Introduction

Hi! This year, I am proud to be a part of the Watsonville Ivy league Project (WILP) which is a prestigious program that takes students to the East Coast to visit the Ivy league Universities. During this trip, WILP students will be able to explore these universities and learn about programs offered and the admission process and get a good feel of the campus environment. Our WILP team of students this year has already started to meet up and discuss new ideas to fundraise and build a community. It’s an exciting and amazing opportunity to be able to meet with other WILP students and work together towards our goals!

This program however, comes with significant costs and I need your help to raise $3,700 in order to participate.

Application Process

I was one of 13 students to be selected for this year’s Ivy league program. The students were recruited from 2 Watsonville high schools, Pajaro High and Watsonville High, applicants were required to be in grades 10th and 11th with a minimum GPA of 3.75.

The application process was stressful and challenging. I had to fill out an application, write 2 personal essays, obtain a letter of recommendation from a teacher and had an interview with the selection committee. Through my dedication and hard work, I am grateful to have earned a place as a WILP member.

WILP’S Successes

From 164 of WILP past participants since 2007, 19 of them are attending or have attended Ivy league schools which is a 11.59% admit rate.( source: WILP database) The overall acceptance rate for Ivy leagues for the class of 2026 is at an averaged 5.22%, ranging from 3.19% to 6.91%. The Ivy league program has demonstrated that the WILP participants are earning Ivy league opportunities at double the admission rate, being of great impact towards students trying to reach high selective universities and colleges.

Academic and extracurricular activities

I find myself at WILP due to my academic success and dedication academically as well as to my extracurriculars. I have maintained an unweighed 4.0 GPA throughout my current high school years and have a 4.16 weighted GPA as of last semester. I’ve received a Science Scholar Award during middle school and was also part of a Flag Football team for 2 years, one of which undefeated the whole season. Although I am no longer part of the team, I continue to visit the school regularly and help out with the current Flag Football team. These past few years at my high school I have received 4 scholar awards which recognizes those with a GPA higher than a 3.5. Currently I am working on establishing a Peace Poll on campus to work towards the Seal of Civic Engagement which is a State-level award that recognizes strong commitment to community involvement. I am also an active member of 3 clubs, Hope club, Chemistry club and the Mental Health Awareness Club in which I have a leadership position in. I continue to complete community service hours by volunteering at public events hosted by these clubs.

Outside of school, I spend time volunteering at a variety of community events, including those held at elementary schools, middle schools, and other local organizations. These experiences have strengthened my leadership skills, sense of responsibility and commitment to giving back to my community. But I still need your help, your support would directly help make this opportunity accessible to me and allow me to represent my community through WILP.

Being able to participate in WIlP is the next big step for me to prepare for applying to prestigious universities. Your help would be greatly appreciated, this program will not only be a great opportunity academically but also personally. I do understand if you can't donate but please encourage others to donate.

Thank you,

Iris Alvarez