Latest news with #AASD
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Appleton public school students will receive direct admission, financial aid from Lawrence
Appleton public high school students who qualify can now receive direct admission to Lawrence University, according to an announcement by the Appleton Area School District and Lawrence University on May 21. The program is part of a new partnership between AASD and Lawrence that will take effect in the 2025-26 school year. AASD students will also qualify for financial assistance beyond what Lawrence typically offers. "We want to take care of our neighbors," said Lawrence assistant vice president Robert Nowak at a news conference. Students at Appleton Area School District public high schools who have at least a 3.4 GPA and required coursework are eligible. While Lawrence does not require standardized test scores for admission, the college typically asks for letters of recommendation and essays as part of that process. For AASD students, coach or guidance counselor letters of recommendation and personal essays would still be encouraged but optional; students would only need the application and high school transcripts. Teacher recommendations would still be required for AASD students applying for an instrument and major at the Conservatory. The process would "reward (AASD) students working extremely hard, who show they are committed to furthering their education," said AASD assistant superintendent Michael Hernandez at the news conference. Starting in the 2025-26 school year, AASD will identify students who qualify for Lawrence and coordinate campus visits to Lawrence; in return, Lawrence will offer those students a direct admission process and financial aid. The annual cost of tuition, fees and room and board at Lawrence is over $70,000 for the 2025-26 school year. However, AASD students would receive a minimum of $45,000 annually towards those costs in scholarships and grants. Only about three or four AASD students enroll at Lawrence annually, Nowak said, but he hoped the new program would increase that number. He said the program doesn't currently have a cap. AASD and Lawrence leaders said in a joint statement that the partnership will help broaden possibilities for local students. "We're proud to open even more doors for students to consider Lawrence, a nationally recognized college right here in their community, where they can continue their journey close to home," Nowak said in the statement. AASD Superintendent Greg Hartjes said the partnership "creates opportunities for our students while keeping them connected to the community." Hernandez told the Post-Crescent that since AASD reflects the broader City of Appleton, the partnership with Lawrence would encourage the city's young people to stay in the area. He also said Act 95, which offers direct admission to the University of Wisconsin-Madison to the top 5% of every Wisconsin high school class, "had something to do" with the AASD-Lawrence partnership coming to fruition. Lawrence vice president and chief of staff Christyn Abaray said in an interview that the agreement with AASD is part of a "really intentional" effort for Lawrence to connect with the broader community, pointing to Fox Commons and the new building to be shared with the Trout Museum of Art as other examples. "Appleton and Lawrence grew up together," she added. In recent months, several local secondary schools have sought to smooth the road to college for high school students. This spring, Fox Valley Technical College signed a credit transfer agreement with Ripon College and announced a new program for high schoolers to earn credits for FVTC's University Transfer two-year degree. Rebecca Loroff is a K-12 education reporter for the USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin. She welcomes story tips and feedback. Contact her at rloroff@ This article originally appeared on Appleton Post-Crescent: Appleton schools, Lawrence announce direct admission partnership
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
‘Celebrating Success': 90+ students in the Appleton School District recognized during Dunlap Awards
APPLETON, Wis. (WFRV) – On Monday, the Appleton Area School District (AASD) honored nearly 100 students during its annual Ronald C. Dunlap Student Success Awards. Over 90 students from all grades within the Appleton Area School District were recognized on March 17 during an event held at Madison Middle School. Winnebago County discusses future of UWO Fox Cities campus Students were recognized and awarded for their resilience, leadership, character, work ethic, and academic excellence. Each year, principals select up to three students from their respective schools who exemplify student success through those traits. Each selected student wins a Dunlap Award, which is named after former Lincoln Elementary principal Ron Dunlap who epitomized the school district's motto 'Every Student, Every Day.' Lincoln Elementary School is now named Dunlap Elementary. 'The pinnacle of a career': Grand Chute Police Chief retires after 44 years of service, 15 spent with department 'The diversity that we see in the audience tonight is amazing,' began AASD Assistant Superintendent Mike Hernandez. 'And it's just a picture of our hallways and is just a beautiful thing.' Hernandez added that it is too often that society looks at the negative aspects of public education, so the Dunlap Awards make it a great way to celebrate the hard work of every student. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
