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SCHOLARSHIPS & OPPORTUNITIES

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Thanks GEAR Up!

Starting this week we will be sharing the weekly scholarship bulletin from GEAR Up on our blog! Check out this vetted list of scholarships and remember if you ever need help reviewing an essay or help understanding the requirement of these opportunities please reach out to me (Ashley) adelatour@futuresnw.org and I will connect you to someone who can support you funding your education. Thanks GEAR Up!

Find more opportunities at: https://gearup.wa.gov/resources/scholarships and our list of scholarship search engines and databases.

Scholarship, Brief Description, Due date

AWG Minority Scholarship

For African American, Hispanic, and American Indian women. Must be full-time students pursuing an undergraduate degree in the geosciences (geology, geophysics, geochemistry, hydrology, meteorology, physical oceanography, planetary geology, or earth science education) at an accredited college or university.

6/30

Do-Over Scholarship

($1,500) - In 250 words or less submit a response to the question: "If you could get one 'do-over' in life, what would it be and why?"

6/30

Scholarship Poetry Contest - Fall Issue

Open to all U.S. HS students. Applicant must submit an original poem with 20 lines or less. Up to $500.

6/30

Accenture American Indian Scholarship

Must be an enrolled member of a U.S. federally recognized American Indian tribe or Alaska Native group, verified through submission of the AIGC Tribal Eligibility Certificate (TEC) form, demonstrate character and be seeking a degree and career in STEM or business.

7/5

ERCA Community Contribution Scholarship

($1,000-$5,000) - The application will take you a few minutes to complete. You will also be required to include a short essay. The essay topic is for you to describe a personal achievement story and how you overcame challenges to reach your goal. You can include any impact on your local community your achievement helped benefit.

Living & Giving, The Family Legacy

Living & Giving, The Family Legacy

Interview by Ashleigh Barnhart featuring Brad Barron

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Brad Barron comes from a long line of tradesman. Being fourth generation, he’s had a lot of wonderful knowledge passed down and a natural niche for the work. He has gained a huge appreciation for the trades and the opportunities that lie within them from taking time to experience each trade personally at Barron Heating. After graduating from college, working as a civil engineer and transitioning into a leadership role at Barron, he’s learned a lot. Brad was gracious enough to sit down with me to share his insight, tips and tricks for first gen college students as well as students about to graduate high school without any plan yet or unaware of exciting possibilities out there. 

Brad graduated from Squalicum High School in 2007 and went onto The University of Washington and completed the engineering program. Something unique about Brad, was that he was able to land an internship his senior year of high school, with a local engineer. He’d intern a few days a week after school and it completely solidified what he wanted to do and gave him the confidence for post high school plans. He got a BS in engineering with a focus in civil engineering. After working for seven years in the field, he circled back to the opportunity that lied within the family business. As a first-generation college student, Brad had the support from his parents to seek out a career that he would be passionate for. He was the first in his family to earn a degree from college. This was an exciting thing for him and his family alike, as his brother followed in his footsteps and took the college pathway as well, ultimately becoming a chiropractor. While in college, Brad was able to take advantage of some scholarships he had applied for to help fund his education.

When asked about what it meant to him to be a first gen college grad, Brad replied with a gracious heart for his supportive family. “When I was growing up my parents looked at college for me as an opportunity to do what I wanted to do. They always talked about that being something really important to them. They’d tell me ‘do what you’re passionate about. Find your talents. We want you to discover who you are, find what your passions are and activate your talents.’ They’ve always spoken to me in that way. I thought of it as what I was supposed to do to figure out my pathway and find myself. I approached college to find what I was passionate about, took numerous classes to find my direction and focus on what I needed. I feel very blessed I had that opportunity and that my parents encouraged me that way. I understand the privilege I came from in regard to opportunities I had, and also the motivation from my family.”

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Any advice for a HS senior looking toward their future? 

“Put some thought into and reflection and prayer into what your passions are and the things that drive you. Don’t be ashamed to pursue your path whatever the case may be. There are a lot of people who go to school and feel like they have to do something that a 4-year degree can activate for them and that’s not speaking into who they are all of the time. Not everyone’s a four-year person. There are a lot of other opportunities out there. Put actual thought and due diligence into what drives you, that’s important. Seek out mentors in your life, that are older, have gone through life and various experiences. Ask them what they did well what they wish they would’ve done. Get words of wisdom, whether that be from a big brother, foster parent, teacher, someone in the field or trade, doctor, or whoever. Find people that have been through challenging parts of life and talk to them about what that was like. It will give perspective about life and possibly not always being easy, but you can persevere and succeed if you put your mind to it and be passionate about it.”

Most Juniors and Seniors are thinking of post-high school plans and instantly think of college. This isn’t everyone’s desire though, yet they still go that path anyway. A huge lack of knowledge might be the culprit along with assumption of expectation from family or any other type of feeling. I’m here to tell you there’s MORE. There are things like jumping right into the workforce right after high school, which is wonderful! College or technical school are great opportunities! Military is another great choice for some! Last but not least, TRADES. Let’s talk about trades… not enough people know about them or have “an idea” of what they are or can provide. “A tradesman, skilled tradesman, skilled tradesperson or tradie refers to a worker who specializes in a particular occupation that requires work experience, on-the-job training, and often formal vocational education, but not a bachelor's degree.” (Wikipedia, 2020). Trades provide free on-the-job training, licensure and wonderful wages along with ample opportunity. This is a great option to take if you’d like to be debt free, simply because you won’t have student loans from taking this pathway. Too often, the trades are overlooked because they’re not a “coveted” degree. These take usually about 2-4 years depending on what licensure you’re going for, along with testing, knowledge of state RCW’s and WAC regulations. 

Barron Heating offers exciting opportunities for learning a trade within their company. I’d like to introduce you to their newest addition, Barron Technical School. This is an amazing on-site opportunity that includes hands-on learning with equipment that provides various services to their customers. There’s classroom learning taught including financials (how to budget, etc.) as well as codes and regulations. The apprenticeship options include electrical, HVAC-refer tech, and plumbing. Brad Barron explained, “When it comes to community, awareness is huge and not enough time is given to the awareness of the trades. 

There is a desperate need for more tradesmen and women because of the fact that a significant number of baby boomers are now retiring. For every 5 boomers retiring, one millennial or generation z are coming into the trades. There is a severe lack of trades people right now. I had a chance to identify a huge challenge and talked to John Barron and told him we need to do something that no one in the community is doing by taking a stand and trying to develop something that will enhance what already exists. There is BTC, but they turn out around 12-20 kids a year, which is not filling the trough completely and not overcoming the mathematical deficit we’re facing. My dad felt empowered through the school, he wanted to invest in paid apprenticeships, classroom learning, a lab facility, electrical lines, a generator and give a safe place for people to learn. The opportunity to be able to problem solve, work with managers not in someone’s home or business, while earning money and working/learning under a licensed journeyman, is pretty exciting.”

Not only is Barron Technical School a wonderful, free opportunity to advance into a career, but Barron also provides another great resource. The Dan L. Barron Trades Scholarship. Brad stated, “My Grandpa Dan founded Barron nearly fifty years ago with the goal to provide our community with quality service while supporting his employees with exceptional careers. To carry on his legacy, we’re on a mission to prove that a career in the skilled trades is a rewarding one. In his honor, the Barron Team has created the Dan L. Barron Trades Scholarship, which will provide opportunities to individuals looking to enter the HVAC, Electrical or Plumbing trades. Barron will provide two $5,000 scholarships to Bellingham Technical College: one to a current Barron employee or family member, and one to a community member.” Barron is on a mission to improve lives and not only those of families and their homes, but of those seeking further education as well.

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Barron apprenticeship program:

The length of the program is typically 2 years for HVAC or electrical, plumbing is 3 years, then commercial is 1-2 years in addition to any trade chosen. You have the ability to become a lead in two years which means keys to your own truck and making great money (2 years post high school if started immediately upon graduation).

What the process of applying and interviewing looks like:

Apply to any position that has apprentice/tech school position on the title. Barron highly recommends for potential applicants to take a look at the core values page, because it’s important to Barron and they talk about it in the interview process. Brad stated that they’re looking for applicants that are “hungry, humble, people smart and passionate.” For “green” (new, never been in a trade) students, it’s nice to see them hungry to learn. Barron prides themselves on improving lives and being about family, so it’s important their employees uphold their standards as well. 

There is typically a first interview (a meet n greet), where they’re getting to know the person and is pretty informal. They’ll talk, ask questions, get to know backgrounds, screening, identify passions and speak on talents. The second interview is with a member of the executive support team, which is someone that would be making hiring decision at that interview.

What the requirements are:

Barron gives basic tool bag needed for first year, which includes all of the tools they’d possibly need for their entire initial year. (How cool is that!) After they work for a year they get to keep those tools. Barron also pays for all of their trainee cards, pays for CEU’s (continuing education which is required to keep licensures up to date), and pays for their licensure (test reimbursement). At Barron, it is a comprehensive paid for apprenticeship. All they need for you to do, is just show up, work hard and uphold the Barron standards and attitude that they’ve shown to the community for many years. They also provide uniforms, Barron attire, company sponsored team events, and many other fun perks that is all taken care of by them. Barron prides themselves for being a family company and want the best for their employees and community as whole.

If you have questions about this opportunity we recommend you contact Debbie Gwaltney the HR Recruiter at (360) 676-1131 x112.

Or
Email: debbieg@barronheating.com
Website: https://www.barronheating.com/barron-technician-school/

It’s okay to change your mind. Advice from Kathia who trusted her gut and switched schools.

Story by Brittany Delaney

Kathia is a first generation, Latina student who began at Edmonds Community College and is transitioning to Pima Medical Institute for spring 2020. Before going into higher education she had no idea what it was going to be like. As many might not know, being a first generation student comes with this shoulder weight that is constantly telling individuals to push forward, don’t ask for help and to fulfill these high family expectations. As Kathia was becoming more independent she always questioned her life decisions. 

            Is education worth it?

            Can’t I make more money doing something else? 

            Am I wasting my time? 

The moment she realized that it was all worth it was when she figured out who she wanted to become in life. She made a choice to be happy and pick a career that suited her values and strengths. She trusted her instincts. She took a couple classes at a time so she had time for self care. She worked part time to help support her family. She looked for answers to her questions even when people didn’t make the time for her. She learned that it is okay to take her time to be the best she can be and to not know what she wants to do with her life at that very moment. 

Her best advice for first gen students is “never stop looking for the answer.”

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“Never stop looking for the answer”

Congratulations Class of 2020

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Graduation is deeply bittersweet this year. In a moment deserving of pride and celebration, we are faced with the loss of our traditional gatherings that offer ceremonial rights of passage. For our students who are the first in their families to graduate high school or college, we are so deeply proud of you. Proud of how you persevered, proud of how you are making a new path, proud of how you have leveraged the gifts of those around you to rally in support, proud of your brilliance and creativity, proud of your families who are your champions, proud that you didn’t let overly complicated systems that are often oppressive stop you, and so proud of your determination to follow your dreams.

Yes, I was the embarrassingly loud lady holding this sign on the verge of tears as the parade of graduating high school seniors drove through our neighborhood this afternoon.

Yes, I was the embarrassingly loud lady holding this sign on the verge of tears as the parade of graduating high school seniors drove through our neighborhood this afternoon.

Today we have 4 incredible women who are FuturesNW intern staff graduating from Western Washington University with Human Services and English degrees. To say I am grateful to know them and work with them is the understatement of the century. Ashleigh, Bianca, Brittany and Hunter have passionately served students in our community in profound, loving, action-based, justice-oriented and inspiring ways. They have supported students at Squalicum, Options, Sehome and Nooksack Valley high schools, impacting countless life trajectories and generations to come. I am so proud of them! Will you join me in wishing them the very best in their next steps? I am including their bios below, one last time so that they can be celebrated by you, their loving community and champions— for what they have accomplished is worthy of our adoration and applause. We wish we could be there is person with you today Ashleigh, Bianca, Brittany and Hunter but we are cheering you on and so excited for your next steps and for the lives you will continue to impact.

Ashleigh Barnhart, Human Services graduate, Western Washington UniversityI am a senior at Western Washington University and will graduate in June with my B.A. in Human Services. I plan to go onto graduate school to earn my Masters in school counse…

Ashleigh Barnhart, Human Services graduate, Western Washington University

I am a senior at Western Washington University and will graduate in June with my B.A. in Human Services. I plan to go onto graduate school to earn my Masters in school counseling and hope to work in my local school district. Being a first generation college student and a mother of five young children, has shown me how important access to education and resources surrounding that really are. Having financial literacy, academic support and a solid foundation in secondary education are crucial in college and life readiness beyond high school. I hope to work with under-represented communities and promote access and equity for all students in a school setting. I’ve had some wonderful experiences with Futures NW and hope to continue working with them for a long time. It’s such meaningful work and encouraging to see how much of an impact we can make together in student’s lives.

Bianca Leon, Human Services graduate, Western Washington UniversityHola! I am a Western Student majoring in Human Services and double minoring in Education & Social justice and American Cultural Studies. As a first-generation student, I recogniz…

Bianca Leon, Human Services graduate, Western Washington University

Hola! I am a Western Student majoring in Human Services and double minoring in Education & Social justice and American Cultural Studies. As a first-generation student, I recognize that the journey post high school can be confusing and intimidating which is why I would love to share my experiences and knowledge to assist students. Having been on the receiving end of programs that provide support to students, I am aware of the differences it creates; which is why I aspire to become a Higher Education Adviser for low-income high school students.

Brittany Delaney, Human Services graduate, Western Washington UniversityI am a first-generation Latina student attending Western Washington University pursuing a bachelor's degree in Human Services. I am currently a member of the National Society …

Brittany Delaney, Human Services graduate, Western Washington University

I am a first-generation Latina student attending Western Washington University pursuing a bachelor's degree in Human Services. I am currently a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success as well as president of the WWU CDN. I have a passion to help break down barriers and support students in their journey through education.

Hunter Jupiter, English major graduate, Western Washington UniversityI am a senior at Western Washington University and will be graduating in June with a B.A. in English Literature and a teaching endorsement. I am continuing my education with gradu…

Hunter Jupiter, English major graduate, Western Washington University

I am a senior at Western Washington University and will be graduating in June with a B.A. in English Literature and a teaching endorsement. I am continuing my education with graduate school in hopes of becoming a high school teacher. Being a first-generation college student myself, I understand the struggles of navigating higher education and accessing resources. I feel so fortunate to be partnered with FuturesNW as an intern at Squalicum High School to share my experiences and help students overcome those barriers to achieve their own college and/or career goals.

Thank you Ashleigh, Bianca, Brittany and Hunter for your friendship and service with our organization! We are going to miss you with all our hearts.

Women Who Weld

Piper is a fiercely creative woman. There has not been one medium I haven’t seen her use. From sewing, to painting, Piper is always finding a space to express herself. It wasn’t until more recently when she decided to pursue a career in Welding.

Let’s get one thing clear. There is no right or wrong way to find a passion for something. There is no right or wrong way to earn a degree. To master a new trade. To try something NEW. And you know what the best thing about education is? There is always something else out there for you to learn.

Black Lives Matter

Black Lives Matter

Words cannot capture the horror of hearing George Floyd cry out for his life, but we cannot be silent. We vehemently condemn the actions of the officer who killed George Floyd and policies that protect police brutality. The terror and trauma of this moment is further evidence of America’s long history of state sanctioned White supremacy. This compels us to speak up to shout down the callous ways we systematically suffocate Black lives.

Racism is a disease that afflicts us all. In order to heal, we must be real about the extent to which America is sick, including our own community. If we were to treat racism as we treat COVID-19 we might discover that Black lives die at a faster rate not because of pathology, but because of policy.

Why are Black lives less likely to be served and protected? Why are Black lives less likely to work at home? Why are Black lives less likely to be insured? Why are Black lives less likely to live in unpolluted neighborhoods? 

These problems share a common cause. The solution is simple (but not easy), adopt policies and actions that support Black Lives Matter: End the war on black people, Reparations, Invest-Divest, Economic Justice, Community Control, and Political Power.

https://blacklivesmatter.com/social-media-graphics/

https://blacklivesmatter.com/social-media-graphics/

[policies: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Movement_for_Black_Lives]

We are committed to sharing out what we believe on this platform and invite you to learn and unlearn with us. As we look at our collective strengths as a community we would like to share some resources, apps and support services that may additionally be helpful to you as we process these heinous events, systems, and actions that uphold racism and oppression.

Resources

Anti-racism google doc

Action steps in solidarity

Article that articulates important history

Solidarity resources

Discovering your role in the Social Change Ecosystem

Apps

The Safe Place app: via google play, via apple store

Trepper, the anti-bigotry app: via google play, via apple store

Support Services

Identity affirming mental health and support resources

Sista Afya

Therapy for Black Girls

Healhaus

Inclusive Therapists

Ethel’s Club

the nap Ministry

Dive in Well

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Culture, Connection, and a Beloved Community at Northwest Indian College

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We are so lucky to have Kathleen Solomon on our team at FuturesNW and feel honored that she shared her story as a proud student and graduate of Northwest Indian College. Kathleen is currently working at the Lummi Indian Business Council, in addition to volunteering with FuturesNW as an Educational Advocate in the From One to Many Program.

As a fellow member of FuturesNW team, I had the great opportunity to interview Kathleen and gain a better understanding of the resources that helped her navigate college.

Why Not Western?

Story by Brittany DeLaney

Colby is a junior who attends Western Washington University. He started his journey by participating in a mentor program through the Student Outreach Services provided by WWU and eventually expanded his involvement to intramural sports such as soccer, flag football, basketball, and softball. Not only does he play video games and go to the gym in his free time, he also has a part time job while balancing his education. I had the pleasure of interviewing him to find out what helped him make the jump from High School to Western Washington University and asked for advice he has for high school students now contemplating college.

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“ Don’t be afraid to talk to your advisors and attend office hours”

Can you tell me any initial thoughts you had before deciding you wanted to go to college?

“Initially I was really happy to actually be applying to college. I had no initial plan until my high school advisor brought it up actually. They asked if I was interested in going to college and from there I decided why not and ended up really happy with my decision”

What was it like to transition from high school to college?

“The transition for me was actually pretty difficult. I wasn’t aware of all that came along with college. The personally created schedules, the independence that I suddenly had. Like making meals and figuring out self-care”

Did you have any challenges while in college? 

“A challenge I faced was not being able to have a relationship with my professors while being in large lectures. However I was able to utilize resources such as S.O.S and their advisors”

Thank you Colby for sharing your story and advice with us today and we wish you the absolute best as you head into your senior year at WWU.

If you have advice for incoming students attending a 4 year university, or are a high school student who has a question please leave your comments and questions below.

From Whatcom to Western

By Brittany DeLaney

Ivy is a Senior attending Western Washington University pursuing a major in Human Services. She began her higher education journey at Whatcom Community College with the opportunity to play for the WCC Women’s soccer team on a scholarship. After finishing her sophomore year she transferred to Western.

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“Take breaks. Try not to fill your plate 100%. Ask for help”

What were your initial thoughts when applying for college?

 “I clearly had no idea what I was doing, where to look or where to go. I thought that I wanted to apply for a college in California. I had lived in Bellingham since I was born and had always wanted to live somewhere warm. I applied for Santa Barbara Community College and Whatcom Community College, and ultimately chose to go to Whatcom because I got an offer to play on the Women’s soccer team on a scholarship. I was scared, but excited to do something on my own.”

How has your transition from high school to higher education affected you as an individual? 

“The transition was nothing like I imagined it would be. I had an easier transition than I anticipated, it came naturally to me to be independent and resourceful. The transition taught me that I am stronger than I thought, and more adaptable that others might have expected.”

Could you describe any challenges you faced during college? 

“My biggest challenge was not having the support from my family. It was hard for them to understand that I needed to leave in order to achieve the goals that I had more myself. I found myself being lonely in my experiences, but I later realized that I have a strong support system that is my chosen family.”

What was your experience like when using resources at your college?

“I’ve had good and bad experiences. When it came to financial help, I always got very clear answers about how to receive help. It was academic advising that was a struggle for me. Even when I got my Associates in Arts and Science, I really had no idea what I wanted to do. I felt lost and like I didn’t belong in any of the career paths I had already considered. I eventually found the right Academic Advisor that helped me explore different degrees, which is when I decided on Human Services at WWU.” 

Thanks Ivy for sharing your experiences with us! We wish you all the best as you complete your senior year!

If you, or someone you know have resources or tips for transfer students, please feel free to include them in the comments section below.

WCC Women’s Soccer Team 2015

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