College & Career Access Initiative

Since 2022, Lincoln Southwest High School has expanded college and career opportunities for students through the EducationQuest College Access Grant. The program has provided college campus visits, industry tours, academic support through the Hawk Homework Hub, and student workshops covering college admissions, scholarships, dual credit, leadership, and career readiness.

The impact has been significant. While 23% of Lincoln Southwest students qualify for Free and Reduced Lunch, nearly half of the students participating in these opportunities came from that population. During the grant period, the graduation rate for those students increased from 69% to 90%, and the number of students receiving the prestigious Susan T. Buffett Scholarship more than doubled—from 8 recipients in 2022 to 18 recipients in 2025.

In recognition of these outcomes, Lincoln Southwest was selected as one of only three schools to present its success at the 2026 EducationQuest Symposium.

Although the EducationQuest College Access Grant concludes after four years, the need remains. Without continued community support, many of these life-changing opportunities may not be available to future students. Silver Hawk Support is committed to partnering with Lincoln Southwest to help sustain and grow these programs so every student has access to opportunities that prepare them for success after graduation.