CSF-Northwest Coastal COVID-19 Response Update

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought increased levels of economic stress to many of our students and families. After schools closed last March, College Success Foundation adapted our programs and services to support our scholars through challenging times.

In addition to pivoting to a remote support model, we established the CSF COVID-19 Student Support Fund to meet our students’ needs through this evolving and unprecedented situation. We also created a curated list of COVID-19 resources for students and families.

We were uncertain how our students and families would respond to these transitions. But although many challenges still remain, feedback in recent months demonstrates that CSF continues to deliver on our mission.

Student Support Impact

In the Northwest Coastal region, we have distributed over $13,000 in support funds to struggling students and families since last March. We bought and delivered over 35 new laptops for remote learning, provided gift cards for groceries, and offered support for rent and utilities.

“This is a very hard time for everyone, but we are struggling with utilities and internet. Thank you!” one parent said.

Another single mother expressed concern that she was unable to finance online school technology for her daughter. “This is amazing!” she wrote upon having those needs met by CSF. “Thank you so very much!”

CSF Advisors Making a Difference

Advisors at Bremerton, Marysville Pilchuck, Mount Vernon and Port Angeles high schools also continue to provide resources, academic support, financial aid advising, and college application help through one-on-one video chats, email, phone, and text.

 “I wouldn’t have graduated without CSF advisors Paul and Andrea,” one scholar said. “They helped me out so much.”

“You’ve been incredibly helpful and always full of information. Thank you for all your support,” another scholar wrote to a CSF advisor.

A scholar who had financial aid questions said, “I’m very intimidated by FAFSA and didn’t quite know where to start, but your answers help a lot.”

These words are just a small sample of the gratitude that students and families have shared as CSF advisors persist in reaching out and making a difference.

Read the latest CSF-Northwest Coastal newsletter to learn more about what the region has done to support students.