Waukegan to College

08/14/2026

The countdown is ON for Waukegan to College’s 2nd Annual 1000 Dreams Gala! 🎉 Join us on October 11 for an inspiring evening celebrating Waukegan students, their accomplishments, and the bright futures ahead. This year’s Gala will feature live music from The Alibis, great food and drinks, auctions, raffles, and powerful student stories. Don't miss out on our Early bird ticket price!!!

Every ticket, table, sponsorship, and auction donation helps provide the advising, tutoring, mentoring, college visits, scholarship guidance, and career support our students need to pursue their goals. Be part of an evening that invests in students, families, and the future of Waukegan. 🎓💛💜

Please spread the word! We can't wait to see you there! Purchase tickets and sponsorships here: https://givebutter.com/c/1000-dreams-gala-2026

08/13/2026

Each summer, we offer a variety of different learning opportunities for our students. A couple weeks ago, we finished our Summer Skyrocket Program! This is an in-house program for our middle schoolers.

This year's theme was art 🎨🖌. The students learned about art history and color theory while creating beautiful pieces in different mediums such as sculpting, painting, collaging, and more!

Check out some of their sculptures, paintings, and drawings!

07/28/2026

We loved being part of the Waukegan Public Schools Back-to-School Resource Fair this weekend! It was wonderful meeting so many students and families, sharing information about our program, and connecting with our community!

Thank you to Waukegan Public Schools, Waukegan Park District, Township, City of Waukegan, and F.A.C.E. for making this event possible! We can't wait for another amazing school year! 💜💛

07/23/2026

This Saturday is the Waukegan Public Schools Back‑ 2 School Resource Fair—and Waukegan to College will be there!

Bring the whole family! There will be games, petting zoos, free haircuts, free school supplies, and tons of community resources to help your families start the school year right! See you there!

07/22/2026

We're honored to be featured on WGN Radio's The Business of Good segment, presented by BCU!

Thank you to WGN Radio and to our valued partner BCU for helping amplify our mission to support Waukegan students in achieving their college and career dreams!

Listen here:

This week on the Business of Good, presented by BCU: Waukegan to College. Jon Hansen shares how Waukegan to College helps more and more children be best prepared for college and future careers. To …

07/17/2026

College Changes Everything! 🎓

Waukegan to College attended Illinois Student Assistance Commission's College Changes Everything Conference to learn, connect, and bring back new ideas to help better serve our students.

We also had the opportunity to present "It Takes a Community," a session about belonging, vulnerability, and transformative relationships that help drive student success.

We even got to meet Univision news anchor Enrique Rodríguez-Univision!

07/16/2026

Throwback Thursdayyyyy!

Earlier this spring, our 5th grade pilot program wrapped up with lots of learning, laughter, and growth! We are so grateful for Boys & Girls Club of Lake County, IL as this was a collaborative partnership to help build confidence, strengthen relationships, and prepare for the student's exciting transition to 6th grade!

Shoutout to Matthew, our On-Site College Readiness Advisor and our entire middle school team for all the work they do with our youngest students! He brings the energy, creativity, and fun that students always look forward to!

07/08/2026

Boston, you did not disappoint!✈️

Our high school students recently explored the history, culture, and opportunities that Boston has to offer. Students toured college campuses, visited innovative companies, viewed iconic landmarks, cooked meals together, and navigated a new city!

When students get the chance to explore, they picture themselves on college campuses, meet professionals in exciting careers, and build the confidence to follow their DREAMS.

07/01/2026

Thank you for supporting student dreams! Scholarships are an important part of what we do at Waukegan to College. And because of generous donors and partners, we are able to gift our scholars with awards that advance their educational focus and reduce the need for student loans. THANK YOU Lake Forest Open Lands Association for the Susie Hoffman Scholarship and your support and collaboration throughout the years!

The Center for Conservation Leadership at Lake Forest Open Lands Association has awarded the Susie Hoffmann Scholarship for Nature and Conservation to six graduating high school seniors from across La...

06/30/2026

Our middle schoolers had an amazing time exploring the outdoors at Brushwood Center! They hiked the trails, learned about local plants and wildlife, and connected with nature and friends!

Students also took part in a creative “Tree Personality Test” led by therapist Ashley Cullen. They drew their own trees and discovered what their designs might say about them. Thank you, Brushwood Center, for being great partners and offering Expanding Horizons opportunities like these for our middle schoolers!