Connecting to College

There are many ways to get into college programs.  For those who are working and balancing family life with hectic work schedules, the thought of going back to college seems overwhelming.  SkillUp Washington works with many community based organizations, training programs, city and county agencies, as well as colleges to assist those who are interested in going back to school, but may not be prepared for the rigor of postsecondary education.

“Bridge programs” and “On Ramp programs” are offered at colleges, public and private training agencies, nonprofit agencies, or through a variety of city and county programs.  Regardless of where they are offered, On Ramp and Bridge programs prepare working and non working adults to enroll in college credit courses.

Examples of Bridge programs include:  Developmental Education programs like the IT Boot Camp at Bellevue College; some GED courses that are directly linked to community and technical colleges.

Examples of On Ramp programs include:  Adult Basic Education courses for non native English speaking individuals and computer training classes offered at places like HopeLink, YWCA, and Goodwill.

Bridge and On Ramp programs often help students with one or more of the following: time management skills, test taking tips, writing, math, oral communication, and studying preparation.

Two populations that SkillUp Washington is closely working with are the homeless and the at-risk of homelessness. The Gates Foundation awarded $100,000 to SkillUp Washington to enhance and align our planning efforts with the overall Washington Families Fund planning process led by Building Changes and King County.  This funding assures that homeless/at risk of homelessness families are included in our goals of increasing the number of individuals enrolled in an On Ramp, Bridge, or college program.  SkillUp Washington aims to lead in system improvements that are integrated into the Economic Opportunity 5th pillar of the family homeless plan for the Washington Families Fund.

SkillUp Washington has a Steering Committee which is integrating the planning processes.  Additionally, the committee is incorporating the work of the Seattle Jobs Initiative (SJI), funded by the City of Seattle, analyzing effective on ramps to college and designing an Attainment Fund to support student success in college.  In the late 2009 or 2010, a pilot project to implement system improvements that better connect at risk and homeless families with the college, workforce development, and housing systems will be implemented.

To learn more about King County’s homeless population and workforce initiatives please click here:
Washington Families Fund