Washington University in St. Louis is pleased to announce the first cohort of its College Prep Program, a new multi-year initiative that will prepare high-achieving high school students with limited financial resources for college.
Twenty-six rising high school sophomores were selected from a pool of 125 applicants. All applicants were nominated by a member of the St. Louis community. The students hail from schools across the region.
From June 8-20, the students will live on campus, attend lectures and participate in various enrichment and leadership development activities.
They will return the following two summers for a three-week visit. During their second and third summers on campus, the students will take courses for credit and begin intensive college readiness programs, which include preparation for college entrance exams and drafting the college essay.
Washington University students, faculty and staff will remain in contact with members of the cohort throughout the school year as well, offering guidance and support.
Leah Merrifield, assistant vice chancellor for community engagement at WUSTL, says the goal is to help first-generation students feel comfortable on a college campus and to teach parents ways to support their children as they apply to and then attend college.
‘The Washington University College Prep Program admissions team was thrilled with the strength of the applicants to this inaugural class,” said Merrifield. “We are excited to welcome these incredibly talented local students to the Washington University community.”
Washington University College Prep Program 2014 Scholars
Emanuel Barcenas, Pattonville High School
Phallen Briggs. Metro Academic & Classical High School
Ericah Brown, University City High School
Marquise Butcher, Central Visual & Performing Arts High School
Vivica Natasha Cook, Carnahan School of the Future
Marques Davis, University City High School
Darreon Gordon, Gateway STEM High School
LaDarien Green, Maplewood Richmond Heights High School
Milton Green, Crossroads College Preparatory School
Talaja Griffin, Sumner High School
Heaven Guerin, Mary Institute and Saint Louis Country Day School
Mackenzie Hines-Wilson, Ladue Horton Watkins High School
Markell Lomax, Lift for Life Academy
Zuan Le, McKinley Classical Leadership Academy
Edwin McMurray, Lutheran North High School
Denye Mickens, Metro Academic & Classical High School
Aquonis Moody, Christian Brothers College High School
Jaliece Rivers, Metro Academic & Classical High School
Meris Saric, Gateway STEM High School
Madyson Silver, Maplewood Richmond Heights High School
Tabitha Smith, Hazelwood East High School
Caryn Vestal, Fort Zumwalt East High School
Jasmine Walker, Riverview Gardens High School
Katelyn Watts, Louisiana R-2 High School
Ahreial Williams, Northwest Academy of Law
De’Ja Wood, Mary Institute and Saint Louis Country Day School