More of Wenatchee High School’s Hispanic grads continue education

WENATCHEE – A much higher than average percentage of Wenatchee High School Hispanic and low-income students head to college or technical school after graduation.

The percentages are based on data recently released by the state’s Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction for years 2011 through 2014.

The data showed little change overall in the numbers of students who went straight from high school into college or trade schools through those four years.

But a closer look at the numbers shows that the percentages for Hispanic and low-income students increased each year at Wenatchee, to the point where they are nearly equal across the board with all other ethnic and income groupings from the school. Most schools show a considerable drop off for ethnic groups other than white or Asian and for low-income.

Eric Anderson, WHS principal, attributes improved numbers of college-bound minorities and students from low-income families to the school’s AVID program. The federally funded program offers support beginning in middle school to students from low-income families and families who have never had a member attend college.

“It’s a huge benefit for pushing them in the direction they want to go. It gives them support all the way through school,” Anderson said. The program creates opportunities, study programs and social support for students who want to succeed but have little support and no role models in their families.

The percentage of Wenatchee graduates pursuing more education remained about the same between 2011 and 2014 – about 64 percent. The percentage of Wenatchee Hispanic students during that period has increased from 54 percent in 2011 to 65 percent in 2014.

In 2011, the percentage of students from low-income families continuing education was much lower than that of non-low income, 55 to 71 percent. By 2014, the differences had become much less significant, with 62 percent of low-income students going on, compared to 66 percent rate for non-low income students.

Again, Anderson credits the school’s AVID program for playing a part in those results. While many of the students in the program go on to two and four-year colleges, other students find out their interests are best met at trade schools and certificate programs.

The school district’s alternative schools, WestSide High School and the Wenatchee Valley Technical Center, also play a part in giving more students sound choices and opportunities leading to a career path, he said.

“It’s about placing a student where they can do best and be happiest. We don’t try to push them. Not all kids want or do well on a four-year college path,” Anderson said.

Wenatchee isn’t the only school that uses the AVID program.

Cashmere, Ephrata, Quincy and a few smaller NCW schools also have versions of the AVID program to support students.

The percentage of Hispanic students going on to college or trade schools was better than the state average at all of those schools.

But all but Wenatchee showed a significant drop off in the percentage of low-income students going on to college and trade schools.