Every student recognized during CollegeReady’s annual celebration shared something powerful in common: each is on track to become the first in their family to earn a college degree.
— a Green Bay nonprofit that helps local students prepare and pay for college — honored students in its 6th–12th grade college readiness program for their academic success and commitment to higher education.
Held May 20 at the Weidner Center for the Performing Arts in partnership with UW-Green Bay and 冈本视频, CollegeReady Takes Center Stage! brought together students, families, educators, and community supporters to celebrate academic achievement while highlighting graduating seniors as they signed letters of intent to continue their education at their chosen college or university.
CollegeReady scholars were recognized not only for their academic achievements, but for the resilience and determination they demonstrated throughout their educational journeys. The celebration also highlighted the important role families play in student success, as parents and guardians cheered students on while celebrating years of hard work and commitment.
“This event is about celebrating what’s possible when first-gen students are supported, encouraged, and empowered to dream bigger,” shared CollegeReady Executive Director Brent Roubal. “Watching our graduating seniors sign their college letters of intent while younger students look on is incredibly powerful. These students are creating opportunities not only for themselves, but for their families and future generations.”
“We are honored to support the students being celebrated through the CollegeReady program and are inspired by their determination to continue their education beyond high school,” said UW-Green Bay Chancellor Michael Alexander. “The opportunity to support these students who will be the first in their families to commit to higher education is a privilege and something we take deep pride in at UW-Green Bay.”
CollegeReady scholar Miguel — a student at Washington Middle School and featured student speaker — shared how medical challenges throughout his life inspired his dream of becoming a doctor. With humor, honesty, and heart, Miguel reflected on how those experiences shaped his desire to help others.
“I now experience a sense of calm at hospitals, and I want to provide that comfort to other people,” Miguel said. “CollegeReady is helping me make that dream happen.”
Available to students within the Green Bay Area Public School district, the CollegeReady program was established to help underrepresented youth become the first person in their family to graduate from college. Students begin participating in the after-school program in the 6th grade and continue through high school and into college entrance. CollegeReady also engages parents and guardians in the college-going process, with monthly family workshops and bilingual support.
“Education has the power to open doors and change the trajectory of a student’s life,” said John Grant, vice president of student affairs at 冈本视频. “CollegeReady is helping students build confidence in what comes next, and 冈本视频 is proud to help provide pathways that move students from education into meaningful careers and continued opportunity.”
“For our students and families, this event represents years of hope, sacrifice, and hard work coming together in one moment,” said Roubal. “They’re setting a new standard for what’s possible, and we’re proud to celebrate their achievements and the bright futures they’re building for themselves and for our community.”
Through academic support, college prep, family workshops, service learning, and so much more, CollegeReady breaks down barriers to higher education that exist for many low-income and first generation students. In addition, participants earn up to a $5,000 scholarship toward their college expenses.
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About CollegeReady
Since 1962, CollegeReady (previously Scholarships, Inc.) has been the local “go-to” resource for Northeast Wisconsin students who need help funding their college dreams. The organization has awarded more than $14.4M in scholarships to thousands of local students, and provides support and encouragement to underrepresented, college-bound middle and high school students in the community through their college readiness program. For more information about CollegeReady, follow us on social media @CollegeReadyWI or visit CollegeReadyWI.org
