Cougs Rise
ABOUT COUGS RISE
Cougs Rise is an initiative of the Office of Academic Engagement and works with students as they transition to college, providing support to finish high school strong and start their higher education journey successfully. In addition to assisting with the process of going to college (financial aid applications, admission, registration, housing, etc.), Cougs Rise provides transitioning students with a mentor who is a current Coug and had similar experiences along their journey. Prior to their first fall semester of college, students also have the opportunity to participate in a summer “bridge” program, during which, they can get a jump start on core classes, gain skills to be successful, become familiar with the campus and community, and develop a network of faculty, staff, and peer support.
At this time, Cougs Rise works with low-income and first-generation students from seven Washington high schools, serving 180 participants annually through three federal TRIO Upward Bound grants from the US Department of Education. Preparation programming and mentorship is designed to build a network of resources for the student, develop a sense of belonging, and allow engagement in high-impact educational experiences that support their long-term success.
JOIN OUR PROGRAM
COUGS RISE ELIGIBILITY
Cougs Rise serves students from low-income families in which neither parent holds a bachelor’s degree. To be eligible, you must attend one of seven partner high schools:
Cougs Rise participating high schools:
- Bremerton High School
- Hudson’s Bay & Mountain View High School (Vancouver)
- Rogers & Mead Senior High School (Spokane)
- University & Central Valley High School (Spokane Valley)
As part of a federal grant from the U.S. Department of Education, participants must be U.S citizens, lawful permanent residents or citizens of a U.S Territory.
To continue with this application, please see the “Apply to our Program” section for application links. Thank you for your interest and we look forward to seeing your application. Please feel free to call or email Rebeca Sainz Metzler at the contact information in the right column, as well, with any questions.
CONTACT US
Rebeca Sainz Metzler
Director, College Access Programs
Want to support Cougs Rise?
Notice of Non-Discrimination
WSU does not discriminate and prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, race, color, national origin, disability, age, religion, creed, genetic information, marital status, protected veteran/military status, or immigration or citizenship status in any education program or activity that it operates complaint with Title IX and other civil rights laws and regulations. Inquiries regarding Title IX, ADA, or other civil rights laws, as well as reports of discrimination can be directed to the Compliance and Civil Rights, WSU ADA Coordinator, or WSU Title IX Coordinator. More information on WSU’s policies and procedures to respond to discrimination and harassment are available here: Nondiscrimination statement.
Cougs Rise is 100 percent federally funded at $297,601 annually per Upward Bound grant through the Department of Education.