Empowering Youth–Tacoma Luncheon Supports College Dreams
College Success Foundation Alumna Yasmin knows what it’s like to start from the bottom. “But now I’m here, and I didn’t do it on my own,” she says. “I was able to thrive with the support of caring individuals and CSF. It was what others saw and nourished within me that paved my path to success.”
Yasmin delivered opening remarks at the sixth annual Empowering Youth–Tacoma Luncheon on May 15 at the Hotel Murano. The event, now in its sixth year, raised over $151,000 to help low-income Tacoma students complete high school and graduate from college. Over 350 guests cheered on graduating CSF Achievers Scholars, including CSF College Prep Advisors and HERO Advisors, school district superintendent Carla Santorno, principals and college presidents.
High school mascots from Tacoma Public Schools got the party started. CSF alumna Essence emceed the event, encouraging attendees to reflect on their achievements and celebrate the beginning of their new chapter in college. CSF Alumnus Elijah and CSF-Tacoma Executive Director Shanna Lamar advised graduating seniors to engage and interact with others. And CSF Co-Founder Ann Ramsay-Jenkins spoke about how supporting CSF is a vital and sound investment in Tacoma’s youth and the community.
Yasmin, who participated in CSF’s Achievers Program at Henry Foss High School, shared the struggles she faced finishing high school and graduating from college. She went on to law school and is now a licensed attorney in Washington state. Yasmin explained that CSF saw in her someone who wanted to achieve but just couldn’t connect the dots. “They understood, that if given an opportunity, I would never give up,” she said. “Thanks to CSF, I had the support I needed to pursue all my dreams.” Read more about Yasmin’s story.
Essence inspired CSF Scholars in attendance to “make their mark.” “CSF’s investment in my education gave me choices in life. They deliver every day in believing in the potential and providing choices for talented low-income students,” she said.
The event concluded with a celebration of CSF Achievers Scholars from all five Tacoma high schools: Foss, Lincoln, Mt. Tahoma, Stadium and Wilson.
Your support is what allows us to continue serving over 2,000 CSF-Tacoma Scholars each year in high school, college and beyond. As Essence put it, “CSF was an irreplaceable part of my college experience, and it afforded me the oportunity to get to where I am now.”
If you were unable to attend, you can still make an impact. Please donate today.