Empowering Youth event honors challenges, celebrates triumphs

College Success Foundation supports nearly 10,000 students each year to graduate from college and succeed in life. On October 23, we gathered virtually for our annual Empowering Youth event to support the next generation of scholars. Participants enjoyed an evening of meaningful connection, campfire conversations, and powerful storytelling from our advisors and students.

Emmy award-winning broadcast journalist Lori Matsukawa and former Tacoma Public Schools Superintendent Carla Santorno co-hosted this inspirational event honoring the challenges and celebrating the triumphs of CSF Scholars and Advisors over the last year.

Many students struggled financially, emotionally, and academically during the pandemic. Our CSF Advisors went above and beyond for our scholars during this difficult time and sat down to share their experiences.

“If there was ever a time to provide these resources to our students, it is NOW,” said CSF-Seattle Program Director Lakesha. “In order for them to stay on their path and recover the learning that has been lost … they need these resources in order to be successful.”

CSF Scholar Madelyn shared her story of persistence. Like many of our students, she has continued to persevere through many challenges caused by the pandemic and systemic inequities. As a sophomore at University of Washington Bothell, she is a STEM major who hopes to be an international aid worker in developing countries.

“If it wasn’t for CSF, I probably would have settled for less. I really would have given up on myself way sooner than expected,” she said. “What they do for students, it goes beyond what anybody expects.”

CSF President & CEO James Dorsey shared CSF’s bold response to stem the drop in direct-college enrollment. Through the Rally for College initiative, we will increase the number of students we serve from approximately 10,000 to nearly 40,000. This initiative will launch in January 2022 and strategically focus on high-need high schools across Washington state.

It takes a community to make higher education more equitable and accessible for our students. Thanks to your generosity, we raised $225,000 to support underserved students in Washington state to graduate from college.

Didn’t have a chance to attend the event? You can view the replay on our website and help us reach our goal of $250,000 to support our programs. Join our Circle of Support as a monthly donor, or make a one-time gift in any amount. Gifts of $250 and above will be matched by our match fund donors!