Campus was abuzz with excitement on Thursday, April 16, when approximately 200 high school seniors from local school districts attended Highline Expo 2026.
Students participated in an interactive adventure game called ThunderQuest to learn about Highline’s academic programs and possibilities. The game gave them a fun way to explore where higher education at Highline can take them. This was the third year of ThunderQuest, while the overall event celebrated its fifth year anniversary.
The students who attended are committed to Highline College or seriously considering it, making the event a key moment in their academic journey.
According to Director of Outreach and Recruitment Services Donna Tupufia Enguerra-Simpson, “Ultimately, the expo is about building relationships and meeting our future T-Birds.” She said planning for the event begins in fall quarter and includes planning committee representatives from across campus.
“To me, the Highline Expo is a celebration of our campus and a powerful opportunity to showcase our programs, resources, and welcoming community,” Tupufia Enguerra-Simpson noted.
The expo attracted students from several partner districts, including:
- Highline Public Schools: Mount Rainier, Tyee, Highline, and Evergreen High Schools.
- Federal Way Public Schools: Decatur, Todd Beamer, Thomas Jefferson, and Federal Way High Schools.
- Tukwila School District:Foster High School.
It also kicked off a series of Admission ThunderLabs, which will be hosted at 11 local high schools. These labs offer seniors the chance to learn about Highline from their own school campus.
In partnership with Entry Advising, Financial Aid, Cultural Learning Communities and other Highline departments, Admission ThunderLabs supports students as they navigate the application process, activate accounts, complete placements and register for New Student Orientation —ensuring they are fully prepared to start strong.