Application and Release of Information

Dear Student and Parent/Guardian(s),

The Mercer Island community – parents, educators, advisors, coaches and others work hard to prepare our kids for success.  We want students, regardless of barriers, to have support and resources on a sustainable and ongoing basis during high school to pursue a four-year degree.

The objective of the Mercer Island Launch Educational Advocacy Project (MILEAP) is to support qualified high school students and families in our community with mentoring and connections to educational and financial resources to enhance the opportunity for university-level education.  Please visit our website at www.mileap.org for more information.

If selected, your student will be paired with an adult community volunteer(s) who will follow MILEAP guidelines and serve as a Family Advocate to mentor your child and family along this journey.

1.     Educational Guidance and Support:  Educational guidance ensures student meets with his/her MIHS counselor; understands the MIHS steps for graduation and college applications; receives academic tutoring, and SAT or ACT preparation course or tutoring (if needed); sits for the SAT/ACT exam(s) and receives any necessary tools to improve his or her test scores.

2.    Extracurricular Activity Support: Each student may receive financial support to participate in extracurricular activities to provide a well-rounded high school experience.

3.    College Planning and Counseling, and Financial Aid Strategies: Each student will be matched with a private college counselor. The counselor will help the student identify colleges that match his/her educational goals and entrance requirements, provide student with a timeline of due dates, and work with the student on applications and essays.  Each student and his/her family will also work with a college financial aid counselor to develop a strategy to finance this educational investment. 

4.   Mentorship: Each student will be matched with a volunteer Family Advocate who will help the student and family navigate the process.  MILEAP has developed an annual curriculum that dictates a prescribed rhythm of meetings with the Family Advocate and required activities. The Family Advocate will work with MILEAP staff to connect student with third party vendor services as needed.

MILEAP will provide up to $10,000 per student paid directly to third party vendors and affiliates who provide services on behalf of student related to the 4 pillars (above) of the program.  (Some vendors may charge student up to $5.00 per session for test prep and/or tutoring to ensure student participation.)

Qualifications to participate in MILEAP:

• Desire to attend a four-year university

• Ongoing commitment to academic achievement

• Ongoing commitment to participate in extracurricular activities, such as sports, summer camps, internships, paid work

• Willingness to be coached throughout the process

• Parental agreement for the student to participate in MILEAP

• Student must meet at least one of the following economic need:

  • Family receives public assistance

  • Student is ward of the state

  • Student resides in foster home

  • Student is homeless

  • Student participates in free or reduced-price lunch program

  • Student participates in a federally funded TRIO program (e.g. Upward Bound)

  • Family income is at or below the 2018 DHHS Poverty Guidelines  https://aspe.hhs.gov/poverty-guidelines

  • Extenuating circumstances

Attached please find: MILEAP application and a MISD Request for Records.  Please return the application and MISD Request for Records form to Counselor Susie Brown to be considered for the Spring. 

We look forward to working with you!                                                                                                       

Stephanie Creswell, MA, LMHC, CMHS