In the verdant valleys of Skagit and Whatcom Counties, FuturesNW’s Quickstart to College program, led by mentor, Adilene Landa Garcia, is transforming lives by instilling hope and revealing new pathways to students who dream of achieving more. This initiative is not just about academic guidance—it's about opening worlds of possibility to those who might never have dared to dream them.

Adilene’s journey with FuturesNW mirrors the very essence of the program’s transformative impact. Starting as a participant who sought to strengthen her native language skills, her engagement deepened as she moved from being a student to a junior mentor, then a mentor, and now a lead mentor. Her evolution within the program is a powerful testament to the nurturing environment that FuturesNW cultivates—one where mentors and students alike grow and assume roles that extend their impact within the community.

The program begins each year by measuring students' HOPE Scores, gauging their initial perspectives on their educational and career prospects. Through the program, these scores typically rise, reflecting growing confidence and broader awareness of potential educational pathways, including those beyond traditional four-year colleges. Students are introduced to apprenticeships and other vocational opportunities that promise fulfilling careers and family-sustaining wages. This holistic approach helps demystify the journey to higher education and vocational excellence, making the unknown familiar and attainable.

A poignant example of the program’s success is seen in the story of a student who received the Washington State Opportunity Scholarship, an achievement that once seemed unattainable. This milestone is not just a personal victory for the student but a shared success that fuels the program’s mission to dismantle the socio-economic barriers that too often dictate a young person's future.

Systemic barriers, such as discouragement from educational authorities, often pose significant challenges. FuturesNW counters this by replacing negative narratives with supportive, empowering interactions that encourage students to explore and achieve. The program’s design ensures that every student receives the mentorship, personal, and academic support necessary to navigate these challenges effectively.

As FuturesNW looks to the future, it is committed to enhancing mentor training and community building among mentors. This strengthens the network of support for students and enriches the mentoring experience, ensuring that mentors like Adilene are well-prepared to guide their mentees through similar transformative journeys.

Reflecting on her own growth through FuturesNW, Adilene shares, “I was seeing so much benefit to my personal life and I ended up becoming a mentor myself because I wanted to provide that support to students who had similar experiences.” Her story is a vivid illustration of the program’s heart work: creating a sense of belonging and empowerment for those navigating the challenging waters of higher education and career planning.

At FuturesNW, the belief that every student should have access to the resources they need to succeed is not just a statement—it’s an actionable truth that guides their daily work. By fostering a beloved community within and beyond their organization, they are setting a standard for how mentoring can profoundly affect not just individuals, but entire communities, paving the way to a future where every young person can thrive.

Amplifying Mentorship: Every Connection, a Work of Heart.

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