How parent engagement sparked intergenerational change: Sandra’s story

When speaking with Sandra, the pride she has for her children shines through. A single parent of two students from Mount Vernon High School (MVHS), Sandra wants nothing more than for her children to have access to more opportunities and resources than she had growing up. 

Sandra doesn’t shy away from discussing her educational experience with her daughter, Brady, and son, Erwin––telling them of her upbringing in Mexico City and how multiple obstacles prevented her from attending school beyond the 7th grade. Both Brady and Erwin have participated in college and career readiness programming provided by College Success Foundation at MVHS. When Sandra heard that CSF was now offering parent engagement programming through its Rally for College initiative, she jumped at the chance. “When [I found out] CSF was offering Parent Engagement opportunities, I was excited…because there aren’t many programs that offer support for parents on the topic of college in today’s world.” Sandra says. “A lot has changed since I was in school and it’s very different in Mexico.”

“I didn’t even dream of going to college because I had no idea what it was about. My parents sure didn’t either. There was never any sort of support for them to understand the importance of having their kids attending college.”

Sandra

Research shows: students with parental involvement along their path toward higher education are that much more likely to succeed than those without support. That’s why CSF parent engagement specialists provide parents with free one-on-one guidance and resources to help usher their students along a path towards career and financial success. From learning about why a college degree is so valuable, to outlining important high school graduation requirements, to illuminating options to make college more affordable, parent engagement specialists’ main goal is to make college not just more accessible for students but for their entire families. 

Earlier this spring, while on parent-focused campus visits to Seattle University and Western Washington University, Sandra learned about the many post-secondary pathways available to her children. This unique exposure has allowed Sandra to have open and informed conversations with her daughter Brady about the two and four-year college options Brady is currently considering.

Surveys tell us that college affordability is often the primary barrier that prevents parents from encouraging their children to pursue post-secondary education. These findings fuel CSF parent engagement specialists like Tania Churape to devote ample time to financial aid workshops. Through Tania, Sandra has learned about the various ways to pay for college with generous support from Washington state, the federal government, and local and regional scholarships. 

Tania, who leads CSF’s parent programming for the NW Coastal region, believes these added supports for parents/guardians make all the difference––giving parents like Sandra the information and experiences they need to support their children’s education beyond high school. Tania explains, “It’s been rewarding to see parents like Sandra who work such long hours and who faced many educational barriers themselves, so involved in our programming and finding success. Rally for College is truly changing the game!”

An added benefit of this programming is that parents like Sandra, who grew up with minimal educational access, are now applying newfound college admissions knowledge to their own career development. “I really appreciate the work CSF is doing,” Sandra says. “Brady wants to study forensic science or criminal justice and Erwin is still undecided; my kids have helped me realize it is never too late.” Today, Sandra is currently attending Skagit Valley College, pursuing her GED, and using the post-secondary pathway resources she receives through CSF to inform her own aspirations.

“CSF has helped me guide my kids through high school and plant the seed of attending college.”

Sandra

This is exactly the additional benefit that CSF aimed to achieve by involving parents in their children’s college-readiness programming. “It’s the final piece of the programming puzzle for us,” says Keith Stier-Van Essen, CSF’s program director for the NW Coastal region.

“By supporting parents/guardians in post-secondary pathway education, CSF is equipping the entire family to make informed decisions and gain access to crucial resources, both informational and financial, for the journey to college.”

Keith Stier-Van Essen, CSF’s program director for the NW Coastal region

For Sandra, CSF has enabled her to help her children access more opportunities than she had growing up. We are honored to be in a position to support families like this. “I want the best for my kids, and programs like CSF have helped guide and educate not just them but me as well!”