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The Road to College program tutors and prepares economically disadvantaged WFISD students for entry into college. The goal of this program is to provide a path toward higher education and higher economic development for the students and the community. Post secondary education is a key component to retain and attract employers necessary for continued economic development of Wichita County MSA. Further, college opens opportunities for these students that might not otherwise be available.
The Road to College Program (RTC) was developed to reach economically disadvantaged students in their early education (6th-12th grades). The RTC college program creates a culture of high performance and expectation encouraging the students and their parents or guardians to academically prepare for college. RTC, Universities and Foundations work together to ease access to scholarships and grants for students enrolled in the program.
The RTC Summer Camp held at Midwestern State University (MWSU) serves about 100 students ranging from 6th grade through 12th grade 2023-2024 academic year. With a STEM core and emphasis on advanced level reading, mathematics, writing, speech, social skills, and leadership, the program continues to display excellent outcomes with 99% of parents and guardians saying the program should be continued.
The RTC summer boot camp program will take place in June 2025 at MWSU. The total budget for the program from all sources is expected to be $55,000. The estimated contribution from the SW Rotary Club of Wichita Falls is $8,500. Of the $8,500 funded by SW Rotary: $2,500 is the DDF grant, $3500 in revenue share from the SW Rotary Flag program and $2,500 represents club funds (member & community donations and other fundraising activities eg. annual clay shoot, flag subscription program).
Throughout the 2023-2024 SW Rotarian engage with RTC Students and Mentors in several ways. Some members mentor RTC participants (College Mentors as well as High School Students). Students from the RTC program provide more than ½ of the students participating in our youth programs: MSU Scholarships, 4 Way Test Speech Contest, RYLA and our SW Rotary Flag program (flags placed 6 times per year - Rotarian / PTA partner driver & RTC Mentors place flags). RTC mentors also join our weekly meetings 4-6 times per year.
This year, SW Rotary is requesting a $2,500 district grant to help continue to fund the RTC summer bootcamp program. This will be our Rotary clubs seventh year participating in this critically important program,
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