Post-Secondary
Exploration
Supporting Renton School District Students'
Culturally-Affirming Postsecondary Exploration
Renton Schools Foundation is excited to support Renton School District's Culturally-Affirming Postsecondary Experiences. ​To learn more about this amazing program, please read the article below by Kirsten Thornton, the Renton School District College and Career Readiness Program Coordinator.
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Cost per Student:
The HBCU Tour cost per student is: $2,384
The HSI Tour cost per student is: $1,045
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Discover Renton Schools' Culturally-Affirming Postsecondary Experiences​
Postsecondary exploration in Renton School District is being transformed, students aren’t just learning about college, they’re living it! We believe every student deserves a bold vision for their future and real, hands-on opportunities to make that vision a reality. That’s why Renton Schools’ Post-Secondary Experiences are built around meaningful, culturally-affirming programs that empower students to see themselves thriving in college, career, and beyond.
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Our district is committed to breaking down barriers and opening doors for all students. From walking historic campuses at the edges of Washington State, to crossing the country as part of the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Delegation, students discover new worlds of possibility. These journeys connect students with both the rich cultural heritage and the diverse, real-world experiences that shape success, giving every participant a chance to walk in their future.
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We know big dreams can bring big questions and real anxieties. That’s why our programs are purpose-built to increase awareness of opportunities beyond King County, and to help students step confidently outside their comfort zone. Every trip and every conversation is designed to affirm students’ identities, build community, and show that belonging is possible anywhere.​​
​HBCU Delegation: Impact and Outcomes​​
We’re thrilled to celebrate our fourth year of the HBCU Delegation, a program that’s making a game-changing difference for Renton students! The numbers speak for themselves:​
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HBCU Delegation participants have outperformed district averages by 26 percentage points, state averages by 23 points, and national estimates by an incredible 65%.
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Since 2023, 94 students have participated, 50 have graduated, and 86% of delegates enrolled in postsecondary education.
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4-Year College Enrollment: 58%
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2-Year College Enrollment: 26%
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Apprenticeship/Certificate Programs: 4%
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HBCU/PBI Enrollment: 30%
What’s more, Renton’s overall 4-year college enrollment rate has climbed by 12% since 2016, and the HBCU Delegation is a major part of that progress. Students in our program are now twice as likely to enroll in a 4-year college compared to previous district averages, and 30% of delegates choose to attend HBCUs or Predominantly Black Institutions (PBIs). By building college knowledge, self-confidence, and a sense of cultural pride, delegates are demonstrating not just readiness, but true choice.
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Some students who earned HBCU acceptances ultimately enroll locally, showing powerful college readiness and agency, they know their options and make informed decisions.
​Our Commitment: Expanding Opportunity​​
The HBCU Delegation is more than a trip, it’s a movement. We’re expanding access, opening paths, and fundamentally reshaping outcomes for Black students. Each participant is:
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More likely to attend college
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More likely to pursue a 4-year degree
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More deeply connected to culturally-affirming educational pathways
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College-going rates among Black students have soared from 58% to 86% in just three cohorts. That momentum drives us forward as we prepare to launch our fourth delegation this year, taking 30 students to the vibrant campuses of New Orleans and Houston, including:
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Southern University
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Xavier University
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Louisiana State University
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Texas Southern University
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Prairie View A&M
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University of Houston
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​New! HSI Delegation: Connecting, Exploring, Belonging
We’re excited to announce the inaugural Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) Delegation! Twenty Renton students will embark on a multi-day tour to leading HSIs in California, a trip that honors cultural roots and supports college dreams. Scheduled campus visits include:
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Palo Alto University
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Stanford University
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Chabot College
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East Bay College
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Stanford University
Every step, every story, and every connection is shaping a more inclusive, affirming future for Renton students. As we build pathways together, we invite families and community members to join us in supporting students as they discover, dream, and achieve!​
Learn what this program has meant for our Renton Community!