The Discovery Program is for students who know they are meant for something great, but don’t yet know where to channel their creative energies and leadership potential.

Program highlights include:

• Small group mentoring opportunities with the Academic Dean and President
• Special meetings with regional leaders from a variety of industries
• Personalized advising to help you select a major, courses at Trinity, and if necessary, advice about colleges you may wish to which you intend to transfer
• A special section of a class that that weaves your spiritual and ethical values into discovery of your personal calling
• Plunge into a homeless experience in Seattle
• Immerse yourself in art programming in conjunction with the Schack Art Center
• Hear from a local church leader about the needs for the church and our world today

Don’t Fret

Ever feel self-conscious about telling friends and family you are “undecided” about your choice of major? Trinity Lutheran College wants to put your mind at ease: You are not alone, and your openness to a variety of possibilities can be a good thing at this point in your life.

Did you know that most students who attend colleges and universities in the United States change their major at least once, and change their chosen career path four or five times? So don’t fret, Trinity has developed a program just for students exploring their purpose.

The Discovery Program is for students who want to discover their strengths and callings, make wise decisions about the future, and gain confidence in their ability to be successful professionals. 

Students who take part in the Discovery Program will receive college credit that will work toward a Trinity degree, or can transfer to most other colleges and universities. Moreover, your mentors will help place you in a major that best suits your strengths and passions—whether at Trinity or another college—or will help place you directly into a profession or track that does not require further collegiate study. Meanwhile, you will earn significant college-level general education credits.

Discover Strengths

While it will be your responsibility to thoughtfully consider your strengths and weaknesses, mentors will use resources, such as Strengths Quest by Clifton & Anderson, to help you choose courses and experiences that match your interests. The model for this program is the Scandinavian folk school movement developed by N.F.S. Grundtvig (1783-1872).

Discover Confidence

Many undecided students are searching for a sense of identity. The best way to find “who you are” is to discover a calling within the context of a group. The Discovery Program allows you to work as a close-knit cohort and help each other figure out your place in this world. Having a firm sense of identity will help you venture forth into college and career paths with confidence and peer encouragement.

Requirements for Admission

• Successful completion of the Trinity application process.
• A 2.75 or higher cumulative grade-point average (GPA) is required for admission for students from the United States. For students from Norway, a 4.00 or higher GPA is required.
• One additional recommendation from a teacher or employer that indicates your ability to represent yourself and Trinity well within the context of a professional workplace as you shadow professionals.

How to Sign Up for the Cohort

Students interested in the Discovery Program need to make sure they enroll in the special section of Vocation and Formation that is taught by President John Reed and Academic Dean Jeff Mallinson, after completing the application process during the registration process. Students who have questions about the program may contact the dean directly at jeff.mallinson@tlc.edu or 425.249.4800.