Starting Strong: Caydence’s Journey to Peninsula College
College Success Foundation Scholar Caydence is feeling confident about having her ducks in a row for college in the fall. During the second half of her senior year at Sequim High School, she took a career readiness class, and with the support of CSF advisor David Roubik, she made sure her college and scholarship applications, as well as her financial aid, were good to go.
While on one of her campus visits to Peninsula College in Port Angeles, Caydence completed her college application on the spot: “I was excited, so I filled out the paper version of the application when I was there.” Like most community colleges in Washington state, Peninsula College has an open-door admissions policy, where students are accepted upon application.
“Bringing high school students to visit Peninsula College is an eye-opening moment for them, explains David. “To see what PC has to offer, how affordable it is and that it is close to home makes it very appealing.”
Peninsula College and Sequim High School are two of CSF’s partners from PREP (Post-Secondary Readiness and Enrollment on the Peninsula). PREP is a comprehensive, cross-sector regional partnership that aims to help students continue their education and career training after high school. This three-year initiative is supported by the Gates Foundation’s Horizons Regional Grant Program and coordinated by the West Sound STEM Network.
CSF advisors work with students from 15 local school districts/Tribal schools throughout the Peninsula to help students transition from high school into postsecondary education — whether that’s an apprenticeship, career certificate, or two- or four-year degree program.
“Developing strong relationships with students is key,” points out David. “Students are often hesitant to apply for scholarships or financial aid on their own, and it takes many small steps and support along the path. Having someone that they can trust and rely on for help goes a long way.”
Balancing Commute, College and Career Goals
To keep things more financially reasonable, Caydence will continue to live at home and commute 45 minutes each way by bus from Sequim to campus, four days a week.
“CSF helps students understand that there are affordable, high-quality education and training programs available close to home and that these pathways can lead to well-paying, sustainable careers locally and across Washington state,” notes David.
Throughout high school, Caydence enjoyed playing percussion and took pride in performing with both the Sequim City Band and her school’s marching band. Now looking ahead, she plans to turn that passion into a future career in music education.
“I want to tutor kids or become a music teacher. I am looking forward to my History of Rock and Roll and Intro to College classes,” says Caydence. “I’m also excited about the prerequisites I will take.”
Creating a Sense of Belonging at Peninsula College
Caydence anticipates joining the affinity group that her CSF coach, Marlene, is starting up: “I plan to schedule one-on-one meetings with Marlene, and she was telling us about a new group to join for CSF Scholars.”
The new affinity group on campus is designed to support CSF Scholars, like Caydence. As a first-generation college student, the club will help provide a sense of belonging for students navigating the complexities of college life. And as a commuter student, creating a “home away from home” at Peninsula College will be crucial for Caydence to persist through her first year of college.
“As the CSF college coach at Peninsula College, I have the honor of welcoming CSF Scholars to campus and giving them a safe place to land,” shares Marlene Godsey. “Providing students with extra support and anticipating potential roadblocks before they happen helps students stay engaged and on track to their degree.”
Over the summer, CSF hosted a new student summer picnic, inviting the 84 CSF Scholars who will be attending Peninsula College in the fall. It was an opportunity for the freshmen to meet Marlene, have their questions answered, and confirm that their college and financial aid paperwork was ready for the start of school.
“We worked one-on-one with students over the summer to set them up for a successful college launch,” reflects Marlene. “Peninsula College is ready for the incoming freshmen to start a new school year, and so are our students.”
Learn more about the PREP partnership.
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