This blog post is the final installment in a three-part series honoring 2023 American College Application Campaign School of Excellence awardees. Read part one of the series featuring Ocean View High School in Ocean View, California, here, and part two showcasing the inspiring story of Petoskey High School in Petoskey, Michigan, here.
Timberlake High School in Spirit Lake, Idaho, is committed to making college dreams a reality for every student. This year, all 111 seniors applied to college during the 2023 American College Application Campaign (ACAC) cycle, submitting a grand total of 368 applications. Through dedicated support and personalized guidance, school leaders empowered students to envision and achieve their postsecondary goals.
With a large number of first-generation seniors, many from low-income backgrounds, Timberlake school counselors personally encouraged each student to consider the possibilities of postsecondary education.
“I believe that students need to know that there is someone on their side who wants to help them,” said Sebastian Kelley, college and career advisor at Timberlake High School. “Everything related to college can be so confusing for our students. By us having these events, we are able to help relieve the stress and anxiety that comes with the college process.”
To ensure every student had the opportunity to apply, the team focused on meeting with seniors during their government class to assist students in completing and submitting applications through Apply Idaho – a free one-stop-shop application process that allows students to apply to up to 10 in-state colleges through one common application.
Students who were absent were not forgotten – instead, they later met one-on-one with a college and career advisor. The counseling and advising team also encouraged staff and teachers to discuss postsecondary pathways.
When students asked him, "Why apply to college?" Kelley assured students it could only open doors to future opportunities.
“It is so important to take the risk and apply to college because we live in a world where you need some type of degree or certification,” he said. “You might get accepted into a school you had no idea that you wanted to apply to.”
Jenni Kimball, former ACAC state coordinator for Idaho, says that by providing students with the proper tools and the opportunity to achieve more, leaders at Timberlake High School created a path forward for students as they look beyond graduation.
“Timberlake's college application campaign ensured that every single senior now has the option to attend a two- or four-year college,” she said. “Having options is powerful and allows students to make the best decision for their future.”
The achievements at Timberlake High School underscore the importance of empowering students to believe in themselves and their potential to pursue a postsecondary education.