Wayfind Program
Wayfind is a college access program with a foundation in mentorship. Each fall, 8th grade students who attend East Union and Monroe Middle schools and then attend either Monroe High or Forest Hills High have an opportunity to apply for this program. School leaders and Wayfind Directors select 10 students from each school.
Wayfind scholars pair with Wingate University students who guide, support, and encourage scholars in their pre-college journey. Wayfind Scholars create a roadmap for college planning, receive SAT & ACT preparation, attend college visits, and participate in summer enrichment.
Wayfind is a selective program that prioritizes students who are historically underrepresented in higher education (i.e., first-generation college students of color). Other selection criteria includes the following:
- Academic promise demonstrated through grades, school attendance, and discipline.
- 7th grade End of Grade scores of 3 or greater (a lower score does not disqualify you from becoming a Wayfind scholar)
- Qualifies for the federal free and reduced lunch program.
Upon acceptance, Wayfind Scholars receive mentoring and support for 4.5 years, from the second semester of 8th grade through high school. Wayfind scholars who complete the full mentoring program, apply to Wingate University, and receive acceptance can receive a four-year, full-tuition scholarship. To date, Wingate has invested more than $2.5 million in the inaugural class of Wayfind Scholars that graduated from high school in 2023.