Belief Sparks the Journey and Persistence Drives It for CSF Scholars

For 25 years, College Success Foundation (CSF) has helped students in communities across Washington turn possibilities and promise into generational change. From navigating their first financial aid forms in high school to managing the stress of their first college finals, CSF advisors and coaches guide students to believe in themselves and persist through every step of the college journey. In Yakima, for example, CSF has been rooted in the community since our beginnings, supporting students and their families and now inspiring the next generation of college-goers.

Because Someone Believed, She Began to Believe Too

Elvia still remembers the day a morning announcement at Eisenhower High School changed her life. As a senior, balancing classes and night shifts, she “landed in CSF Advisor Yolanda’s office out of curiosity.”

“I never saw myself going to college because that wasn’t something that I had seen in my family,” Elvia shares. “My expectation was to get my high school diploma and go straight to work.”

Elvia worked late nights, sometimes until two or three in the morning, and would come to school tired but determined not to give up.

“I was independent at the time,” Elvia explains. “I was living on my own, and I didn’t have much of a support system. So for me, CSF was completely life-changing because, in my mind, I couldn’t afford college. I could barely afford my rent, let alone pay for college. But when I met Yolanda, she just kept pushing me to do more. Applying for scholarships, showing up for workshops, finishing those applications even when I was exhausted.”

Yolanda’s belief that Elvia could go to college changed everything.

“I got to the end of my senior year, and I had full-ride scholarships,” she recalls. “I didn’t have to pay a cent out of pocket.”

Knowing that someone believed in her potential and that her hard work could truly change her trajectory stayed with her through college. “CSF was always checking in, making sure I was staying on track,” recalls Elvia. She began her college education at Yakima Valley College (YVC) and later transferred to Heritage University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in social work.

Now, Elvia’s story has come full circle. As a CSF coach located on campus at YVC, she’s the person sitting on the other side of the desk, encouraging students who were once like her to see what’s possible.

“I love what I do,” expresses Elvia. “I’m 23 years old. I have a family, I have a daughter. I have a career. These are things I never envisioned myself having as a senior in high school.”

Because somebody believed in her, and because she learned to believe in herself, Elvia now gets to help students on their own college journeys.

Meeting Students Where They Are Helps Them Persist

Elvia is not the only CSF Alum now working at CSF. At YVC, she works alongside another program alum, CSF Coach Kass. Kass is a Davis High School and Washington State University graduate who was guided by CSF Advisor Maria during her own college access journey.

Today, Kass supports students in two ways. She coaches in person at YVC and also serves as a remote coach for students who attend Central Washington University.

Together, their work reflects one of CSF’s most urgent priorities this year, which is helping students successfully transition from two-year to four-year institutions. More and more students are starting their education at two-year colleges, yet only about one-third complete a degree. To help change this, CSF coaches are located in-person at Highline College, Tacoma Community College, Peninsula College and YVC. In addition, every CSF Scholar enrolled at any college in Washington state can connect with a coach through flexible, remote support.

Kass is also part of a regional student success workgroup focused on formalizing a clear pathway for students from Davis and Eisenhower High Schools to YVC and on to CWU, where they can earn their 4-year degrees.

To help students stay engaged and persist from term to term, Kass knows that creating a sense of belonging and meeting students where they are make up the crucial ingredients for student success. From their annual summer picnic, where newly graduated high school seniors meet college students to begin building their networks, to their Home for the Holidays event, which brings college students back to Yakima to reconnect with the CSF team. Staff work year-round to keep students connected and supported through peer meet-ups and one-on-one check-ins.

As a first-generation college student, Kass understands firsthand the struggles and potential barriers that new students often face as they transition into college. That’s why she is dedicated to creating student-centered experiences that guide new students through the high school-to-college transition and ensure they’re set up for success before starting in the fall.

“I remember how overwhelming it felt to navigate my next steps for college as a high school senior,” shares Kass. “CSF helped me narrow down my options and gave me the confidence to feel prepared. Now, as a CSF coach, my goal and passion is for students to feel supported and know they will have someone in their corner to help them work through challenges.”

Kass understands students have other responsibilities like parenting, full- and part-time jobs and helping with family needs. Kass sees their determination to pursue an education and finds alternative ways to still connect. “Flexibility is key when working with students,” says Kass. “Our coaching sessions sometimes occur in person, through Zoom or even by phone. By meeting students where they are, I build continued trust and show my commitment to their success.”

A Generation of Impact

Inside Davis and Eisenhower High Schools in Yakima, CSF Advisors Maria and Yolanda have long been the first spark of belief for thousands of young people. With more than 35 years of combined service, they’ve guided an entire generation of students—including Elvia and Kass—on their paths to college. For many years, it was just the two of them supporting these campuses, but in recent years, their team has grown to include additional colleagues who share in this work.

“We can’t go anywhere without running into a student that we supported, and I genuinely enjoy seeing them. Some of our former students’ kids are now in our programs. That’s how far this ripple has gone,” reflects Maria. “A lot of students come to us as their safety net or are looking for a safe space. We’ve written so many letters of recommendation for scholarships and college applications over the years.”

The relationships they’ve built over time have strengthened a community that believes in CSF’s impact. “Strong partnerships are key to our work,” points out Yolanda. “We rely on the dedication of high school staff and the support of our college and community partnerships. It really does take a committed team to make this kind of impact.”

CSF’s pathway model works because belief and persistence are embedded in every student interaction. After 25 years, that dedication to college access and student success has created a legacy that now spans an entire generation.

Special thanks to Yakima School District • Yakima Valley College • Central Washington University • Heritage University • Perry Tech • ESD 105 • Yakima HAAP • Washington Apple Education Foundation • OIC of Washington • Yakima Valley Community Foundation • Latino Community Fund • CSF Yakima Alumni Board for your continued partnership in supporting our community’s young people on their educational journeys.