Retention Project

Overview

The Retention Project utilizes service-learning as a strategy to improve the retention of first-generation college students and the academic advancement of disadvantaged high school students. Washington Campus Compact (WACC) directs the administration of the Retention Project in collaboration with Washington state colleges and universities, high schools, community leaders, and policy makers.

The Retention Project is an AmeriCorps program.  AmeriCorps is a service, leadership, and citizenship program funded by the federal government.

WACC and its higher education host sites will provide training and professional development opportunities to 20 full-time AmeriCorps members. With this training, members will recruit and train first-generation college service-learning students; together, they will mentor disadvantaged high school students.

The Retention Project will:

1. Improve academic achievement and advancement rates of higher ed students, and increase the interest in participating in postsecondary education of disadvantaged high school students.

2. Mobilize volunteers.

3. Support the development of civic engagement skills, behaviors, and attitudes of disadvantaged high school students, college students, and AmeriCorps members.

Program Impact

Retention Project AmeriCorps members fulfill the Retention Project mission by devoting their year of service to specific program objectives. Each member participates in these activities:

• Recruitment Retention Project members recruit, place, and manage first-generation college service-learning students to mentor disadvantaged high school students.
• Advising Retention Project members serve as service advisors to higher education students on a regular basis. Through a variety of advising and reflection strategies, members will support the development of civic engagement skills, behaviors, and attitudes of disadvantaged high school students and college students.
• Community Service Retention Project members serve in community programs and/or agencies on a weekly basis by providing direct service to local nonprofits or schools.

All members strive to strengthen communities by bringing together higher education institutions, community organizations, and individuals to cooperate in support of lasting and constructive change. They collaborate  with National Service programs and traditional volunteer organizations by participating in special days of service and service projects, sharing resources, and improving capacity.

The Retention Project engages members in worthwhile service, education, and leadership development activities:

• Core Training and Site Specific Training Retention Project members complete training—provided by Washington Campus Compact, cluster groups, and their local host campus—in a variety of skill- and knowledge-building areas to help them be more effective at their service site. These training areas include AmeriCorps Program Orientation and Affiliation, Team Building, Communication, Diversity, Leadership, and Life After AmeriCorps.
• Reflection Retention Project members maximize their service experience by participating in regular and thoughtful reflection, as well as by creating member development plans to guide their educational, professional, and service-related goals.

A Retention Project AmeriCorps member receives a monthly stipend, medical insurance, and an educational award upon successful completion of the one-year term of service (10.5 months).

2007-2008 Washington Campus Compact Retention Project Partners

• Big Bend Community College
• Cascadia/UW Bothell
• Eastern Washington University
• Edmonds Community College
• Evergreen State College
• Gonzaga University
• Heritage University
• Lake Washington Technical College
• Northwest Indian College
• Seattle University
• Spokane Community College
• Tacoma Community College
• University of Washington Tacoma
• Wenatchee Valley College
• Western Washington University

Retention Project Online Forms

• Timesheet 2007-2008
• Member Development Activity Form 2007-2008
• Member Development Plan 2007-2008
• Member Site Review
• Service Project Form 2007-2008
• Winter Service Plans 2007-2008
• Retention Project Member Contract 2007-2008

Progress Report Forms

• WACC Civic Engagement Survey
• College Student Mentor Log
• Mentee Survey
• Mentee Survey Tally Sheet
• Narrative Data Report
• Progress Report Guide Sheet
• Special Events / Projects Volunteer Log
• Student Mentee Log
• Teacher / Administrator Survey

Site Supervisor Forms

• In-kind Voucher Form
• Member Performance Evaluation

Program Contacts
Linda Schnee
Program Director / Retention Project Program Manager
360-650-7263
linda.schnee@wwu.edu

Colleen Kane
Retention Project Coordinator
360-650-6476
colleen.kane@wwu.edu

Washington Campus Compact
c/o Western Washington University
MS 5291, 516 High Street
Bellingham, WA 98225-5996
360-650-6895 (fax)

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