Welcoming Our Newest DO-IT Scholar Cohort
Each year, the DO-IT Center brings together college-bound high school students from across Washington state to build a community of support around college success. Our 2026 DO-IT Scholars come from across Washington state and have a broad range of interests. They are supported by DO-IT offices in Seattle at the University of Washington and in Spokane.
The Scholars program starts well before summer. By February, each Scholar has submitted a student application and worked with their parent or guardian and teacher, counselor, or coach for their recommendations. Students also submit a copy of their transcript. Then, our Advisory Board reviews application materials and recommends a cohort. It’s always challenging for the Board because every application submitted represents a wonderful college-bound student. We wish we could accommodate every student who applies.
Scholars then work with staff to request accommodations for online learning, residence hall living, travel to Seattle, classroom sessions, getting around campus, campus dining and more. This is a great way for students to experience what the accommodation request process is like for many colleges. Over the next year, Scholars are encouraged to make sure their official disability documentation supports the accommodations they used during Summer Study.
Zoom and Canvas are amazing tools that allow us to connect from across the state during the first week of camp. Scholars get to know one another and the DO-IT staff via online sessions. We explore topics like disability history and college transition.
We welcome Phase 1 (first year students), Phase 2 (returning second year students), and 3rd year interns for the on-campus week. Scholars get to experience life on a large college campus, live in a dorm, participate in experiential learning, and continue building their networking community. DO-IT strives to build a fun, safe, and inclusive experience.
During Phase 1, Scholars explore campus and visit learning environments such as Suzzalo Library, the Greenhouse, the Seismology Lab, and the Assistive Technology Center. Meanwhile, Phase 2 strengthens their cohort through their work with a workshop partner. In recent years, our main workshop collaborator has been the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture. Students develop and present a “Phase 2 project” to the whole group. Together, all Summer Study students enjoy creating something new at a Makerspace, sharing their talents during karaoke night, enjoying UWs excellent food and meals, and bowling at the Husky Union Building.
Students are encouraged to stay involved throughout their lifetime as mentors. Primary funding for the Scholars program is provided by Washington State. To learn more, visit the DO-IT Scholars website, or review the DO-IT 30th Anniversary Retrospective magazine. If you would like to contribute to help fund additional Scholars, please visit the DO-IT donations web page.
