NELA Guides Northwest Students to College

Education provides the golden key that unlocks the door to a much brighter future. Yet, only 25 percent of Washington’s high school seniors are expected to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA).

“With the unstable economy, it is becoming vital that students pursue higher education to expand their opportunities and knowledge base,” says Lyanna Asada, manager of the Northwest Education Loan Association’s (NELA) Center for Student Success in Seattle. ”A general certification used to be sufficient in getting a good job, but now we’re seeing a push for students with at least a four-year degree.”

A recent report that found a significant barrier to higher education by low-income individuals was not a lack of opportunity, but a lack of information about colleges and financial aid opportunities. With only one career specialist per 1,200 students in Seattle, it’s no wonder that our students aren’t aware of the billions of dollars available to help them attend college.

One local nonprofit organization has a solution to fix the problems plaguing our region. Since 1978, the Seattle-based NELA has helped nearly 800,000 students in Washington and Oregon to pursue their dreams. The nonprofit organization offers free college and career planning resources, as well as guidance through the college and financial aid application processes.

At the Centers for Student Success, which opened in Seattle in 2003 and in Portland a year later, students can browse the library on colleges, vocational schools and universities, as well as information on which occupations are the most in demand. The program also promises to help students create winning college applications, prepare for the SAT and ACT or learn how to ace a college admission interview. NELA continues to offers support after college graduation by serving as a information source for loan repayment plans, deferment and forbearance options and the federal student loan consolidation program.

“The free public services we offer are critical,” says NELA Executive Director Karen deVilla. “Last year, we served more than 18,000 students from over 40 high schools, and we plan to continue to improve that number.”

“Before NELA, I didn’t really think about college because I don’t know anyone who has gone or could help me,” says Grecia Ramirez, one of many students who have benefitted from the program’s invaluable resources. “NELA presented me with the opportunity to expand my options in higher learning and they were my guiding light in the application process.”

“We owe it to all of our children to provide them with the tools to succeed,” said Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels at a gathering to celebrate NELA’s move from Queen Anne to the Central District. “We want our students and our families to take advantage of the resources at the NELA Center.”

The organization’s recent move places the college planning center near several of Seattle’s largest schools, where it can provide vital services to thousands of students in the area. Within one mile of the center, there are more than 25 public, private and vocational schools and educational programs, including Washington Middle School, Seattle Girls School, the ELS Language Center and the Islamic School of Seattle. The new location was specifically chosen to serve as a beacon of inspiration for students in the area who pass by daily.

While teenagers, college students and adults interested in returning to school are offered advice on college admissions, financial planning and career choices, junior high students typically start by exploring their primary interests and improving their reading, writing and study skills. Fifth and sixth graders may take part in the I’m Going to College program, which teaches the students about college and financial aid and distributes literature to parents about saving and planning for college. The program culminates with a visit to a local college or university.

At the Student Centers, it is not uncommon to find a classroom field trip has taken over the center. Students are encouraged to spend the day working with counselors and computer programs to discover their special strengths and unique weaknesses. The centers provide tools and training for parents, as well, to help them get a thorough overview of the options available and the processes involved. This is especially appreciated when the student is the first in their family to attend college.

“We believe everyone deserves an opportunity to pursue higher education,” says Asada, who recently graduated from UW, where she spent many volunteer hours working with the UW’s Big Island Outreach program to advise and encourage college hopefuls in her native Hawaii. “[At NELA], our goal is to assist students in choosing a college that best fits their individual needs.”

K-12 guidance counselors, financial aid officers and lenders are also provided with some important resources and tips on NELA’s website. They also have access to workshops, training seminars and updates on regulatory and legislative changes. And, businesses can contact NELA to schedule development programs for employees. The Our Better U series is designed to help staff members upgrade their business skills by learning how to work more effectively and improve their customer service.

NELA also sponsors popular events, such as the Spike Lee American Voices lecture series, which invites strong role models to offer advice and services to the students in the community. These leaders often serve as an inspiring example of the transformative power of education and dedication.

In addition to their outreach efforts, last year NELA presented $200,000 to nearly 150 college-bound students in Washington and Oregon through the Take Aim Scholarship program. It is also important to NELA to seek out every opportunity to collaborate with schools and leaders in the community. One of those programs is with the post-secondary institution, Debt Management Initiative, which offers students a wide spectrum of money management services so that they can avoid defaulting on their loans and ruining their credit.

One of the center’s most successful programs is Mentor-to-College, a network of peers, role models and mentors that come together from more than 30 Northwest nonprofit organizations that are working to improve educational opportunities for young people. The program creates building blocks for the students to progress toward college by setting specific goals to achieve at certain stages during their senior year.

With this program, they are not walking alone. Their peers and mentors help lead them through advice and first-hand experience. This is especially needed as many of the participating students are the first in their family to venture down the path to higher education. While the program currently pairs University of Washington students with seniors at Garfield High School, NELA is looking to reach out to other schools to join their network.

According to NELA’s website, as executive director, deVilla is focused on expanding the college planning services offered by the Centers for Student Success and improving access to higher education for the communities that NELA serves.

“If you have a dream that goes beyond high school, NELA is the program you want,” says Dika Jateny, another student who has taken advantage of the center’s resources. “They will help you with the confusing process of applying to college or even looking for the right college for you. It’s a great program.”

College and career counseling is offered at NELA’s Center for Student Success locations in Seattle and Portland, as well as on NELA’s website. Contact NELA at 206/461-5366 or washingtoncenter@nela.net. A variety of webcasts that provide information on credit reports, sensible living and winning scholarship strategies are also available.

by Nicole Murray