Camp College

Camp College 2024

Camp College provides rising juniors and seniors with an opportunity to spend time on Willamette’s campus experiencing college life, preparing for, and making progress on, their college search.

Organized by the Office of Admission, participants will reside in our residence halls and connect with members of the Willamette community, including professors, staff and current students for experiences that will demonstrate what their time in college will be like. Participants will also attend workshops to prepare for the college application process and visit other nearby colleges to have a wider view of the options that exist in the Willamette Valley.

Our ultimate goal is to cultivate a sense of empowerment and belonging in college.

Dates

July 24-26, 2024

Eligibility

Camp College is an application-based program. To qualify, you must:

Be a high school student in the class of 2025 (senior) or 2026 (junior)
Attend a high school in the Willamette Valley, including Portland metro and Eugene/Springfield
Demonstrate a solid commitment to attending a four-year college or university
Display leadership experience or potential

As a program designed to increase access to higher education for students historically marginalized, we strongly encourage students from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds to apply. This includes, but is not limited to:

First-generation college students – those with parents or guardians who have not obtained a bachelor’s degree.
Students eligible for the Pell Grant or who qualify for free or reduced lunch in secondary school.

What’s Included

There is no cost to attend this program. Students are responsible for arranging their own transportation to and from campus. Otherwise, the following is included:

All meals
On-campus housing
Program-related transportation

How to Apply

Submit the Camp College application.

Deadline

May 20, 2024

Notification

Students will be notified in late May.

Submit the camp college application

Questions

Contact the Camp College program coordinator, Sarah Schollmeyer, 503-370-6645.

PLANNED ACTIVITIES

Welcome and Check-In
Sample College Classes
College Preparatory Workshops:

College & Common App 101
Finding Balance in High School and College
Panel Discussion with Current Students
How to Choose a Major
What’s Study Abroad All About
Writing an Effective College Essay
An Inside Look at Outdoor Rec
Campus Tour and Information Sessions at Willamette and two neighboring colleges
Exploration of Downtown Salem
Financial Aid Session with Parents and Family Members

Camp College Frequently Asked Questions

Am I allowed to bring guests with me?

We will offer two sessions at the end of the program for parents and family members to attend. Otherwise, the rest of Camp College is only for students invited to attend.

How will I benefit from attending?

Participants will leave having made connections with professors, staff, including from the Office of Admission, and current students, visited three distinct colleges, gained knowledge about the college search, admission and financial aid process, and reflected on their interest and goals in attending a four-year college or university.

What happens after I apply?

The program coordinators will review all applications after the application closes and notify applicants via email with next steps, including when to arrive, what to pack, expectations of attendance and other instructions by late May.

Are meals included?

Yes, all meals are included for the duration of the program. Students with dietary restrictions should notify the program coordinators at the time of selection. We are able to accommodate most dietary restrictions and preferences.