Alene Moris Women’s Center

Making Connections

Mission: Making Connections is a comprehensive college-readiness program for high school students that increases college enrollment and career development through Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) disciplines for low income, first generation, and underrepresented students in higher education.

Vision: We believe that everyone deserves equitable access to higher education and success.

Since 1998, Making Connections (MC) has provided life-changing, wrap-around academic and enrichment services to students and their families. Housed at the University of Washington Women’s Center, MC combines the nuts and bolts of college readiness preparation with four years of career exploration, academic tutoring, personal and professional mentorship, leadership development, ongoing professional enrichment, and a lifelong network of allies comprised of MC alumnae and supporters.

The students who join Making Connections do not follow a checklist; they carve out their unique paths in collaboration with personal champions who customize the program every year based on those students’ dreams, interests, abilities and goals.

Learn more and get involved!

Ayan Hassan, Making Connections Alumna

A Twist of Fate. Ayan Hassan's life was changed by the Making Connections program - and then unexpectedly saved by one of the program's founders.

Ayan Hassan’s life was changed by the Making Connections program – and then unexpectedly saved by one of the program’s founders. Read Ayan’s story here.

 

MC at-a-glance

  • 100% of MC students have been accepted to college since 2007.
  • 98% of MC students are people of color.
  • 78% of 2019 MC graduates are pursuing education in STEM fields.
  • 22% of 2019 MC graduates are pursuing education in business or political science.

Making Connections Class of 2021:

  • 100% have graduated from high school in four years.
  • 100% have enrolled in higher education – 100% accepted in four-year universities/96% attending a four-year university
  • The Class of 2021 received over 1.3 million in scholarships.
  • Graduating seniors were accepted into 49 different universities

Elise’s story

Want to learn more about the MC experience? Meet Elise, a 2019 MC student.