The Quest support of outreach projects does not end with the conclusion of the summer program. Staff members and volunteers are dedicated to assisting students in the implementation and continuation of their projects throughout high school. Outreach projects are a wonderful opportunity for students to experiment with leadership styles that will benefit them in college, and for them to increase their extra-curricular activity involvement—which will enhance their college application. Through regular check-ins, students and staff stay in touch about outreach projects, and staff members and former Scholars are available for trouble-shooting any issues that may arise.

Examples of current projects include:

• An after school English program for Hispanic day workers at a local high school
• An interactive lecture series on the environment for middle school children
• A community employment service for a Portland, Oregon community with one of the highest unemployment rates in the country.

This Quest network extends well beyond the outreach projects and college applications. Quest Scholars, staff, volunteers, and alumni form an important support structure, and many Scholars become almost like family members to one another. Because the program is small in size, most members of the Quest community know one another well, and it is not unusual for Quest Scholars to become college roommates, and fast friends.

The next section details Quest’s support of students after their college enrollment.