College Success Foundation

Every year, hundreds of students across Washington apply for scholarships managed by College Success Foundation — and each application is carefully reviewed by community volunteers. From the Governors’ Scholarship for Foster Youth to the Leadership 1000 Scholarship, volunteers are deeply moved by the resilience, drive and promise in our scholarship recipients. Read the full story here: https://bit.ly/43O9xlj Brighton Jones

The countdown is ON, Spokane! Our Empowering Youth Spokane Luncheon is coming up on Wednesday, April 23, and we’re buzzing with excitement! We can’t wait to gather with our incredible community to cheer on CSF Alumni and lift up the next generation of CSF Scholars. Huge high-fives and heartfelt thanks to our amazing sponsors—you’re empowering futures and making BIG dreams possible. We couldn’t do it without you! ❤️💛💙 🙌 Many thanks to our: President’s Sponsors: STCU's Here for Good Foundation, Avista Foundation Summa Cum Laude Sponsors: BECU, Cowles Company

As part of Spokane Public Schools' "Engage IRL (In Real Life)" campaign, a cellphone ban, paired with expanded extracurriculars like knitting and fishing clubs, has led to increased student engagement and reduced absenteeism. Read more: https://bit.ly/42AzW4W

Community college students are taking mental health into their own hands! Student-led initiatives like peer support groups are helping classmates feel more connected. Read more: https://bit.ly/3RAJC9e #MentalHealthMatters #CommunityCollege "More than half of community college students between the ages of 18 and 22 screened positive for at least one mental health condition, according to a study in the Psychiatric Services journal from 2021 (even before the full effects of the pandemic had settled in). But they’re far less likely to seek help than students at four-year colleges, the study found — about 25 percent compared with about 40 percent, respectively."

So much of our work with students is about preparing for the future, and the state's required High School & Beyond Plan is a key part of that journey. The plan helps connect students’ career interests with their classes, and their classes with career training or college majors, helping them identify the steps needed to reach their postsecondary goals. CSF Advisor Martin from Port Angeles High School recently hosted three lunchtime events (with enticing lunches!) where students made progress on their High School & Beyond Plans, explored college transition steps and connected with local professionals to learn about exciting career pathways. Recently, at Foss and Silas high schools in Tacoma, CSF Program Manager Jeankie and CSF Advisor Casey worked with their schools to hold a "High School & Beyond Plan Takeover" where CSF staff and dozens of community partners came in to support students throughout the day. The events featured a series of “stations” for seniors to receive assistance with their plans. Each station had experts who focused on specific parts of the plan, which included building a resume, providing a VANI (verification of acceptance to next institution), submitting a FAFSA/WASFA for financial aid and completing the Career Goal Survey. Hundreds of students between Foss and Silas were able to complete and submit their plans by the end of their takeover days! Thank you to our partners for making these days such a success! Tacoma Public Schools Port Angeles High School

We had an awesome student turnout last week for a College Pep Rally at Silas High School in Tacoma. The energy was high from start to finish! 🎉 Mascots Butch T. Cougar from WSU, Lancelute from PLU, Speedy the Geoduck from Evergreen, and the Silas Rams brought the spirit, the UW marching band made a special appearance and our amazing staff and student volunteers launched CSF t-shirts into the crowd! Huge shoutout to CSF Advisor Casey for planning the event, emceeing and keeping the vibes going! #GoCougs #PLULutes #EvergreenGeoducks #UW

Passport to Careers Conference Early Bird Pricing Ends Friday! Friday is the last day to secure "early bird" pricing for the 2025 Passport to Careers Conference happening May 6-7. Join practitioners from across the state who support foster and unaccompanied homeless youth for workshops, panel discussions and networking around the theme “Community as a Catalyst.” Check out the full lineup & register today!: https://bit.ly/4cdXXlP

We are thrilled to announce our Empowering Youth Spokane's event speaker: CSF Alumna Zyaira’Carayama! She will be sharing about how CSF’s pathway of programs positively impacted her college success and her dreams for a bright future. We are excited that so many friends are already registered to join us on April 23! Space is limited, so if you have not done so already, please reserve your seat or table today: https://bit.ly/3DoPlfc Special thanks to our President’s Circle Sponsors: STCU's Here for Good Foundation Avista Foundation

We are so grateful to The Puyallup Tribe of Indians for their recent grant to College Success Foundation. Thank you for your continued partnership and for supporting our work in the Tacoma region. ❤️ 💛 💙

In high school, Dafne’s CSF advisor offered opportunities to explore different careers, helping her discover her passion and chart a clear path forward. Today, as a sophomore at the University of Washington’s Foster School of Business, Dafne continues to lean on the guidance of her CSF coach, Kyle, who has been a source of encouragement, helping her find her place at school and grow as a leader on campus. When Dafne recently encountered a major financial aid challenge that threatened to derail her progress, Kyle helped her to navigate it — ensuring she stayed on course toward her degree and a bright future. During our gala, Dafne was featured in a video highlighting her experience as a CSF Scholar. Here's her story: https://bit.ly/3Ra9nxj University of Washington Kent School District