In search of Volunteers to Help Students Complete Their FAFSA & WASFA!

Every fall, thousands of students across Whatcom and Skagit Counties begin their journey toward college or career training, but many never make it past the first big step: completing financial aid applications.

FuturesNW is recruiting volunteers to support students and families during our FAFSA/WASFA Virtual Completion Events, running October through December. These events are hosted in partnership with the College Success Foundation, WSAC, BTC, SVC, and WCC, and are a vital part of helping local students access the financial aid they need for their futures. Sign up to be a volunteer here!

Why We Need You

Recent state funding cuts have reduced the reach of our financial aid services, limiting how many students we can help one-on-one. But when community members such as teachers, parents, business owners, retirees, and college students get involved, the impact is enormous.

With just a few hours of your time, you can help a student unlock thousands of dollars in grants and scholarships that make college possible.

What Volunteers Do

• Join students and families in a virtual support space to walk them through FAFSA/WASFA questions

• Offer encouragement and guidance during a process that can feel intimidating

• Help ensure every student, no matter their background, has a fair shot at higher education

If you believe every young person deserves the opportunity to pursue education, training, and career dreams, we invite you to join us.

Sign up to volunteer for a FAFSA/WASFA Completion Event here!

Call for Volunteers: Learning with Leaders at Skagit Valley College!

Volunteers at Learning with Leaders at Skagit Valley College in 2024

Are you interested in making a lasting difference in students’ futures?

Join us as a volunteer for our next Learning with Leaders event, a hands-on career exploration day that connects local students with industry professionals and college leaders. Your support helps the event run smoothly and ensures students have a meaningful, inspiring experience. Breakfast and lunch will be provided!

There will be a required volunteer training the earlier in the week prior to the event, on Monday, November 3rd from 10:00 – 11:00am, at Skagit Valley College. A calendar invite will be sent out to anyone who submits this form: bit.ly/46z6uNQ.

Event Details:

• Location: Skagit Valley College

• Date: Thursday, November 6

• Time: 8:15 AM – 1:30 PM

Volunteers play a key role in greeting students, supporting workshop sessions, and helping guide groups between activities. No prior experience is needed. Just bring your enthusiasm and a passion for helping youth explore their futures!

Please fill out the short sign-up form here: bit.ly/46z6uNQ.

Whatcom and Skagit County Communites Step Up to Support Students!

Ashley Delatour, Christina Winstead, and Bre Olason before the Whatcom County Financial Aid training event

When we issued a call to action for community members to help students complete their FAFSA and WASFA, we didn’t know what to expect. But our community answered with incredible heart and dedication.

Over the last week, 148 community members stepped up to take part in our Financial Aid Training sessions, including 90 in Whatcom County, 41 in Skagit County, and 17 in WSAC’s virtual training. These volunteers included educators, school staff, college partners, nonprofit leaders, and caring community members from more than 30 schools, colleges, and organizations across Whatcom and Skagit Counties, all working together to ensure every student has the guidance they need to access college and career opportunities.

Now, we’re looking for more volunteers to continue this important work during our upcoming FAFSA/WASFA virtual completion events from October through December.

Register as a volunteer for a FAFSA/WASFA Completion Event here!

Christina Winstead shares her expertise at the Financial Aid training event at Skagit Valley Colege

This diverse network represents exactly what makes our region so special: people and organizations from every corner of the community coming together to ensure students have a fair shot at pursuing education, training, and opportunity after graduation.

With recent state budget cuts reducing access to one-on-one financial aid guidance, this effort has never been more important. Each trained participant is now equipped to support students and families through the FAFSA and WASFA process to create a ripple effect across Northwest Washington.

A huge thank-you goes out to our partners, including the Washington Student Achievement Council, College Success Foundation, Skagit Valley College (SVC), and Whatcom Community College (WCC) for helping make these events possible. Shout out to our friends at Bellingham Technical College (BTC) for this brilliant idea and for sending your teams to both events.

And an even bigger thank-you to every single person who showed up, learned, and committed to helping others. You are the reason more students will be able to access the financial aid they deserve.

Sign up to volunteer at a FAFSA/WASFA event today to help us continue the impact!

Standing Up for Students: Protecting Washington’s College Grant & College Bound Programs

At FuturesNW, we believe every student deserves the chance to pursue the postsecondary education that best fits their goals, without financial barriers standing in the way. Unfortunately, recent state budget cuts threaten to reduce vital student aid for thousands of young people across Washington, particularly those attending private, not-for-profit colleges and universities.

Beginning in Fall 2026, cuts to the Washington College Grant and College Bound Scholarship programs are set to take effect. These programs have long been cornerstones of equity and opportunity, supporting students of color, first-generation students, and low-income families in achieving their educational dreams.

Here’s why these cuts matter:

• 67% of affected students are students of color

• 65% are women

• 62% are the first in their families to attend college

Losing access to this support will force many students to take on more debt, leave school early, or abandon their plans altogether. This goes against our state’s stated values of equity, opportunity, and building a strong workforce for the future.

That’s why FuturesNW is proud to join Independent Colleges of Washington and many other partners in calling on Governor Bob Ferguson to fully restore and index funding for these aid programs in his upcoming supplemental budget proposal.

We also want to highlight SaveStudentAid.org, a new student-focused hub for grassroots engagement where you can learn more about what’s at stake and how to take action.

Here’s how you can help:

• Visit SaveStudentAid.org to learn more.

• Share this issue with your networks, including students, families, educators, and community members need to know how these cuts will impact access to education.

• Join us in urging Governor Ferguson to protect these essential programs for Washington students.

We remain committed to advocating for policies that open doors rather than close them. Together, we can make sure Washington keeps its promise to students: that higher education is for everyone, not just a privileged few.

Call to Action! Seeking Peer-Peer Financial Aid Navigators

Are you a current high school senior who wants to help out your friends and classmates with their path to higher education? We need your help! We are in search of at least one student from every high school in Whatcom and Skagit Counties to offer Peer-Peer Financial Aid Navigation support!

For a downloadable PDF copy of this promo click here.

The Peer Financial Aid Navigator plays a key role in helping classmates successfully complete their FAFSA or WASFA applications, as well as identify and apply for scholarships. Working under the FuturesNW partnership with the 12th Year Campaign, Peer Navigators receive specialized financial aid training to prepare them to share accurate information and connect peers with resources.

Training:
Peer Navigators will complete intensive Financial Aid navigation training to ensure they can confidently serve as a trusted guide for students and their families. Two training opportunities will be offered: October 2nd, Skagit Valley College cafeteria 3:30-7:00 pm or October 3rd, Whatcom Community College Syre Center 11:30-3:00 pm. You are only required to attend one. Registration is found here.

Workshops: 

A list of workshops and completion events can be found here. You are only required to attend and promote the first workshop and your high school Financial Aid completion event. If you would like to attend additional events, we welcome your support!

Monthly Meetings:

Each month, you’ll participate in a one-hour virtual session featuring scenario-based training, Q&A, and strategy discussions. These meetings are an opportunity to learn, bring your curiosity, share ideas, and use your creativity to engage your peers in ways that encourage Financial Aid completion.

Goal:

To increase FAFSA/WASFA completion rates in our community so more students can access the funding they deserve for their post-secondary dreams.

A copy of the volunteer job description can be found here.

To learn more, either email Ashley at adelatour@futuresnw.org or book a 1-1 community partner meeting.

A call to action! Financial Aid training for everyone!

Do you want to make a lasting difference in your community and help the next generation access higher education? We need you!

Recent state funding cuts drastically reduced our Financial Aid completion support program. While we continue to offer one-on-one support for complex cases and will host virtual support events from October–December with the College Success Foundation, the truth is: we can’t reach every student alone.

This is where the community comes in. Together, we can ensure that students and families don’t lose out on vital financial aid simply because they lacked guidance. Imagine the impact if every workplace, neighborhood, and parent group had someone who could help navigate FAFSA and WASFA applications.

Our goal is to train 200 community members, 100 in Whatcom County and 100 in Skagit County, with the support of WSAC, CSF, BTC, SVC, and WCC. Participants will also have the chance to take an optional 30-minute tour of Skagit Valley College or Whatcom Community College before the training, making this an opportunity to learn, give back, and connect with our beautiful local campuses, where many of our students’ dreams begin.

Please share this call to action with your coworkers, neighbors, coaches, PTA leaders, friends, or anyone who cares about giving students a fair shot at higher education. Together, we can break down barriers and guarantee that all students have a fair chance to pursue education, training, and opportunity after graduation.

Registration found here: Financial Aid Train the Trainer 2025

QuickStart to College 2025 – Our Largest group To Date!

Students line up along the “Stairs to Nowhere” sculpture

From June 28 to July 1, FuturesNW hosted QuickStart to College (QTC) 2025, an immersive four-day, three-night experience at Western Washington University (WWU). Designed to empower students with the tools, confidence, and clarity needed to successfully navigate life after high school, QTC offered students a powerful glimpse into college life, both academically and personally.

A student participates in an icebreaker activity

This year, we reached a new milestone, welcoming 40 students, the largest cohort in QuickStart’s history and reaching our full program capacity.

We couldn’t have asked for a more inspiring, curious, and dedicated group of young leaders!

Upon arrival, students were welcomed with gift bags and received their room assignments at Nash Hall, which would serve as their home for the next four days. They even got to personalize their dorm doors by crafting their own name signs, adding a creative touch to their space. Next, students participated in games and icebreakers to get to know their small groups and mentors, and then explored their FuturesNW workbooks, filled with reflection prompts, planning tools, and step-by-step guides designed to support them throughout camp.

Juntos Partners Dalila and Rachel smile as we kick off camps first session

Students exercise their teamwork skills

At dinner, students participated in “'Pizza with Professors,” a roundtable event where professors and FuturesNW board members, many of whom are first-generation college graduates, shared their own personal stories and struggles of navigating higher education. Over pizza generously donated by WWU’s College of Business and Economics, students engaged with thoughtful questions and reflected on how these experiences echoed their own journeys and aspirations. The night wrapped up with wellness activities, including a self-care wheel, bracelet-making, coloring, music in the lounge, and campus tours, giving students time to relax and connect further.

“[My favorite part of camp was] getting to meet new people who have similar educational goals & meeting mentors that can help guide you to what’s upcoming. I really enjoyed the experience and would love to help future students as a mentor!
”

— 2025 QTC Participant

Students kicked off a productive second day in the computer lab, diving into college and scholarship essay writing complimented by personalized guidance from FuturesNW staff and mentors. The workshop began with reflective exercises and discussions on structure, then transitioned into focused writing time, leading many students to complete their full first drafts of their personal statements.

Students take an online VIA Character assessment quiz as part of their “Motivate” worksheet

“The workshops were so helpful! Talking with professors and the financial aid & essay workshops were 100% most helpful. Thank you so much!”

— 2025 QTC Participant

Mentors Ngoc Chau and Minh Chau go kayaking on Lake Whatcom

In the afternoon, students headed to the Lakewood Waterfront Facility for a lively lakeside excursion filled with lots of outdoor fun. Some students engaged in activities like paddleboarding, kayaking, and volleyball, while others relaxed on picnic blankets, enjoying snacks, card games, and conversation with new friends.

That evening, students gathered in mentor groups for a “happy/crappy” check-in and shared stories of high school supports that shaped their journeys thus far. Optional nighttime activities included self-care stations, puzzles, music, stargazing, and snacks.

On the third day, students took a field trip to Whatcom Community College (WCC), where they participated in a “College Match” session, including small-group rotations with admissions representatives from BTC, WCC, and WWU. Through this activity, students got to ask various questions, take notes, and gain a clearer understanding of what each institution has to offer. 

“I’m a lot less worried and scared about applying to colleges and going through financial aid applications. It’s been really helpful learning about different websites that can guide you in this process, as I really didn’t know anything before I came to camp.”

— 2025 QTC Participant

Students participate in a College Match discussion at WCC

Students hangout on the “Stairs to Nowhere” sculpture

WCC student ambassadors led a campus tour, followed by two rotating sessions detailing application approaches and strategies. Students created Common App and ctcLink accounts, learned the differences between 2-year and 4-year applications, and worked on their college applications.

After lunch, students returned to WWU for some well-deserved downtime. While some students chose to rest back at the dorms, others had the opportunity to visit the WWU Rec Center for swimming, basketball, or weightlifting!

That afternoon, everyone regrouped for a quick Financial Aid 101 presentation, then joined in a very spirited game of “Financial Aid Jeopardy,” where students eagerly competed to show off their Financial Aid knowledge. Following this session, students created Financial Aid accounts and learned about scholarship platforms and resources. They later gathered on the WWU Comm Lawn for a casual picnic dinner, full of laughter, storytelling, and continued bonding.

“This camp has honestly really helped me feel less nervous about applying for college and financial aid. It’s less stressful, and I loved the experience. Thank you!!”

— 2025 QTC Participant

Students gather together and form hearts with their hands

As the sun set over ice cream Sundays, the day concluded with the “Real Talk” discussion, where mentors opened up about their personal journeys through college, with challenges, detours, and triumphs included. Students then wrote letters to their future selves. 

The fourth and final day brought a last wave of momentum as students tied up loose ends on their essays and scholarship applications. After lunch, they gathered one last time in their mentor groups to reflect on their growth, write gratitude letters, and exchange affirmations. These closing circles were filled with tearful goodbyes, long hugs, and powerful expressions of appreciation as mentors named the brilliance, resilience, and transformation they had witnessed in their mentees over the past several days.

“Everyone has doubts and gets nervous. It’s okay to feel that way. I am going to thrive in college and if I need help I know where to get it.”

— 2025 QTC Participant

The closing ceremony included a student slideshow showcasing camp photos and thank-you messages. Students left with gift bags, letters to their future selves, and the satisfaction of having taken a major leap toward each of their bright futures that lie ahead. FuturesNW is honored to have played a role in this pivotal chapter for and looks forward to continuing to support these brilliant young people through their senior year and beyond.

Two students share an embrace

“[What I’m taking away from this experience is] that I will never be alone, I have tons of help surrounding me.”

— 2025 QTC Participant

Junior Mentors Ruban and Ethan pose with campers on the “Stairs to Nowhere” sculpture

Furthermore, we would be remiss not to recognize the incredible leadership and dedication of the mentors and staff who made QuickStart to College 2025 possible. Earlier this year, Ximena Perez Rivero graciously stepped into the role of QuickStart to College Logistics Coordinator, bringing care, resilience, and sharp attention to detail throughout the planning and implementation process. She skillfully navigated countless moving parts behind the scenes and on-site, and her leadership and care for students were felt in every corner of the program.

Ximena, QTC Logistics Coordinator, and Karina, QTC Camp Director, kick off our first session in Miller Hall to help students identify their gifts and strengths.

“[My favorite part of camp was] meeting new friends and getting to know my, and everyone else’s mentors. They were amazing to talk to and meet!
”

— 2025 QTC Participant

We also want to extend a heartfelt thank you to Karina, our QuickStart to College Camp Director, and Victor González-Ayón, our Lead Mentor, both of whom played pivotal roles in making this camp the success that it was. Another special shout-out goes to our incredible team of mentors, who rose to the occasion and went above and beyond to support and inspire our students this year. We couldn’t have asked for a better crew. Well done!

FuturesNW Mentors and Staff pose for a group photo during mentor training

We would also like to thank Trader Joe's, Safeway, Fred Meyer, Grocery Outlet, US Foods CHEF'STORE, and the Co-op on N Forest Street for their generous gift card donations, which helped us provide food for camp. We also couldn’t have had such a successful camp without the invaluable partnership of the Juntos Program this year, and we look forward to continuing this collaboration in the years to come.

Skagit County Partner of the Year, Dalila Rodriguez

This year, we are thrilled to recognize Dalila Rodriguez of Burlington-Edison High School as our Skagit County Partner of the Year!

Dalila is a powerhouse of connection and care. She doesn’t just host Financial Aid events: she fills the library and rallies the entire school community around them. Her efforts don’t stop when the event ends. Dalila walks alongside families every step of the way, answering questions, breaking down barriers, and ensuring students access every dollar of financial support available to them.

Her commitment to student success is unmatched. Dalila makes sure students have the resources they need to explore their career pathways and brings a group to every Learning with Leaders event, giving them meaningful, hands-on exposure to college and career opportunities.

This year marks a milestone: for the first time ever, QuickStart to College is partnering with the Juntos program, thanks entirely to Dalila’s incredible ability to build bridges and bring people together. Because of her efforts, we have a record number of BEHS students attending camp this year, and many of them were able to participate because Dalila personally helped them navigate the paperwork and process.

Dalila is a community leader, a tireless advocate, and a true inspiration. Her tenacity is contagious, and her commitment to growth and equity elevates all of us.

Thank you, Dalila, for everything you do to help students and families across our region pursue their college and career dreams. We are honored to partner with you, and we appreciate you more than words can express.

Whatcom County Partner of the Year, Lois Mehlhoff!

This year, we are thrilled to recognize Lois Mehlhoff of Lynden High School as our Whatcom County Partner of the Year!

Lois consistently goes above and beyond to support students in completing their Financial Aid applications and exploring career pathways. Her Financial Aid events are not only well-attended year after year, but also deeply impactful, especially for first-generation students whose college and career dreams represent the hopes and hard work of generations before them. Lois walks alongside families every step of the way, ensuring students access every dollar of support available to them.

Last year, she played a key role in registering and encouraging student attendance at all three Learning with Leaders events; a remarkable accomplishment that speaks to her dedication and follow-through.

Lois also promotes valuable opportunities like our QuickStart to College program, making sure her students are aware of and prepared for what’s ahead. Her support is unwavering. On days when things feel tough, I know I can count on Lois to look me in the eye and say, “We’ll figure it out,” and mean it.

She is a beacon of hope, a tireless advocate, and a true inspiration. Her tenacity is contagious, and her commitment to continuous improvement makes all of us better.

Thank you, Lois, for everything you do to help students and families across our region pursue their college and career dreams. We are honored to partner with you, and we love and appreciate you!

DIFFICULT NEWS: State budget cuts IMPACT FuturesNW

Today, we are sharing some difficult news.

Due to sweeping state-level budget cuts impacting nonprofits across Washington, a significant portion of our funding has been eliminated. These cuts have directly affected two of our cornerstone programs: Financial Aid Completion Support and QuickStart to College, forcing us to make some incredibly challenging decisions.

As a result, we will be reducing staff and scaling back services for the 2025–2026 school year. These changes are not just organizational, they are deeply personal. The impact is real and human, touching beloved members of our team as well as the students and communities we serve.

While this moment is hard, we are actively pursuing alternative funding sources to rebuild what has been lost and continue to support the college and career dreams of our students. We are committed to doing everything in our power to keep showing up, even if in new and reimagined ways.

The hardest part of this transition is saying goodbye to members of our incredible team. Regina Reid and Rodrigo Ortiz Mendoza have been more than colleagues; they’ve been the heart of our mission and trusted partners to countless students, families, and school communities. Their contributions have been profound and will be long-lasting.

While Rodrigo will be continuing his educational journey at WWU as a student and continuing a work-study position, Regina has received our support through a letter of recommendation from FuturesNW for any future opportunities she may pursue. Regina has also started a business, Bug and Peg LLC, and we look forward to supporting her work and are cheering her on in every way imaginable. Regina welcomes your continued connection and can be reached at Regina@bugandpeg.com.

We invite you to join us in lifting them up by sharing job opportunities, writing messages of support, or simply reaching out with kindness. Below, you’ll find their bios and photos as a small way to honor and recognize the impact they’ve made.

Regina Reid: Support Services Program Manager

Education has opened many doors for me! Consequently, I'm passionate about helping others access its benefits. As a first-generation college student, I’m grateful for the family and community support that helped me navigate higher education, which is also why I appreciate the work of FuturesNW so much. I hold a Bachelor's in Agricultural Business Economics, which led to a corporate management career early on. Later, I earned a Master's in English & Language Literature/Poetry, driven by my love for reading and writing. I'm originally from Michigan, the Great Lakes State. After teaching English Composition in the U.S., I transitioned to teaching ESL abroad, working in Mongolia, Costa Rica, and China. I'm still hoping to build fluency in both Spanish and Mandarin.

Rodrigo Ortiz Mendoza: Support Services Program Assistant

Hi! My name is Rodrigo Ortiz Mendoza. I graduated from Blaine High School in 2022.  I am currently attending Western Washington University pursuing a degree in Business with a concentration in Management Information Systems. I am very excited to be working with FNW and getting to play a part in helping our students and community. In my spare time, I enjoy playing and watching soccer. I am a huge Real Madrid Fan. But what I like most is spending my time with my fiancé who is currently over 2600 miles away! However, we never let that get in the way. Watching movies (scary ones to be specific) and just talking about our day is my favorite part of my day. I am really excited about what the future holds for me and look forward with a smile on my face :)

Programmatic Changes for the 2025–2026 School Year

What FNW Will Continue to Offer:

• Virtual Financial Aid Events: Multi-school online sessions.

• Virtual Parent/Student Support: Available in a limited capacity.

• Financial Aid "Train the Trainer" Events: In collaboration with colleges and WSAC partners.

• FutureBot Texting Services: Continuing with pilot schools from 2024–2025.

• Limited Daytime Mentor Support: Focused on FAFSA/WASFA completion and college application navigation.

• Learning with Leaders: Fully funded and continuing!

  • November 2025 at SVC

  • February 2026 at BTC

  • April 2026 at WCC

• QuickStart to College 2025: This summer’s camp will run as planned.

• From One to Many Program: Ongoing support for tribal students at Lummi Nation and Ferndale High School.

• Lummi Nation School Only: Bi-weekly virtual career exploration workshops will continue.

What FNW Can No Longer Provide:

• In-Person Financial Aid Event Support: FNW will no longer coordinate or lead evening events, including volunteer coordination, food, printed materials, or marketing.

• Local College Financial Aid Completion Events: Calendly and in-person sessions/events with current college students will be on pause till further notice.

• QuickStart to College 2026: Paused, with hopes to return in 2027.

• Event Tabling: Subject to staff and material availability.

• Staffing Reductions: As shared above, some of our team members will be transitioning out due to the budget cuts.

While the year ahead will look different, our mission remains the same. We are still here, and still committed to partnering with you to support students in meaningful, if more limited, ways. If you’d like to connect or brainstorm new approaches with the resources we still have, or have funding opportunities to share, please schedule time with Ashley via Calendly.

Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership during this difficult time. We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to continue serving our community, even as we adjust to new realities. If you feel compelled to donate to our organization at this time, we welcome your support.

Learning With Leaders: Spring Event at WCC!

Student at the Physical Therapy workshop completes an exercise using a wheelchair

Spring is in full bloom, and so is Learning with Leaders! Last week, we held our final Learning with Leaders event of the 2024–2025 series at Whatcom Community College (WCC).

Students had the opportunity to engage in 9 different workshops, ranging from creating binary code using beads in the CIS/Cybersecurity workshop to designing posters using Adobe Illustrator in the Visual Communications workshop. We welcomed approximately 110 students from 7 schools across Whatcom and Skagit Counties, including Bellingham High School, Burlington-Edison High School, Ferndale High School, La Conner High School, Lynden High School, Mount Baker High School and State Street High School. With the support of 24 workshop facilitators and 10 dedicated volunteers, it was a transformative experience for students!

“[My favorite part was] testing lung capacity, it was fun trying to get different results. I learned how to do that and how to draw blood/test blood pressure.”

— Learning with Leaders Participant

At the Physical Therapy workshop, a student catches a ball as she balances on a “Bosu Ball”

The event kicked off at Syre Auditorium, where students enjoyed bagels from the Bagelry and received resource folders filled with post-secondary planning materials. Nubia Robles, Director of Outreach for Whatcom Community College, Kerri Holferty, Vice President of Student Services at WCC, and Ashley DeLatour, FuturesNW’s Executive Director of Programs, delivered an inspiring welcome before students headed to their first workshops of the day.

Volunteers led students across WCC’s campus to attend the workshops they signed up for prior to the event. Each workshop was facilitated by local industry experts and WCC faculty, providing students with guidance, real-world experiences and connections to professionals in their fields of interest.

In the Center for Internet Security/Cybersecurity workshop, students explored how computers communicate with networks and even created binary code using beads. They also learned from Bo English-Wiczling from Oracle about certifications and job opportunities in IT and cybersecurity.

In the Visual Communications workshop, students created their own posters and branding using Adobe Illustrator and watched software demonstrations.

Students complete the online lab activity in the CIS/Cybersecurity workshop

At the Visual Communications workshop, a student designs their own poster

Students interested in healthcare had the opportunity to explore Medical Assisting, where they practiced drawing blood using fake manikin arms, listening to heart and lung sounds, and testing lung capacity. In the Nursing workshop, students practiced flushing an IV, inserting a nasogastric (NG) tube into manikins, measuring wounds, and listening to heart and lung sounds on a pediatric manikin. Meanwhile, those attending the Physical Therapist Assistant workshop tried out therapy devices and role-played therapeutic exercises while learning how physical therapist assistants help patients recover from injuries and improve mobility.

“The PTA workshop was very interactive, it made the workshop engaging and fun! I learned that I might want to be a PTA.”

— Learning with Leaders Participant

In the Nursing workshop, Josh Wiederhold from PeaceHealth guides students through the activity

Students draw “blood” from fake manikin arms in the Medical Assisting workshop

“I really really enjoyed Medical Assisting because it was super hands on and engaging! I learned how to draw blood.
”

— Learning with Leaders Participant

Student uses a “Mr. Potato Head” toy for an activity in the Early Childhood Education workshop

The Business workshop gave students a broad overview of opportunities in entrepreneurship, finance, marketing, and management. They got to role-play a human resources scenario and learned about the skills needed to thrive in the business world.

In Criminal Justice, students learned about teen court, restorative justice, legal studies, and victim advocacy. They also learned about inmate booking and transport procedures, careers in law enforcement, and plans for a new jail coming to Whatcom County.

The Early Childhood Education workshop featured educational games, videos on child development and a Mr. Potato Head personality exercise. They also designed inclusive classroom layouts that support students with a wide range of abilities, strengths, and learning styles.

“I liked learning about all the opportunities and resources in Whatcom County that can help me in my future career in law enforcement.”

— Learning with Leaders Participant

Student uses a spirometer to measure lung capacity

Corrections Administrator Caleb Erikson leads the Criminal Justice workshop

In the Accounting & Finance workshop, students got practical with taxes and learned about industry certifications and financial planning careers.

“It was interesting learning about opportunities around me and seeing positions that will help me advance in life.”

— Learning with Leaders Participant

After their first round of workshops, students gathered in Syre Auditorium for a lunch break, enjoying pizza and sharing stories about their exciting experiences. They participated in a game of bingo organized by the Junior Achievement Council, which helped them learn more about the organizations tabling at the event. Students got to explore tables hosted by a variety of WCC departments, including WCC Counseling, WCC Writing Center, WCC Math Center, WCC Student Life, WCC Running Start, WCC Access & Disability Services, WCC Outreach, WCC Athletics & Recreation, WCC Intercultural Services, WCC Academic Advising, WCC Residence Life, WCC Financial Aid, WCC TRIO/Upward Bound, WCC The Horizon newspaper, and WCC Makerspace. Representatives from Skagit Valley College, Bellingham Technical College, Western Washington University, Junior Achievement Washington, and WWU’s Manufacturing and Supply Chain Management program also joined us.

Ale Hobi joins us from Bellingham Technical College

Skagit Valley College representatives join us

Learning with Leaders thrives thanks to the steadfast support of our partners, whose commitment helps turn local students’ career and college aspirations into reality. We are especially grateful to Whatcom Community College for its pivotal role in ensuring the success of the last event of the academic year. A big thank you also goes out to our generous sponsors, including North Sound Accountable Community of Health, and to our food sponsors, the Bagelry, Starbucks, and Costco.

Student smiles and gives a thumbs up

We would also like to thank Sage Borgias, our FuturesNW Pathways Exploration Program Coordinator, who coordinated the 2024-2025 LWL series. From recruiting and preparing our guest speakers to managing event logistics, she worked tirelessly to ensure each session was engaging, inclusive, and relevant to students' post-secondary journeys. Their care, creativity, and organizational leadership were instrumental in the success of this year’s program.

While this year’s LWL series has come to a close, we can’t wait to see you again in the fall. Stay tuned for next time!

Whatcom Asset Building Coalition's Annual Summit is coming!

Register to join us on Tuesday, May 20th, for Whatcom Asset Building Coalition's Annual Summit hosted at the Bellingham Cruise Terminal. This year's event is titled "Asset Building for All: Pathways to Financial Inclusion." Doors open at 12:30, program is from 1:00 - 4:00. Coffee and light refreshments will be provided.

About the Event: 

In our community, there are households that struggle to break out of the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle. Contributing factors are high housing costs, banking deserts, or difficulties finding employment. Asset building is the process of accumulating tangible and intangible resources to improve economic well-being and financial stability.   

Come learn about local solutions and policy initiatives that promote financial inclusion and asset building in our communities. Keynote and panelist sessions will explore affordable homeownership strategies, financial literacy access, and pathways to education and job skills training. 

Visit the website to register and see updated event details! 

Learning With Leaders: The First Event of 2025!

Participants in the Industrial Maintenance and Mechatronics workshop experiment with robotics and circuits

Last week, we kicked off the first Learning with Leaders event of the year at Bellingham Technical College (BTC).

Despite the early morning chill, we were fortunate to have dry weather, despite the overcast skies. Dare we say, it was one of the warmer winter days these past few months!

Student works with machinery in the Diesel Technology workshop

This time, we offered 11 different workshops, allowing students to immerse themselves into various activities from in-demand career fields, ranging from performing simulated “surgery” to building electrical circuits. We welcomed 123 students from 12 schools across Whatcom and Skagit Counties, including Aspire Academy, Bellingham High School, Burlington-Edison High School, Lynden High School, Meridian High School, Mount Baker High School, Mount Vernon High School, Options High School, Sehome High School, Squalicum High School, State Street High School, and Whatcom Intergenerational High School. With the support of 27 workshop facilitators and 12 dedicated volunteers, it was a transformative experience for students!

As buses full of students began to arrive, volunteers helped lead students to BTC’s cafeteria to grab a fresh bagel from a town favorite, the Bagelry. Each student was given a resource folder packed with post-secondary resources and information to explore. Following a warm welcome from FuturesNW Executive Director of Programs, Ashley DeLatour, the energy in the room grew as students eagerly anticipated their first workshop.

“[My favorite part was] being physically involved with the activities and getting the chance to experience new things. I liked that they showed interest in each student.
”

— LWL Participant

A student supports to the neck of an manikin infant after a simulated C-section

Volunteers led students across BTC’s campus to attend the workshops they signed up for prior to the event. Each career workshop was co-facilitated by BTC faculty and local industry experts.

In the Business workshop, students stepped into the roles of judge, jury, and investigator, where they analyzed a real Washington employment law HR case. Those who attended the Diesel Technology workshop got to build and operate circuits.

“They gave me a better understanding of what the job would be like and made me feel very inspired. I really want to involve myself with the Diesel Technology course.”

— LWL Participant

In the Industrial Maintenance and Mechatronics workshop, students worked with sophisticated equipment used in advanced manufacturing operations while experimenting with robotics and circuits. The Process Technology workshop introduced students to maintaining safety standards and equipment quality in industries like manufacturing, aerospace, and biotech. Participants also worked with water valve circuits and used pipes to transport water. Meanwhile, students in the Machining workshop created prototypes of cars, houses, and bridges, all while learning about different machining procedures. In the Information Technology workshop they disassembled and reassembled computers to explore hardware components and used Python, a popular programming language, to create a game.

“[My favorite part was] disassembling and reassembling a computer and cutting metal because it’s very different to what we usually do in class. ”

— LWL Participant

Student works with a circuit

Participants in the Industrial Maintenance and Mechatronics workshop listen to the speaker

Under the realm of Healthcare and Medical Professions, students gained insight into high-demand careers in health. The Radiologic Technology workshop allowed students the opportunity to manipulate radiographic equipment, process digital images, and conduct image analyses. In the Surgical Technology workshop, participants got to practice precision and teamwork by carefully extracting Jolly Ranchers from a manikin’s simulated body cavity. In the Nursing workshop, students explored typical day-to-day nursing activities, such as checking vitals, which included checking blood pressure, heart rate, and pulse.

Student checks an infant manikin’s vitals

“My favorite part was when I was at the nursing section listening to a babies heart, I learned that a lot can be learned from their cries.”

— LWL Participant

Student uses a stethoscope

A student at the Surgery Technology workshop performs a simulated surgery

Additionally, high school Seniors had the opportunity to attend College & Career Readiness workshops designed to support their post-secondary goals. The Scholarships & Financial Aid session provided direct assistance with completing FAFSA or WASFA applications and researching scholarship opportunities. The Admissions/Applications workshop guided students through the process of completing Washington State community college applications, as well as applications to technical colleges.

“[My favorite part was] getting answers for financial aid, it took a lot of stress off my shoulders. I learned how to finish my FASFA & apply to scholarships.
”

— LWL Participant

Students receive support at the Scholarships and Financial Aid workshop

After the first round of workshops, students returned to the cafeteria for a well-earned lunch. Over salad and breadsticks donated by Olive Garden, as well as pizza, students excitedly shared their experiences with each other as they anticipated their second workshop session of the day. During lunch, they also participated in a game of bingo created by Junior Achievement to learn more about the organizations that were tabling at the event. At different tables, students got to chat with representatives from Bellingham Technical College, Northwest Indian College, Whatcom Community College, Skagit Valley College, and Western Washington University (WWU), as well as with the Northwest Career and Technical Academy and WWU’s Manufacturing and Supply Chain Management program.

“I think I enjoyed almost everything - it was very engaging, everybody was clearly here out of a passion to help us or help us see a great pathway of their profession. If I had to choose I’d say my favorite part would be connecting with the organizations and teachers.”

— LWL Participant

In our evaluation of the program's effectiveness, we tapped into the Science of Hope, a well-researched framework known for predicting long-term positive outcomes for high school students. Following the principles of Hope Theory, we closely monitored students' "Hope Scores," a metric used to measure levels of hope. The results were inspiring: after the event, students reported an average increase of 4.2 points in their hope levels!

Learning with Leaders wouldn’t be possible without the unwavering support of our incredible partners, who share our mission of turning students' career and college aspirations into reality. We extend a special thank you to Bellingham Technical College for its crucial role in making this event such a success. We would also like to thank our generous sponsors, including North Sound Accountable Community of Health, as well as our food sponsors, The Bagelry, Olive Garden, Starbucks, and Costco.

The final event in the 2024-2025 series will be on May 2nd at Whatcom Community College. We’ll see you then!

Why contributing to your student's FAFSA or WASFA matters

Parents, do you know how important you are to your student’s future success? If your student is considered dependent on the FAFSA or WASFA, they need your information as a contributor to qualify for grants, scholarships, and work-study opportunities. Many schools require the FAFSA or WASFA to be completed before they offer additional gift aid to your student. We know this process can be a pain, but we are here to help! Book a 1-1 appointment with a member of the team or join us at a local completion event! Please enjoy this video created by FNW team members Regina Reid and Paige Holman to help you get excited. The end goal is incredible, and your student’s dreams truly rely on your support!

If that video didn’t pull at your heartstrings, perhaps these sobering statistics will. According to the Washington Roundtable’s Skill Up for Our Future Report, we are projected to have a skilled worker shortage in WA of 600,000 people and 1.5 million+ job openings by 2032. 75% of those opportunities will rely on students having a degree, apprenticeship, or high-value industry certification. Bachelor’s and advanced degrees will be in the highest demand and will be required for 45% of all job opportunities, not just those included in our skilled worker shortfall. These family-wage jobs have the potential to uplift multiple generations through education/training. Completing a Financial Aid application is critical to your student’s success in pursuing education after high school. “National research shows that 90% of students who complete a financial aid application attend college and that the main reason students do not complete one is they think it’s too complex or that they are not eligible for aid,” according to a Ready WA article. Given that completing a Financial Aid application is such a critical part of attaining education beyond high school, we hope you will support your student by doing your part and completing the parent contributor portion of the application. Check out our FAFSA/WASFA page for some additional resources to help you get started.

Are you considering going back to school too? FuturesNW would love to help you! As a non-traditional student myself, I got my bachelor’s degree in 2019 as a 39-year-old mom of 2, and I believe that you can do it too. Going back to school changed my life in profound ways. Before attending WWU, my husband and I were working 10 part-time jobs just to make ends meet. Neither of us had a bachelor’s degree and we were not eligible for family-wage jobs in our area because of it. My kids watched me work hard before and after my degree and we all agree that the hard work I am doing now is paying off. I now have 1 full-time job I love at FuturesNW that affords me time with my family and a living wage.

FuturesNW would love to help you and your student achieve your dreams by helping you complete your financial aid application and so much more!

-Ashley DeLatour, Executive Director of Programs

Learning with Leaders at Skagit Valley College Was Pure Magic!

Student maneuvers a machine at the Automotive Technology workshop.

Earlier this month, FuturesNW kicked off the 2024-2025 Learning with Leaders series at Skagit Valley College— and we couldn’t have asked for a better first event! Partnering with local industry experts and college professionals, we offered 11 different workshops for students. We had an impressive turnout of 176 students from 14 high schools across Whatcom and Skagit Counties!

Wondering what makes Learning with Leaders so unique? Instead of learning about careers strictly through lectures, students go beyond the classroom environment by experiencing them first-hand, engaging in activities like performing tooth sealants, touring an ambulance, or checking patient vitals. This immersive approach allows students the unique opportunity to experience a “day in the life” of different careers, like Fire Science, Nursing, or Data Management and Analytics, giving them a tangible sense of what these professions really entail.

“My favorite part was definitely the hands-on learning & simulations part of learning for both of the workshops. Hands-on work is so important for everyone I think and being able to do that really helped me enjoy my time here.”

— 2024 Learning with Leaders participant

Volunteers and workshop guests await students

On November 13th, a steady rain greeted students as they began to arrive at Skagit Valley’s campus, but that didn’t dampen their spirits! Welcomed by our friendly team of volunteers, students were each handed a resource folder before heading to McIntyre Hall, where they eagerly waited for other school groups to arrive.

Students gather at McIntyre Hall as they wait for the other students to arrive

Ashley Delatour, FuturesNW’s Executive Director of Programs, opened the event with a heartfelt thanks to Skagit Valley College staff and the Outreach and Admissions team. Dr. Claire Peinado, Vice President of Student Services, followed with a land acknowledgment, and Dr. Christopher Villa, President of Skagit Valley College, shared his own warm welcome. Eager and excited, students were led to the first session of workshops, curious as to what this new experience might bring!

Many students who attended the event signed up for a workshop in a health-related field. For instance, those participating in the Dental Therapy workshop got to perform cleanings, temporary fillings, and sealants on mock teeth. At the Nursing workshop, students learned how to administer chest compressions and check vital signs, including heart rate, breathing rate, and blood pressure. At the Allied Health workshop, they practiced drawing fake blood from manikin arms.

A medical professional demonstrates CPR for students to try

Student draws fake blood from a manikin arm

Student works with dental instruments

The Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Workshop consisted of an ambulance tour and practice with emergency scenarios using manikins. Meanwhile, in the Fire Technology workshop, students got to try on firefighting gear and even operate a fire hose! Students left their workshops with smiles on their faces having had the opportunities to connect with instructors and meet professionals from well-renowned local companies like Sedro-Woolley Fire Department, Skagit Regional Hospital, and Northwest Ambulance.

“My favorite part was being able to ask questions and getting a good answer every time and understanding the path to become a firefighter/technician.”

— 2024 Learning with Leaders participant

Students completed surveys and reviewed Fire Science resources

Students film the air bag that deployed just seconds prior

Those interested in building their technical and mechanical skills attended the Automotive Technology or Manufacturing Technology workshop. In Automotive Technology, students watched an airbag deployment and explored different brake systems. In Manufacturing Technology, they learned about conventional machine tools, composites, and computerized design. Students also learned how to use a universal testing machine and a laser cutter, and even got to use vacuums to shoot ping pong ball cannons!

At the Data Management & Analytics workshop, students used social media data to analyze financial trends. Those passionate about the environment attended the Environmental Conservation workshop. Students split into teams and used teamwork to brainstorm solutions to different environmental issues like flooding.

Students were also offered workshops to explore higher education or career preparation opportunities and financial resources. At the Higher Education and Career Preparation workshop, they made FAFSA accounts and learned about scholarship opportunities. The Admissions/Applications Lab contained important information about about 2-year and 4-year college applications, apprenticeships, and local colleges.

“My favorite part was the ability to connect with the local colleges and learn about what they offer.”

— 2024 Learning with Leaders participant

Friends at Skagit Valley College talk with students

An interested studentslearns about the Marine Maintenance Technology at SVC

Following the first session of workshops, students returned to the McIntyre Hall for pizza, where they excitedly exchanged stories about their experiences with friends. During lunch, they participated in an exciting game of Bingo created by the Junior Achievement Council to learn more about the organizations that were tabling at the event. 

Three Fire Science professionals smile for the camera

During their bingo activity, students then got the opportunity to chat and connect with representatives at different resource tables. Among those tabling were Washington Vocational Services, Bellingham Technical College, Western Washington University, and Whatcom and Community College. Various programs and supports at Skagit Valley College also joined us, such as SVC Disability Access Services, SVC College Assistance Migrant Program, SVC Marine Services, SVC Maestros Para El Pueblo, and the Skagit Valley College Foundation. The first 3 students who completed their bingo card got prizes from Junior Achievement as a reward for engaging in such thorough networking. After lunch, students dispersed across campus once more to attend their second and final workshop of the day.

Once students completed the second workshop session, they gathered back at the McIntyre Hall for closing remarks, reflections, and raffle prizes. As the event concluded, it was evident in students’ expressions that they were leaving with renewed hope and excitement for their promising futures.

We’d like to give a special shoutout to Sage Borgias, our Pathways Exploration Program Coordinator, for bringing the 2024-2025 Learning with Leaders series to life. If you were lucky enough to attend, you could feel how much dedication, passion and hard work Sage poured into the experience. It was thanks to her tireless efforts this year that we were able to pull off such a life-changing event for students. Hats off to you, Sage!

FuturesNW also expresses our sincere thanks to Skagit Valley College for hosting our first event in the 2024-2025 series, as well as for their generous involvement in making this Learning with Leaders event such a success. We’d also like to extend a huge thanks to our generous sponsor North Sound ACH, as well as food sponsors Starbucks, and Costco. It’s our partners who make these programs so impactful.

“I love the connections that the leaders made with us and the amazing inspirational stories. I believe that this has really made an impact on my career in health. I am excited for my future. Thank you.”

— 2024 Learning with Leaders participant

At each event, students are connected with pathways that lead to rewarding, high-demand careers that simultaneously meet the community’s workforce needs. When it’s no longer a mystery which pathways in education lead to jobs students will enjoy, everyone benefits!

The second Learning With Leaders event will be held on February 26, 2025, at Bellingham Technical College, followed by the final event on May 2, 2025, at Whatcom Community College. 

We hope to see you there!