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

The partnership, announced this week, creates a streamlined admissions process for eligible AASD students, offering them automatic acceptance to Lawrence if they meet established academic and college-readiness criteria. The direct admission initiative aims to recognize students who demonstrate excellence and potential while highlighting the benefits of pursuing higher education close to home.

“This agreement is a celebration of the incredible work AASD is doing to prepare students for college and beyond,” said Robert Nowak, Associate Vice President for enrollment management at Lawrence. “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, 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, Lawrence will offer a simplified direct admission process, individualized support, and significant financial aid and scholarship opportunities to make a Lawrence education accessible.

“This partnership with Lawrence University opens doors for our college-ready seniors, providing them with a clear and direct path to higher education,” said Michael Hernandez, AASD Assistant Superintendent. “It sends a powerful message to our students and community—that their hard work is recognized and that a bright future is within reach.”

Greg Hartjes, AASD Superintendent, is excited about “building on our long-standing partnership” and showing students that a nationally recognized college experience is right here in Appleton.

“It creates opportunities for our students while keeping them connected to the community,” he said.

Lawrence, founded in 1847 along the Fox River in downtown Appleton, enrolls approximately 1,500 students from nearly every U.S. state and more than 40 countries. Known for its small class sizes, renowned faculty, and robust academic offerings—spanning the arts, sciences, humanities, and a nationally ranked conservatory of music—Lawrence consistently ranks among the top liberal arts colleges in the nation.

With this agreement, both institutions see a bright future built on community connection, academic opportunity, and student success.

"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’.”