UMW program to launch for high-schoolers

by CAROLINE PREUSS

Staff Writer

The University of Mary Washington has launched Eagles in Flight, a new State Council of Higher Education for Virginia-funded college access program that works with local middle and high schools to support low-income and Pell-eligible students through early advising, academic mentoring and guided steps to college enrollment.

According to the Eagles in Flight website, the program aims to prepare high schoolers before, during and after the college preparation and application process.

“At the University of Mary Washington, we believe that the journey to college begins long before senior year,” the website reads. “Through our early high school programs, we’re dedicated to supporting students who are exploring their potential, building confidence, and preparing for life as future Eagles.”

Ultimately, the program is focused on making UMW more approachable for candidates still considering applying for college.

“By engaging students early through programming, activities and experiences, Eagles in Flight aims to increase post-secondary enrollment among students who may not initially see a college path in their future,” said Dean of Admissions Melissa Yakabouski. “By providing a UMW team to mentor and support these students while also engaging their family members, we hope to put Mary Washington at the top of their college list, bringing UMW closer to the Commonwealth’s goal of 25% Pell-eligible enrollment.” 

Eagles in Flight is structured as a long-term program that follows students beginning as early as eighth grade through 12th grade. Participants then continue receiving support through high school graduation and the transition to postsecondary education. 

The target population includes students from low-income households, students eligible for free and reduced lunch, likely Pell-eligible students and others who may have limited access to college preparation resources. 

Each year, partner schools can recommend rising ninth graders for participation. 

“We hope to recruit up to 75 Eagles each year to start as 9th graders,” Yakabouski said.

Students are identified using a combination of academic indicators, attendance data and measures related to financial need. UMW and partner schools coordinate to determine which students may benefit most from consistent academic advising and college-readiness support.

UMW provides a “Flight Crew,” a team responsible for delivering advising sessions, workshops, mentoring and campus-based programming.

“Admissions is primarily working with 11th and 12th graders, while the Flight Crew will support students beginning in 9th grade,” Yakabouski said.

Throughout the year, participants receive one-on-one advising, small group mentoring and opportunities for academic planning. The program also includes summer activities such as day camps, bootcamps and college readiness sessions designed to support academic and personal development.

Eagles in Flight also includes programming for families. Parents and guardians can take part in workshops focused on FAFSA completion, college search processes, financial aid and methods for supporting student success in high school. This support is intended to provide families with structured information relevant to the admissions and financial aid process.

“This program follows UMW’s history of supporting successful access programs such as the James Farmer Scholars and the Rappahannock Scholars,” Yakabouski said.

While UMW defines enrollment at any postsecondary institution as a successful outcome, the direct admission route provides students with a clearly defined entry option to the university.

STARS is listed as a supporting partner for the program. STARS Ambassadors, trained UMW student leaders, may assist with mentoring, small group sessions and student-support components of the program. The level of collaboration between STARS and the Flight Crew may vary as implementation progresses.

“We see tremendous opportunity to partner on in-school engagement, peer mentoring, and collaborative campus visits that build awareness and confidence for college-bound juniors and seniors,” said Justin Wilkes, Director of the STARS Office. “Together, we can create a more intentional bridge from high school to UMW that supports students before, during, and through their first year.”

UMW submitted the grant proposal in February. It was approved in May, and hiring began over the summer. 

“The director began in September and hit the ground running to design the program and identify prospective partner schools,” Yakabouski said. 

UMW is currently signing agreements with four high schools across two districts for the first year.

The program is still in its early rollout phase. Public information does not yet include an official launch date, the full list of partner schools or the number of students in the first cohort. More details are expected as UMW expands school partnerships and adds additional cohorts.