The 2023-2024 service year has seen continuous growth, learning, and remarkable opportunities. Our Open House event united champions of our mission, sparking vital discussions about our current impact and future goals. We launched Row for a Cause, an exciting initiative that energized our donor community in a fun and engaging way. Additionally, we forged a new partnership with Renton High School, marking a year filled with celebrations and achievements!
As summer arrived, our dedicated team tackled the ongoing challenges of delayed FAFSA applications. Our summer transition coaches invested countless hours providing personalized support to students and families, ensuring we reached those in our program and any student in our communities. We proudly announce that we helped over 500 students complete their FAFSA applications—an accomplishment made possible by your generous support. This milestone is crucial as students prepare for college, and your contributions were instrumental in achieving this success.
As we embark on the 2024-2025 school year, we draw from our experiences while adapting to the evolving needs of students in King County. This time of year is vital for training and building the College Possible Washington community. Staff and coaches gathered to deepen connections, establish community agreements, and plan an impactful calendar of events. Over the first month, 15 coaches completed more than 120 hours of training, exploring various venues across Seattle and engaging in meaningful, race- and equity-focused discussions.
Looking ahead, we are excited to expand our high school partnerships and proudly announce the launch of College Possible Washington at Thomas Jefferson High School in Federal Way. This expansion is a testament to our growth and the increasing opportunities for students to receive the support they need to succeed in college. We also aim to replicate the success of last year’s events, like Row for a Cause and Trivia Night, while inviting you to participate in additional engagement opportunities, including school visits. Stay tuned for more information and invitations throughout the year!
As I conclude this update, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to each of you for your unwavering support of College Possible Washington. As we step into a new year, the education landscape continues to be shaped by funding loss, restrictive legislative changes, and questioning the value of a college degree. Your support is not just appreciated, but it is also instrumental in our ability to serve students in our three school districts and identify strategic growth opportunities. Together, we ensure that every student with an interest in and drive to go to college has a dedicated support system with them every step of the way.
I look forward to another impactful year of service and hope to see many of you in person soon!