For many high school students, a college campus visit is a rite of passage and a key step in envisioning life after graduation. However, students in Washington’s rural Glenwood and Lyle school districts often cannot participate due to geographic and resource limitations. That’s why, through the Horizons Advising Partnership, College and Career Readiness Advisor (CCRA) Phoenix Dorsey-Billy and Glenwood School Counselor Bridget McLaughlin organized a transformative three-day college tour to help close that gap.

In November 2025, three students from Glenwood and eight students from Lyle set out on a trip across the Cascades to visit three different college campuses: Central Washington University, the University of Washington, and Western Washington University.

The field trip, sponsored by the Horizons Advising Partnership, was more than just a series of tours. It was an opportunity for rural students, many of whom are BIPOC, first-generation, or from low-income backgrounds, to imagine a future that might have once seemed unreachable.

“This trip wasn’t just about showing students what college looks like, it was about helping them feel that college is a place they can belong,” said Dorsey-Billy. “So many of our students worry about leaving home, and being able to visit campuses nearby showed them they don’t have to go far to pursue their dreams.”

Each stop on the tour allowed students to explore dormitories, dining halls, lecture spaces, and student life centers, providing a complete view of daily college life. However, the learning wasn’t confined to campuses. In Seattle, students visited the Museum of Pop Culture (MOPOP), where they spent time in the sound studio playing instruments and recording their own songs. In Bellingham, they checked out the local mall and gained a sense of the broader community beyond just the university.

Students explored the areas beyond campus

Students explored the areas beyond campus

Student engagement and behavior were consistently praised throughout the trip. From hotel staff at Oxford Suites complimenting the group’s quiet hours conduct, to MOPOP staff remarking on their politeness, the students stood out.

“It was incredibly rewarding to receive such positive feedback from people outside our school system,” said McLaughlin. “It reflects the growth and maturity our students are developing, and I believe experiences like this greatly contribute to that.”

The trip also sparked introspection and future planning among the students. On the way home, several reflected on their favorite moments and what they had learned. For one student, it was the first time traveling beyond Olympia. For others, the visits clarified what kind of campus environment they might thrive in.

“I watched perspectives shift in real time,” Dorsey-Billy noted. “Even students who realized a certain school wasn’t for them still walked away with new clarity, and that’s a win. It’s about helping them define their own path with confidence.”

The tour directly supports the Horizons Advising Partnership’s mission: to boost postsecondary enrollment, financial literacy, and dual-credit opportunities for rural students by placing dedicated CCRAs, like Dorsey-Billy, in schools. The aim is to increase postsecondary enrollment from 43% to 60% by 2027, with a goal of 70% by 2030.

By guiding students through one-on-one planning sessions, helping them explore High School and Beyond Plans, and connecting them with real-world college and career opportunities, CCRAs serve as both mentors and advocates.

“We want every student to feel seen, supported, and capable of shaping their own future,” said Dorsey-Billy. “My message to them is always the same: don’t let fear, or your zip code, limit your ambition. Dream big, and don’t be afraid to take that first step.”

This trip was that first step for many. And thanks to the Horizons partnership, it won’t be the last.

About Horizons Advising Partnership

The Horizons Advising Partnership, funded by the Gates Foundation, is a three-year initiative (2024–2027) designed to support over 2,500 students in 12 rural school districts across Southwest Washington. Through collaboration with ESD 112, WSU Vancouver, Clark College, and Lower Columbia College, the partnership aims to expand access to postsecondary opportunities, with a special focus on students from underserved communities.