Seattle University Promise Program Expands Opportunities for Students

Seattle University, continuing  in  its mission  to  empower  leaders for a just and humane world, is pleased to announce its intention to be the preferred transfer destination for  Seattle  Promise  students  via the creation of the Seattle University Promise.  Additionally, admitted Seattle Promise students enrolled in the  College Bound Scholarship Program  are eligible to receive full tuition awards at  SU.  

 “The Seattle University Promise reflects the University’s deep commitment to its relationships with Seattle Public Schools, Seattle Colleges and the Seattle community by establishing clear pathways to make our superb Jesuit education accessible to students of all backgrounds,” said Eduardo Peñalver, President of Seattle University.  

The Seattle University Promise  pledges that any Seattle Promise student who completes their Direct Transfer Associates  (DTA)  or Associate in  Science for  Transfer  (AS-T)  degree with a 3.0 or higher cumulative GPA is guaranteed admission to Seattle University.  The Promise will be in effect starting Winter Quarter 2022.  

 “The Seattle University Promise Program follows in the tradition of other university initiatives aimed at opening the door to higher education for students who may not otherwise consider attending college or lack the support network necessary to pursue higher education,” says Melore Nielsen, vice president for Enrollment Management.  

 Take  the “Change  Makers” program of the  Seattle University Youth Initiative, for instance.  With “Change Makers,”  Seattle University students support  Washington Middle School  scholars, preparing them  for high school and  beyond. In addition to helping  the  scholars find the innate leadership and power within themselves, the program introduces  them to  tech literacy, email professionalism and networking. With the help of SU Admissions, they also learn the fine details and components of college readiness, such as writing a personal essay and getting familiarized with the  Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) process  and other potential stumbling blocks to pursuing higher  education.  

Or consider the university's commitment to Rainier Scholars.  SU meets the full demonstrated financial need for every  Rainier Scholar  that  enrolls  at the university and establishes one point of contact so they can  be aware of the services available to them.  And the commitment the university makes to Rainier Scholars has no end date.   

 Adds Nielsen, “All these programs operate as a constellation. Rainier Scholars is a great organization and guides and exposes students from Highline, Renton and Seattle schools to higher education. ‘Change Makers” is an opportunity to mentor and guide promising young people in our own backyard. The addition of the Seattle University Promise Program for transfer students from Seattle Colleges to that constellation is about continuing to build accessible pathways to an SU education,” said Nielsen.