Wenatchee Valley College to host fall orientations to support new students

WENATCHEE — Wenatchee Valley College will host a series of orientation sessions for new students and their families in September to facilitate the transition to college life.

The "Puente to Excellence" orientations are scheduled for Sept. 5 and 18 at the Wenatchee campus and Sept. 12 at the Omak campus. Each session will run from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and offer concurrent workshops for students and family members.

Vanessa Saldivar, director of the college's Title V program, said the orientations focus on supporting first-generation and Latino students. "Through intentional content and an emphasis on cultural affirmation and connection, we de-mystify college and ensure students leave knowing they are welcome and will be supported at WVC," Saldivar said.

Student workshops will address topics such as academic advising, college expectations, and common challenges faced by first-year students. Family sessions, conducted in Spanish with English interpretation, will cover available resources and strategies for supporting students.

Both campuses will hold a Student Readiness Fair on Sept. 18. Faculty and staff will assist students with practical tasks like acquiring textbooks and finding classrooms.

The college is also offering a three-credit College Readiness Summer Bootcamp from Sept. 9-19, with tuition covered by the WVC Foundation. The course strengthens students' academic foundations and assists with placement in writing and math courses.

The orientations and boot camp are part of WVC's efforts to expand educational opportunities for Latino, low-income, and first-generation students, which are supported by a Developing Hispanic Serving Institutions grant.