Our Purpose
Eagles in Flight empowers low-income students to see themselves as future college graduates by fostering early awareness, building a strong college-going culture, and providing sustained mentorship from high school through higher education. Through strategic partnerships with local middle and high schools, personalized coaching, financial aid guidance, and immersive experiences at the University of Mary Washington, we guide students to envision, prepare for, and achieve success in post-secondary education. While we celebrate all pathways to higher education, our program uniquely connects students to UMW’s supportive resources—including Pell Initiatives of Virginia, UMW Tuition Promise, and the Center for Student Transition, Access, & Retention Services (STARS)—ensuring that each Eagle in Flight has the tools, encouragement, and opportunities to soar into college and beyond.
Eagles in Flight is supported by a grant from the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV). This program is designed to help Pell-eligible and low-income high school students discover their potential, explore college life early, and build the confidence to soar toward their future at college and beyond.
Benefits for Students
- College and Career Readiness: Workshops and mentorship opportunities help students explore pathways, develop leadership skills, and build confidence for life after high school.
- Academic Support: Guidance on grades, attendance, test scores, and FAFSA completion to strengthen college applications and readiness.
- Targeted Outreach: Students who may benefit most include students from low-income households, those who qualify for free and reduced lunch, are likely Pell-eligible or likely to qualify for need-based financial aid.
- Engaging Experiences: Hands-on activities, networking opportunities, and skill-building sessions designed to inspire and empower students.
Program Participation Includes:
- Comprehensive Support for Schools – free of charge: UMW will provide financial aid advisors, retention specialists, and college access staff to assist directly in participating schools – offering FAFSA completion events, college readiness workshops, and student success programming at no cost to the district.
- Collaborative Partnership with School Teams: We work closely with principals, counselors, and staff to identify and support students who would benefit most from the program, ensuring alignment with existing school initiatives and goals.
- Data-Informed Student Support: Student participation is guided by relevant academic and engagement data, shared in full compliance with FERPA to protect privacy and confidentiality.
- Meaningful College Connections: Students will engage with UMW faculty, staff, and peers through mentoring, advising, and campus experiences designed to strengthen college and career readiness.
Partnership Expectations
Eagles in Flight is designed to be a light lift for schools while offering high-impact opportunities for students.
Schools will:
- Identify and share student data in compliance with FERPA to support targeted outreach.
- Provide a school contact (counselor, teacher, or administrator) to coordinate communication.
- Support student participation in workshops and events throughout the academic year.
Sample Activities
- Workshops: College awareness, career readiness, time management, and financial literacy.
- College Trips & Tours: Visits to the University of Mary Washington and other postsecondary institutions.
- Eagles Night: On-campus event for students and families celebrating growth and success.
- 1:1 Advising: Personalized support for academic planning, goal-setting, and college applications.
Program Details & Framework
The University of Mary Washington and our partner high schools are working together to support low-income and Pell-eligible students on their journey to higher education. The draft of our Memorandum of Understanding and Program Framework outline how this collaboration will serve students and their communities.
Want to know more about Eagles in Flight?
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