University News

WIU Foundation Supports Liftoff! Summer Program

August 20, 2024

Printer friendly version

MACOMB, IL - - As the fall semester begins, a dozen first-year Leathernecks are starting the year with an in-depth understanding of the functions and opportunities at Western Illinois University. From July 14 to August 9, this group of students, including participants from as far as Texas and New York, spent four weeks living on-campus and participating in the annual Liftoff! Summer Bridge Program.

The Liftoff! program, which is financially supported by the WIU Foundation, is tailored to provide students with essential skills for academic and social success in college. Throughout the four weeks, students completed English 100 and University 100 courses, giving them an introduction to college coursework and the knowledge and effort needed to thrive in a university setting.

Outside of the classroom, Liftoff! provided students with unique opportunities to build familiarity with campus and community resources. Multiple offices, departments, and academic units created experiences for the students participating in the program.

"We were thrilled by how many of our campus partners stepped up and aided our scholars in learning about all facets of the university. They truly made the program special for our participants," Director of the Student Development and Success Center Jackie Price said.

Throughout the four weeks, the College of Education and Human Services hosted the Liftoff! participants for team-building exercises at Horn Field Campus as well as a study session and snacks and beverages, the College of Fine Arts and Communication provided tickets for the withonevoice concert, University Libraries staff oriented students to their facilities through a scavenger hunt, and the Office of Student Engagement and Campus Recreation organized multiple activities. One highlight of the program was a picnic, funded by the WIU Foundation, where Liftoff! participants had lunch and networked with multiple university faculty and staff.

The Liftoff! programming was specifically designed to assist students in navigating the balance between academics and social opportunities. Students who have participated in Liftoff! have proven to retain at higher rates and earn higher GPAs than their peers.

"Ultimately, the students had the opportunity to engage with classrooms, campus, community, and each other to learn that a healthy balance of attention to academics and social engagement is the key to a successful college journey and that it looks different for everyone," Price said.

The Liftoff! program is made possible through financial support from the WIU Foundation.

"Initiatives like the Liftoff! program are crucial to student success at Western Illinois University. Our donors are eager to support opportunities that have a real impact on our students, like Liftoff! We are excited to see what our most recent cohort of Liftoff! scholars accomplish during their time at WIU," Vice President for Advancement, Alumni Relations and Athletics and Executive Director of the WIU Foundation Clare Thopmson said.

For more information on the Liftoff! program, visit wiu.edu/liftoff To learn more about supporting initiatives through the Leatherneck Retention Fund, visit wiu.edu/FortheW or contact DIrector of Development Amy Crosby at al-crosby@wiu.edu

Posted By: Drew Donahoo (AM-Donahoo@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing