R.I.S.E. is an outreach program sponsored by the Office of Minority Affairs and Student Outreach Ambassadors to
encourage high school seniors to prepare for the college admissions application process. Participants are introduced to the UW campus, college
admissions specialists, writing, scholarship, and cultural workshops. Pacific Islander students currently attending the UW play a major role
in facilitating educational and empowerment workshops for participants. Community leaders and faculty are also invited to participate as
facilitators to share their unique cultural heritage and experiences.
Conference Theme: "Ride the Wave"
We found this year's theme appropriate for highlighting the decisions and challenges high school seniors must face to realize the educational
opportunities that exists out there. The phrase "Riding the Wave" reminds us of a surfer, sitting idle on a surfboard waiting to catch the
right wave. The surfer waits patiently in the hot sun knowing that a high quality wave will give him infinitely more satisfaction than riding
just any wave that passes by. Like the surfer in this analogy, seniors interested in pursuing a higher education must also prepare mentally
so that when a golden opportunity floats by (hint: admission to UW), they too will enjoy the infinite satisfaction of attaining a quality education.
