Waukegan to College

At Waukegan to College, our Expanding Horizons program gives students real-world experiences that spark curiosity and broaden their perspectives. This week, our students visited the Waukegan History Museum at the Carnegie, engaging with local history and their community in meaningful ways. Experiences like these build confidence, expand worldviews, and remain a core part of how we support student growth and success!

Thank you to all the families who joined us for our Fall Open House! Prospective 5th–10th grade students explored the various parts of our program (advising, tutoring, Summer Learning, Expanding Horizons, and more) while connecting with our amazing staff, volunteers, and families. We loved seeing so many future scholars learning how Waukegan to College can support their growth and guide them through their journey to college! REMINDER: Our application deadline is November 17, and families can still apply online: https://lnkd.in/gUCZSGAy

On Saturday, our team members Angie Sage and Laura Rios had the honor of attending a Mexican Cooking Class led by Chef Sofía Herrera and her talented team. This event was a one-of-a-kind experience enjoyed by the winners of this year’s 1000 Dreams Gala live auction package. A heartfelt thank you to our long-time supporter, St. James Lutheran Church in Lake Forest, for bidding on this incredible experience and for continuously uplifting our mission. Your commitment helps open doors and expand opportunities for the students and families we serve. Please enjoy a few photo highlights from this special day!

Our Executive Director, Aaron, recently visited Alberto, one of our college students at Reed College in Portland, Oregon. These visits remind students that they’re not alone. Not only do they have their family's support, they have mentors, advisors, and a community that believes in them. After the visit, Alberto’s sister, Rosario, shared this message with us: “This brings so much joy to us all! He looks so happy and well! Thank you for checking up on him. My mom is also very thankful for everything you've done for my brother. It really warms her heart to know he's doing good and has so many wonderful people helping him along the way.” At Waukegan to College, we support the whole student, which means caring for their academic, emotional, and family needs, even when they’re far from home and working hard towards their dreams!

Today we want to celebrate Laura Garcia, our 5th & 6th Grade College Readiness Advisor and Tutoring Coordinator! We’re so proud to share that Laura was recently selected as part of Mano a Mano Family Resource Center (MaMFRC)’s Liderazgo 2025 Cohort. This is a competitive leadership program designed to uplift and develop emerging Latino leaders across our community. Laura has been part of our team for over a year, and she has made such a big impact. She’s engaging and deeply connected to her students and their families. Her 5th and 6th graders look up to her, trust her, and feel seen by her. It’s not just about academics, Laura builds relationships that matter!

Big dreams start here! College Readiness Advisor Willie Brown met with two of our scholars at the College of Lake County in Grayslake. Arvin, a Biology major on the Pre-Med track, and Luis, a Business major exploring Marketing or Accounting. As Willie shared, “These gentlemen are exploring different opportunities and working towards their DREAMS!” Both are at the exciting beginning of their college journey discovering new paths, building confidence, and staying connected with Waukegan to College as they shape their futures. We couldn’t be prouder!

Waukegan to College is so grateful for our ongoing partnership with Lake Forest Open Lands. Our students enjoyed the beautiful fall weather during last week’s Nature & Poetry workshop at the Jean and John Greene Nature Preserve. We journaled and connected with nature as we followed the trail along the creek to a peaceful stretch of Lake Michigan’s shoreline. Thank you, Julia Lunn from Lake Forest Open Lands, for curating such a lovely walk and for helping us Expand Horizons through enriching student experiences!

Last week, our staff volunteered at the 17th Annual Invest For Kids Conference in Chicago. Tuesday was an inspiring day dedicated to supporting youth initiatives across Chicagoland. Waukegan to College is honored to be one of the 2025 Invest For Kids Grant recipients. Thank you, Invest For Kids, for your generosity and commitment to expanding educational opportunities for youth in our communities! For information on all 10 Nonprofit Grantees, visit their website: https://lnkd.in/gcR8ij5