“Skill up for our future” report highlights new workforce data!

This week, Washington Roundtable, Partnership for Learning, and Kinetic West unveiled "Skill Up for Our Future," a new report that explores the future of Washington's workforce. Take a look, here!

The report shared that at 75% will require postsecondary credentials. The analysis identifies six industry clusters that— advanced computing and technology, construction and skilled trades, healthcare, education, business and management, and clean technology. These high-demand careers will exhibit high growth in jobs that provide living wages and economic mobility!

While Washington is currently leading the U.S. in 10-year GDP growth and ranks 9th in long-term job growth, we are expected to face a shortfall of nearly 600,000 credentialed workers over the next decade, including 301,000 with bachelor’s or advanced degrees, 67,000 with associate degrees, and 228,000 with certifications or apprenticeships.

Nonetheless, FuturesNW remains dedicated to supporting students in achieving their career and college aspirations, while simultaneously addressing workforce and credential gaps!

QuickStart to College: Mentoring Reflections from Our Lead Mentor, Adilene Landa Garcia

After some rest, our QuickStart Mentors continued their support towards QuickStart by filling out a Post-Camp Survey. Here they had the opportunity to celebrate wins and detect areas which could be improved upon throughout the camp for the incoming years. We received thoughtful feedback full of gratitude. With the first question on the survey reading “What did you like the most about being a mentor? Why?”, mentors emphasized the relationships built. Mentors loved getting to be around other first-generation mentors and working with students who share that background. Being able to reflect on past experiences and provide for mentees what you did and or did not receive while in their place was highlighted too. Mentors enjoyed the balance of community building with all attendees and the deep support, teaching, and the work that we engage in for mentees. Lastly, mentors enjoyed having their subgroups which consisted of around 6-7 mentees and 2-3 mentors. Our next reflective question engaged mentors to choose a favorite memory and name the reason why it was memorable. A favorite activity that surged was our Lakewood evening because of the activities involved, they got students to have some fun. Mentors mentioned that the Panda Express buffet-style dinner on the lawn was their favorite memory because of the time we spent there and how it allowed for people to connect deeper as they shared a meal. Another favorite memory for some mentors included the essay writing time because they got to know mentees on a different level and really supported them with what they faced at hand. This allowed mentors to bond with students if they had similar experiences. Additionally, self-care at the end of the day and hearing mentees’ interest in coming back the following year as Jr. mentors as they headed home was very memorable for our mentors as it tells they see value, meaning, and have interest in returning.

Our mentors had opportunities to exercise and build their leadership skills throughout camp. Many of them broke out of their shells to connect and build relationships with mentees and their fellow mentors. This resulted in their confidence being built through these experiences. Our new mentors mentioned they took inspiration from senior mentors who had done QuickStart before which supported their growth as a leader. To add on, mentors mention they take with them the knowledge that to be a great leader does mean to step up, but to be a great leader one must also have the awareness to step back and allow others to lead. Our mentors got to practice patience and some learned how to be empathetic and mindful especially when dealing with situations where people are being vulnerable. For some mentors, it was the first time working with this age group and receiving information about financial aid, scholarships, and different pathways and programs. Overall, mentors left full of new knowledge, resources, and a deeper understanding of what it means to be a leader.

In the end, QuickStart creates a beautiful and sacred environment where our mentors and all involved grow, learn, and teach in numerous ways. A wonderful and supportive community is built where we honor our experiences, roots, and vulnerability. Where hope grows. Engaging in meaningful and thoughtful reflection is what our wonderful, skillful team did to support QuickStart and continue making improvements to better support all involved in the future of this life-changing program.

FuturesNW Was Awarded the NQMS Gold Partner Badge!

We are thrilled to announce that FuturesNW has been awarded the Gold Badge from the National Quality Mentoring System (NQMS)! This recognition highlights our commitment to delivering top-notch, impactful mentorship at QuickStart to College that meets the highest national standards.

NQMS provides a comprehensive framework for assessing and improving mentoring programs that ensure alignment with the Elements of Effective Practice for Mentoring, Fourth Edition (EEPM). Through a rigorous self-assessment process, ongoing feedback from MENTOR Affiliates, and lots of tailored action plans, the NQMS helps programs like QuickStart to College achieve measurable improvements in quality.

The NQMS process helped us evaluate our strengths, identify areas for growth, and implement best practices.

A big shoutout goes to the QuickStart to College team, including Karina Avila, our QuickStart to College Program Coordinator, and Adilene Landa Garcia, our 2024 Lead Mentor! We’d also like to thank Ashley DeLatour, Executive Director of Programs, for spearheading this project with NQMS, seeing it through to completion, and leading us to our Gold Badge!

We are so proud of this achievement and will continue to uphold these high standards to best serve our students and families!

Introducing Our New Logo!

We’re so excited to reveal FuturesNW’s new logo – a dynamic and meaningful design that aligns with our mission to support students on their unique pathways to achieving their college and career dreams. It captures the vibrant energy and individuality of the youth we serve as well as the clarity we provide as students navigate their post-secondary journeys.

The Design:

• Bright orange: Represents youthfulness, energy, and excitement for the future.

• Teal blue: Symbolizes clarity and individuality. Each student’s path is their own, and we strive to support their unique aspirations.

• The ribbon: Appearing on the bottom left of the “N”, the ribbon represents high school graduation, marking the beginning of students’ post-secondary worlds. It honors the graduation cap element from our original FuturesNW logo.

• The “NW”: The twists and turns throughout the “NW” signify the unique choices and challenges each student faces in their pathway, ultimately leading to an upward arrow – the final result, symbolizing achievement and success. The peaks of the NW also represent our region’s mountainous landscape, offering a nod to our geographical location. 

• The dots: Represents the various support systems available for students. Navigating post-secondary pathways requires a broad network of support from the community. 

Our new logo was designed by Brian Seales, a local graphic designer and owner of Ketchup + Mustard. To develop the final product, Brian worked closely with our design team, consisting of six FuturesNW board members and staff, each bringing different perspectives and representing various identities and roles within our organization.

We’d like to extend a special thanks to everyone involved in the creation of our new logo and for making it so special!

Welcome, Regina!

Regina smiles in front of a scenic landscape

We’re so excited to introduce Regina, our new Support Services Program Manager! Originally from Detroit, Michigan, she has lived in many cities, states, and countries and has recently made the move to Bellingham, where she has since joined the FuturesNW team!

As a first-generation college graduate, Regina knows firsthand the transformative power of education. With a Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Business Economics, she began her career in corporate management before following her love for reading and writing to earn a Master’s in English & Language Literature/Poetry. 

Her teaching experience spans both the U.S. and abroad, including her English as a Second Language (ESL) work in Mongolia, Costa Rica, and China where she taught college-level and adult students. Before joining FuturesNW, Regina was designing curricula for English Language Arts (ELA) and ESL programs, working with primary and secondary students.

Outside of work, she enjoys cycling, hiking, reading, watching movies, and spending time with family and friends. Lately, she's been exploring Bellingham, immersing herself in its charming cafes, architecture, and of course, nature! A fun fact about Regina is that she went on a spiritual retreat with former colleagues in the Gobi Desert of Mongolia.

Regina’s work is rooted in her strong moral compass and belief that everyone deserves opportunity and peace. This drive fuels her passion for the work we do at FuturesNW– helping students navigate post-secondary pathways and ensuring they have the tools to succeed.

We’re thrilled to have Regina on board and can’t wait to make a difference together!

Welcome, Rodrigo!

We are excited to welcome Rodrigo to the FuturesNW team!

Rodrigo is currently in his third year at Western Washington University, where he studies Management Information Systems. Last year, he served in an AmeriCorps position to help tackle local food insecurity and other community needs. He spearheaded many projects, participated in community events, and even developed a fundraiser from the ground up. They ended up raising an impressive $14,000 for the food pantry!

Rodrigo will fill the important role of Support Services Program Assistant.

Some of Rodrigo’s hobbies include soccer and video games. He spends his weekends either working, chatting with his fiance, or watching Real Madrid games with his dad. A fun fact about Rodrigo is that he traveled to Guatemala three times last year!

He is driven by a desire to support underrepresented students and believes that resources like FAFSA can be life-changing. Thanks to FAFSA, both he and his sister are attending WWU.

Rodrigo is excited to get involved with the community and make a lasting difference in student lives!

Welcome, Ximena!

Ximena smiles next to a ladybug

We are pleased to introduce our new team member, Ximena (she/they)!

Many of us already know and love Ximena– for the past two years, she has served as a mentor for QuickStart to College! We’re lucky enough to have brought them on board as one of our new Support Services Program Assistants.

Ximena received their bachelor's degree from Western Washington University in Sociology and Human Services, with a minor in Education and Social Justice. She brings valuable experience from her work in Financial Aid and at the Office of Diversity, Recruitment, and Retention at Western Washington University. We’re so excited for them to harness their Financial Aid knowledge to support students in filling out their applications!

In her free time, Ximena enjoys relaxing on the weekends, whether it be going for a walk around the Granary, exploring the Bellingham Farmers market, hanging out with her friends, or getting lost in a good book. A fun fact about Ximena is that she used to do kickboxing and Brazilian jiu-jitsu!

Ximena brings a deep passion for dismantling harmful systems, particularly those affecting BIPOC, queer folks, mixed-status families, and other marginalized groups.

They are passionate about community organizing and making post secondary pathways accessible for underserved communities. 

We’re so thrilled to welcome Ximena to the FuturesNW team!

We’re sending our love from afar, Rosemary!

Rosemary helps a student at Learning with Leaders in February 2024

Rosemary (she/her/they) is parting ways with FuturesNW to embark on an exciting new adventure. We had the pleasure of having Rosemary on our team since December 2023 as the Post-Secondary Pathways Program Assistant. On their next journey, Rosemary will be traveling to Scotland to complete her Masters of Science in Environment and Development at the University of Edinburgh.

Before joining us at FuturesNW, Rosemary already held a wealth of exciting life experiences. Their passion for learning, social justice, the outdoors, and travel has led to many adventures both abroad and around the US. Just this past year, she graduated in International Relations and Postcolonial Studies at Franklin University Switzerland. 

From the very beginning, Rosemary became a very beloved part of the FuturesNW team. Some of her primary responsibilities included planning workshops, creating presentations, and coordinating guest speakers for the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) program. She also provided Financial Aid support for students both online and at Financial Aid events across local high schools. They expressed that their role at FuturesNW has strengthened their skills such as public speaking, group facilitation, and classroom management.

What drove her work at FuturesNW was her passion for working with students who have gone through similar processes and experiences. One of their favorite parts of their role was getting to demystify life after high school and open students' eyes to different pathways. Her extensive knowledge and experience in navigating life after high school has left an enormous impact on students’ lives.

She says she is most proud of being part of the team that guided the community through the 2024 FAFSA season. It was a huge highlight for her to help so many families navigate the FAFSA through such a chaotic and difficult time for families.

“I am really proud of the fact that my home community has so many awesome advocates for students who face systemic barriers to higher education. I am overjoyed that I was able to contribute to this team!”

— Rosemary

Rosemary and FuturesNW team enjoy a team dinner at Övn Wood Fired Pizza

Rosemary and Sage play “Dufflepong” at Flatstick Pub at a team building event

Rosemary says what they will miss the most is getting to work and interact with the FuturesNW team, whom she described as “passionate, knowledgeable and supportive”. She fondly recalls the smaller moments, or “little things,” like carpooling to events with coworkers and attending team meetings.

One of their most cherished memories of working with students was in her volunteer role at the Spring 2024 Learning with Leaders surgery technology workshop. They relayed how incredible it was to watch students engage with the material and to hear how inspired they felt after participating. Another favorite memory of theirs was their first team building event at CreativiTea when it started thunderstorming. She said she left that evening with an overwhelming sense of community and strengthened connections with her teammates.

We will miss so much about Rosemary—their thoughtfulness, creativity, calm energy, and compassion, especially as we navigated the FAFSA this year. 

Rosemary, we feel so fortunate to have gotten to know you over the past year. We’re so proud of you and can’t wait to see where your amazing skills and gifts take you!

We will miss you, Atiana!

Atiana at QuickStart to College 2023

Atiana, a valued member of the FuturesNW team, will be moving on to pursue her next journey in Seattle. She filled the very important role of Support Services Program Coordinator, and needless to say, she did so wonderfully. Atiana first started with FuturesNW as a QuickStart to College mentor in Summer 2022 and was later hired as a Program Assistant in Fall 2022. She has been with us for the past two years and has left a tremendous impact.

Her knowledge of financial aid expertise spans far and wide– we know her new job will be so lucky to have her. She has been a true asset– demonstrating her excellent communication skills, problem-solving skills in times of stress, and genuine compassion when working with students and their families.

Atiana’s unwavering grit and persistence in tackling the complexities of the FAFSA form were truly impressive. Her exceptional organizational skills, meticulous data tracking, and adaptability shone through, especially when navigating the challenges of the new FAFSA process.

“I, of course, could not do any of this without the support and guidance of Ashley, but together we worked to add on an extra county and almost largely increase the amount of students we were able to support”

— Atiana

Mentors Atiana, Victor, and Tiffeny at QuickStart to College 2024

Atiana and Board Member Suni

Atiana shares that her lived experience as a first-generation homeless youth has been a powerful driving force behind her academic journey and passion for this work. One of the things she will miss most is the meaningful connections she’s built—with students, community partners, school staff, and the FuturesNW team. She says there’s nothing quite like witnessing the unexplainable joy students feel when they complete their financial aid applications, bringing them one step closer to achieving their dreams.

Atiana shares laughter with students and mentors at QuickStart to College 2024

“I could not have survived this year in the Financial Aid trenches without Atiana’s incredible determination, flexibility, hard work, organization and friendship. We cheered each other on, supported each other’s work and made sure we got through these wild card challenges/form errors intact, and on our best days with a lot of dark humor. Atiana has so much to be proud of on our team and we will miss her dearly! Her next team is truly fortunate to have such an incredible person. Cheers to your beautiful future in Seattle Atiana!”

— Ashley Delatour

Atiana, we will miss you so much, but are so excited to see where you go, knowing it will be somewhere truly extraordinary.

QuickStart to College 2024 Was a Transformative Experience for Students!

Students and mentors at Lakewood Boathouse

Earlier this month, FuturesNW hosted QuickStart to College 2024 at Western Washington University, where 26 students took their first steps towards their promising academic futures. The program was a whirlwind of learning, laughter, and unforgettable memories– proving once again that time flies when you’re having fun!

Mentors smile for a selfie

On Saturday, August 3rd, students arrived at the Nash Hall dorms, where a rush of excited chatter and nervous jitters flooded the room. Mentors and WWU housing staff excitedly greeted the students, handing out keys and helping them locate their dorms and meet their new roommates. Each student was welcomed with stickers, snacks, a water bottle, and a backpack! They also received a workbook filled with college and financial aid resources as well as information about camp activities.

Camp was kicked off with a “Meet and Greet” on WWU’s Old Main front lawn. Students got to know one another and their mentors, who shared their own personal stories and experiences. This bonding time also allowed students to share their existing knowledge about college planning, express what they hoped to learn, and pinpoint their gifts and strengths.

“I really liked that there was majority POC mentors, it made me feel like I could relate to them more and I liked how welcomed I felt.”

— Student Participant

Students participate in an icebreaker activity on “Old Main"

For dinner, students enjoyed “Pizza with Professors”, where they got to exchange stories and bond with WWU professors and FuturesNW board members through insightful conversation. The evening offered various outdoor activities from soccer, to board games, to a campus walking tour.

Dr. John Korsmo chats with students

Students practice their teamwork skills

Later that night, mentors led a self-care discussion, guiding students through the Self-Care Wheel and encouraging them to reflect on their own self-care practices. Arts and crafts time followed, with activities like bracelet-making and coloring, before the evening wound down with a relaxing movie and popcorn session.

The following day consisted of the perfect mix of productivity and fun. Students started the morning with a workshop on “Building Your Application & Scholarship Essay,” where Camp Coordinator Karina and camp mentor Victor helped demystify the college application process and shared tips on crafting compelling admission essays.

Camp Coordinator Karina and Mentor Victor lead the “Building Your Application & Scholarship Essay” workshop

“[What I’m taking away from this experience is] how to apply, where to find scholarships, how to write an essay.”

— Student Participant

Kayaking on Lake Whatcom

Mentors Bergen and Victor begin a dance circle

Students spent the afternoon at WWU Lakewood Boathouse, where they took advantage of the nice weather to go paddleboarding and kayaking! Other students relaxed onshore, soaking up the sun while enjoying puzzles, coloring books, and games on a blanket. For dinner, they enjoyed a delicious meal prepared by Sol de Mexico.

That evening, the fun continued with crafts time and a movie. Some students opted for a stargazing session on the campus lawn or a walk with a mentor. 

Day three took the students on a field trip to Whatcom Community College (WCC), where they received a warm welcome from Adam Beals, WCC’s Dean for Enrollment Management. Students began with the “College Speed-Dating” activity, where they connected with representatives from BTC, WCC, SVC, NWIC, and WWU. Students then embarked on an exciting campus scavenger hunt, locating various resources and support services across WCC. Afterwards, they created accounts for the Common App and other application platforms.

Student gives a “thumbs up” while holding a WCC folder

Students particpiate in “College Speed Dating”at WCC

After wrapping up a very productive morning, students headed back to WWU to enjoy the Recreation Center’s many amenities such as basketball, volleyball, the gym, weight room, and indoor track!

FNW staff Atiana and Rosemary led the Financial Aid 101 workshop and handed out snacks for brain fuel. Students then participated in a fun game of Jeopardy to put their college and financial aid knowledge to the test.

Before enjoying a dinner from Panda Express, students hyped themselves up by sharing their gifts and strengths with their mentors to earn their “ticket” to dinner. For dessert, FuturesNW staff set up an ice cream bar with a delicious spread of toppings to choose from. During the “Real Talk” discussion, mentors offered students a candid look at college life, sharing personal experiences, realities and advice. The night ended with plenty of singing and dancing with the group.

Students fill their plate with food from Panda Express

Two students pose for the camera during dinner

“There are so many ways to think about and do college. There isn’t one right way, the important thing is to know your options and explore.”

— Student Participant

Students gather around for “Real Talk” with mentors

On the last day of camp, students focused on putting the finishing touches on their college and financial aid applications and personal essays. They then attended the “Pearls of Wisdom” panel with FuturesNW Board Member Joe Wooding and Community Volunteer Suneeta Eisenberg from Whatcom Waves. The panelists graciously offered their valuable insights and personal stories, and students had the chance to ask plenty of questions.

The final camp activity was led by Lead Mentor Adilene, where students expressed their heartfelt appreciation for their mentors and the impact their camp experience had on them. 

“I learned that I have to put myself out there and there’s always something for everyone.”

— Student Participant

Mentors, in turn, highlighted the strengths and talents they saw in their mentees and discussed ways to stay connected throughout their senior year. It was clear from their raw reflections that students were deeply moved by their camp experience. They not only acknowledged the valuable knowledge, resources, and college preparation they gained but also reminisced on the new friendships, belly laughs, and silly dance-offs.

Mentor Bergen takes a selfie

Students smile for the camera

Relaxing on the Nash Hall couch

“It’s showed me that although it’s scary, I’ll be able to find my own community and others likely feel the same.”

— Student Participant

After tearful hugs goodbye, students left with new seeds of hopes for the future, strengthened by lasting connections with mentors who will continue to support them as they embark on their exciting journey after high school. Their spirits were lifted, and it was evident they had transformed into more confident, hopeful versions of themselves— and we couldn't be more proud.

Students on WWU's "Comm Lawn"

Thank You, Whatcom Community Foundation!

The FuturesNW team at Flatstick Pub

The “Health and Wellness Grant,” generously gifted to us by the Whatcom Community Foundation, has allowed us to hold two incredible team building events this year in Winter and Spring, with the third event on the horizon.

These events have been instrumental in helping our team de-stress and reset, all while forming an even tighter bond. This past academic year has been a particularly challenging one within the world of financial aid applications amongst other unforeseen barriers, but our team of real-life superheroes have stepped up to the plate to serve our community!

In March, our Winter team building event took us to CreativiTea, where each team member picked out a piece of ready-made pottery to paint. After adding our final touches, we left our creations to be fired in the kiln. For dinner, we walked to Övn Wood Fired Pizza and bonded over some tasty slices.

Karina paints her dish

Rosemary’s shark

Our Spring team building event in early June brought us to Flatstick Pub, where we got to try our hand at mini golf. We also explored other games such as Duffleboard, Duffepong, and even giant Jenga! We then made our way to Black Sheep for tacos and bonded over shared conversation, laughs, and delicious food.

Ashley places a jenga block at the top of the tower

Thanks to the Whatcom Community Foundation, not only are we able to host three team building events this year, but we also get to directly support the individual health and wellness needs of our team through quarterly stipends. This has allowed us each to develop a healthier work-life balance by tending to the health and wellness of each team member. By taking care of ourselves, we’re able to better serve our community – and to us that means the world!

Atiana, for instance, used her allotment to pay for a membership to a healthy meal service and a subscription to an online fitness platform. At FuturesNW, Atiana fills the role of our Support Services Program Coordinator. She spends long days helping students across Whatcom and Skagit Counties fill out their financial aid applications and collaborating with community partners.

Rosemary, our Post-Secondary Pathways Program Assistant, used the funds to pay for a climbing gym membership, which also includes classes like yoga and bouldering! Rosemary's role involves helping students fill out their financial aid applications at local schools. She also plans workshops and powerpoint presentations for students as part of our Department of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) funded program.

Sage and Rosemary try out Duffelboard

Our Executive Director of Programs, Ashley, chose to use her stipend to purchase an air filter to reduce environmental toxins in her home, as well as a book on eliminating neurotoxins from the body. Ashley juggles a mix of very important direct and indirect work, all geared towards breaking down barriers for students by empowering them to access and pursue their post secondary pathways.

Megan, our Executive Director of Operations, used the funds to pay for massages. Much of Megan’s work includes handling essential behind-the-scenes tasks, such as grant writing, audits, and everything numbers.

Ashby used her stipend to purchase a gym membership, allowing her to destress after long days dedicated to designing and implementing the Learning with Leaders program (LWL). As our former Learning with Leaders Coordinator, Ashby wrapped up the final Learning with Leaders event of the academic year just last month, marking a very successful conclusion to the 2023-2024 LWL series.

Paige used her funds to pay for pilates classes and a gym membership offering various classes like boxing and swimming. At FuturesNW, she manages the social media accounts, helps write grants, and designs graphics for events.

Karina, who works as our QuickStart to College Program Assistant and Mentor, decided to use the money towards books, candles, and a relaxing massage. Once a participant at Quickstart to College herself, Karina actively contributes to the development and implementation of this program designed for first-generation students and College Bound Scholars.

Thank you, Whatcom Community Foundation, for not only enhancing not only the well-being of our incredible team, but for also helping power our deeply impactful work!

Your support has left a lasting impact on our small but mighty team, as well as the communities we serve, in which we are extremely grateful.

The FuturesNW team at CreativiTea

Join Our Team!

Are you passionate about supporting students in achieving their career and college dreams? FuturesNW is searching for a Support Services Program Manager. and we would love to hear from you.

Job Overview: The primary role of the Support Services Program Manager is to collaborate with students, staff, community partners, schools, businesses, local financial experts, and families to increase Financial Aid application completion rates for the northwest area of the state and to manage pathway navigation services for students at specific local high schools throughout the region. The Manager is responsible for organizing and planning all Financial Aid completion events to provide personalized guidance for students and families completing the FAFSA or WASFA. The Manager will supervise a team of program assistants and will administer intensive Financial Aid navigation training and mentorship training to ensure the team is prepared to serve as knowledgeable guides to students. The Manager is also responsible for assisting with social media and marketing to promote support services events. This role supports quality improvement by capturing data, analyzing data, and providing key metrics for grant reports

To apply, please first read the job description. Then, send your cover letter and resume (including two professional references) to Megan Wingo at mwingo@futuresnw.org.

Join our team and help students transform their dreams into realities!

Join Our Team!

Are you passionate about supporting students in achieving their career and college dreams? FuturesNW is searching for TWO part-time Support Services Program Assistants and we would love to hear from you.

Job Overview: The primary role of the Support Services Program Assistant is to assist the Support Services Program Manager in all aspects of post-secondary student support services, with a primary focus on Financial Aid application completion support. The Program Assistant will undergo intensive Financial Aid navigation training in order to serve as a knowledgeable Financial Aid guide to students and their families. The Program Assistant will also serve as a mentor navigator at local high schools throughout the region to help students gain the knowledge and resources necessary to reach their goals after high school graduation.

To apply, please first read the job description. Then, send your cover letter and resume (including two professional references) to Megan Wingo at mwingo@futuresnw.org.

Join our team and help students transform their dreams into realities!

Gear Up Scholarship Bulletin - June 18

SCHOLARSHIPS & OPPORTUNITIES

Find more opportunities at: https://gearup.wa.gov/educators/scholarships.

• Scholarship Junkies’ Free Scholarship Bank. Scholarship Junkies has launched their brand-new Scholarship Bank! This organization is a reputable and safe source to search for scholarships.

• Washington State Youth Arts Leadership (WAYAL) program. Do you know a creative young person ready to grow as a leader? Apply or nominate now. WAYAL is an annual cohort of youth and young adults (ages 16-19) across Washington State. WAYAL leaders work with the Arts in Education (AIE) team at ArtsWA to explore and amplify the role of arts engagement in their communities. Young artists build community among their peers, gain leadership and communication skills, and explore arts careers with mentors in the field. Youth leaders receive a stipend for their participation. Due  July 11.

Scholarship, Brief Description, and Due Date

2024 Breakthrough Junior Challenge

Win a life-changing $250,000 college scholarship! For 13–18-year-olds who are good at explaining math or science. To enter, they must create a minimum of less than 2 minutes. Video explaining a key concept in math, physics, or life sciences for a chance to win a prize for them, their teacher, and their school.

6/25

Navigate Your Future Scholarship

A $2,500 scholarship is offered to an HS graduate continuing their education in the aviation industry.

6/28

Geoscience IDEA Scholarship (formerly AWG Minority Scholarship)

The scholarship provides up to $5000 in awards annually, typically split between two or more undergraduate students, and matches them with AWG mentors to enhance their careers. It also includes a one-year, sponsored AWG student membership.

6/30

Do-Over Scholarship

($1,500) - In 250 words or less, submit a response to the question: "If you could get one 'do-over' in life, what would it be and why?"

6/30

Scholarship Poetry Contest - Fall Issue

Open to all U.S. HS students. Applicant must submit an original poem with 20 lines or less. Up to $500.

6/30

Flavor of the Month Scholarship

($1,500) -Summer and ice cream go hand-in-hand. July is National Ice Cream Month, and that's the inspiration behind this award. People are very similar to ice cream; some are nutty, others a little exotic, and some are very comforting. If you were an ice cream flavor, which would you be and why?" (250 words or less)

7/31

Make Me Laugh Scholarship

($1,500) - Make Me Laugh is a fun scholarship that lets you cut loose and lighten things up. Looking for a scholarship for comedians? Now is your chance to show us your funny bone. Perhaps you always have an embarrassing - but funny - story to share. Great! We'll promise to laugh with you, not at you. Must be 14 years of age or older at the time of application.

8/31

Beauty & Wellness Professionals Scholarship

($2,500) This is for students currently enrolled in an eligible program and prospective students planning to enroll in an eligible program before the scholarship deadline.

9/1

American Fire Sprinkler Association Second Chance Scholarship Contest

Open to anyone who has graduated high school or equivalency and wants to pursue a college degree or trade school education. Enter for the chance to win 1 of 5 $1,000 College Scholarships.

9/1

Don’t Text and Drive Scholarship

($1,000) - Complete the application form, including a 140-character message about texting while driving. The top 10 applications will be selected as finalists. The finalists will be asked to write a full-length 500- to 1,000-word essay about texting while driving.

9/30

Scholarship Poetry Contest - Winter Issue

($100-$500) - Applicant must submit an original poem with 20 lines or less.

9/30

Shout It Out Scholarship

($1,500) - In 250 words or less, submit an online written response to the question: "If you could say one thing to the entire world at once, what would it be and why?

9/30

Celebrating Michaela Hall: Our Community Partner of the Year!

Michaela Hall holds her flowers and award presented to her by Ashley Delatour

As the 2023-2024 school year comes to a close, the FuturesNW team reflects on the powerful accomplishments of our incredible partners. This year has been particularly noteworthy for FAFSA and WASFA completions, and we owe a big thank you to Michaela Hall for her incredible contributions.

Michaela's dedication and hard work have left a significant impact at Ferndale High School, one of only two high schools in Whatcom County to increase their year-over-year FAFSA completion rates.

Michaela has carried out the following work in partnership with FuturesNW this past year:

• Hosting our regional Train the Trainer Financial Aid event with the Washington Student Achievement Council.

• Organizing a FSA ID/WASFA account creation event for seniors during an advisory period.

• Coordinating an evening account creation presentation and workshop for families at Ferndale High School.

• Bringing students to three Learning with Leaders events.

• Hosting an evening FAFSA/WASFA completion event at Ferndale High School.

• Conducting a two-day lunchtime FAFSA/WASFA completion event in collaboration with CSF and FNW.

• Resolving numerous student issues by connecting them with our experts.

• Promoting early release Pathways Support and From One to Many events for tribal students at the Ferndale Library.

• Actively sharing information about local, institutional, and statewide scholarships and reminding students of deadlines.

• Distributing our resources platform to help students connect with local supports in and beyond high school.

• Securing dates for the 2024/2025 Financial Aid events.

• Promoting our QuickStart to College summer program for the class of 2025.

Michaela's tireless efforts have not gone unnoticed. Her commitment to breaking down barriers for students, especially those who are first-generation and underrepresented in higher education, has made an enormous impact! Her efforts in navigating the complexities of this year's "Better FAFSA" have been truly inspiring.

While there is still work to be done to achieve our statewide goal of 70% FAFSA/WASFA completions, Michaela's dedication gives us confidence that we will reach this milestone sooner rather than later.

Thank you, Michaela! We’re so grateful to have you as a FuturesNW partner.