The Washington State Achievers Scholarship Program was implemented in 2000 to increase access to higher education among low-income students and students of color.

The Washington State Achievers Scholarship Program is managed at the state level by the College Success Foundation and has four primary goals:

• To encourage school redesign that facilitates high academic achievement and increased college enrollment among all students at the selected high schools 
• To identify and reduce financial barriers to college for talented, low-income students who have overcome difficult circumstances and who are motivated to attend college 
• To provide mentoring to ensure academic support is available to students once they are enrolled in college 
• To develop a diverse cadre of college-educated citizens and leaders in Washington state

Washington Achievers at Seattle University

The Washington Achievers Program at Seattle University is a mentoring program in support of students who have received the scholarship awarded through the College Success Foundation. The first cohort – 2 students – of Achievers scholars was enrolled at Seattle University in 2001. Since that time, the total number of scholars has increased dramatically: there are currently 61 Achievers scholars enrolled at Seattle University.

All first- and second-year Achievers scholars are required to meet with the College Mentor Coordinator (CMC) once per quarter. Third- and fourth-year scholars are not required to meet with the CMC, but it is highly encouraged.

All SU Achievers scholars are expected to complete their undergraduate degree in four or five years (students are eligible for the scholarship for up to five years).

Washington Achievers & the Mission, Vision, Values & Strategic Plan

The Washington Achievers Program serves low-income, high-potential students; thus it connects nicely with the Academic Excellence priority outlined in the University’s strategic plan. Additionally, the Achievers Program is an example of the University’s commitment to “strengthening the diversity of the University,” an area that the Strategic Planning Group identified as “cutting across all five strategic priorities.”