

14. Cost & Budget $1,000 annual avg. tuition / per students (74 students)
$40,000 for full-time coordinator
$10,000 for COMPASS workshops
TOTAL - $124,000 annually
Average Participant Cost - $1,675
Significant in-kind college support as well!

15. Financial Details

16. 13th Year Student Demographics

17. 13th Year Student Success Results (2011 – Readiness Academy Intervention)

18. Students Tell Us! Guaranteed tuition coverage!
Single point of contact (Coordinator)
New Student Orientation
Cohort model
Student-friendly communication (text, Facebook, etc.)
Financial aid process /needs still a challenge
Disappointment with academic placement

19. Staff Tell Us! Focus on success Collaborative model
Opportunity to work with community leaders
Professional development / growth
“Guinea Pig” group for other student success initiatives
Time and resources continue to be a challenge

20. Donors & Board Members Tell Us!
Big, bold vision!
Clear concept
Involved in program creation – not just fundraising
Early success
But, still room to make a difference
Supports “our kids”

21. Challenges Coordination with high school Very, very busy
Many other scholarship/achievement programs
Financial risk / uncertainty
Perception of “fixing” the public school system
Complexity of Financial Aid process
Ability to overcome factors beyond program’s control
Students’ ability to succeed while enrolled
Amount of internal support and resources needed
Economic climate

22. Opportunities & Benefits
Awareness of education issues (readiness, access for underserved)
Increased collaboration with education partners
Energized board members, college staff, community members
Increased direct from high school enrollment
Glean research and best practices that can apply to all students
Reach out to new friends and donors
Raise college profile and visibility
Professional development for advancement / student services

23. Future Directions Expand to all high schools in service area (4 total)
Fundraising Campaign - $4 million
Vision for entire city of Seattle
Enhance Readiness Academy – earlier
Conduct additional data analysis
Get the word out!

25. Thank You! Gary Oertli, President Gary.oertli@seattlecolleges.edu
Elizabeth A. Pluhta, Executive Director of College Advancement and the Foundation