Evanston High School is one of four Wyoming high schools selected to participate in a pilot program that places recent college graduates in the school to help encourage students to seek a higher education degree.
The Wyoming College Advising Corps program (WyCAC) is based on a national program that helps "create or enhances a college-going culture," says Becky Vinzant, assistant to the University of Wyoming's vice president for Student Affairs. Vinzant is the WyCAC grant administrator and is starting the program in Wyoming.
Recent graduates placed at Evanston High School will be employed by UW as part of the Wyoming College Access Challenge Grant and will work through the academic school year. Deadline for college graduates interested in the program is Nov. 19. To apply, visit the Web site at http://uwadmnweb.uwyo.edu/HR/hremployment/showjob.asp?jobid=10924.
Green River, Rawlins and Rock Springs high schools are the other pilot program sites.
"This program has been successful in 14 other states and I am excited to bring it to Wyoming. The individuals hired to work at our pilot schools will be UW employees working in the high school and living in that community," Vinzant says. "They will be trained by a variety of individuals involved in higher education in Wyoming. The goal of the program is help students explore colleges, assist them with the financial aid process and help them find a good fit. All colleges will be promoted - not just UW."
An adviser to the program at Evanston High School will be named at a later date.
"That person will work through mid-June, assisting juniors, seniors, parents and any other group the school would like them to work with," Vinzant says. "Think of this as two extra hands with a lot of energy to help the guidance counselors and others get the word out about college, scholarships and financial aid."
For more information about the WyCAC program, contact Vinzant at (307) 766-6440 or e-mail rvinzant@uwyo.edu.
