CSF-Spokane College Signing Day Celebrates Student Commitment

College Success Foundation changes lives through education. Spokane Mayor David Condon declared May 15 CSF–Spokane College Signing Day, a celebration highlighting how a college education will transform the lives of underserved students.

More than 250 CSF Achievers Scholars graduating from five Spokane high schools attended the event on the Gonzaga University campus along with 500 guests. KHQ TV News Anchor Sean Owsley, also a first-generation college student, was the emcee.

The evening featured a college banner that each student signed signifying their intention to attend college this fall. Representatives from regional colleges and universities greeted students, and each student received CSF honor cords to wear during their high school graduation ceremonies.

CSF Achievers Scholars from Ferris, Lewis & Clark, North Central, Rogers and Shadle Park High Schools were joined by their families, CSF College Prep Advisors, school representatives, mentors and other invited guests. Collectively the students will be attending 21 colleges and receiving more than $1 million in scholarships.

In partnership with Spokane Public Schools, CSF provides a unique integrated system of supports and scholarships to inspire students to finish high school, graduate from college and succeed in life. Scholars include young people from low-income families, students of color, foster youth and first-generation college students. CSF helps to make sure that high school students that don’t have all the resources to get to college can still pursue their dreams.

“This celebration honors and recognizes each student’s commitment to pursue a college education and create new opportunities to succeed,” said CSF–Spokane Regional Executive Director Susan Joseph Nielsen.

“65 percent of our CSF Achievers Scholars are the first in their family to go to college, so they don’t have anyone in their sphere of influence to tell them what college might be like and help them navigate those steps.”

Our goal is to make that navigation as smooth as possible, Susan continued.

Watch a short video by Spokane Public Schools that captures the excitement and joy of the day.