College-ready AASD students offered direct admission to Lawrence University through new partnership

June 2, 2025

APPLETON – College-ready students in the Appleton Area School District (AASD) now have a direct pathway to a liberal arts education thanks to a new agreement between AASD and Lawrence University.

The recently announced partnership creates a streamlined admissions process for eligible AASD students, offering them automatic acceptance to Lawrence if they meet established academic and college-readiness criteria. 

“This agreement is a celebration of the incredible work AASD is doing to prepare students for college and beyond,” Robert Nowak, associate vice president for enrollment management at Lawrence, said. “It reflects our shared belief in the potential of young people who have shown academic strength, leadership and a readiness to thrive in higher education and stay in the community they’ve been part of for so long. We’re proud to open even more doors for students to consider Lawrence, a nationally recognized college right here in their community, where they can continue their journey close to home.”

Under the new program, Nowak said AASD will identify qualifying students, support them with college guidance and coordinate campus visits during their junior year – giving students an early, firsthand look at college life. 

In return, he said, Lawrence will offer a simplified direct admission process, individualized support and significant financial aid and scholarship opportunities to make a Lawrence education accessible.

“We want Appleton’s college-ready students to know they are seen, valued and genuinely wanted at Lawrence,” Nowak said. “This direct admission promise is our way of saying: ‘you’re not a number’ and ‘you belong here.’”