Futures Northwest’s project, From One to Many aims to promote and increase access to post-secondary education and training programs by implementing a community-led, peer-to-peer financial aid and access program in direct partnership with Lummi Nation leaders. Lummi Nation educational advocate Kathleen Solomon facilitates individual and community meetings where families learn and engage in financial planning for college, explore pathways and increases access to resources that support their journey. Acknowledging the historic and traumatic reality that Western education has played in Native/Indigenous communities, for many families the barriers are not as simple as applying, selecting, and paying for education. Engaging in dialogues about education and training programs, why they matter, and what support is needed to get there will support Lummi Nation’s goal in increasing the number of members who pursue higher education, reaching the community’s personal and professional goals. FuturesNW works in partnership with the Lummi Nation School District, the Lummi Business Council, Northwest Indian College, Lummi Employment Training Center, WWU Human Services Program, and the Financial Aid Offices of WWU, BTC, and WCC.

Learning with Leaders connects students with in-demand career pathways by providing exploration that focuses on local employment, education, and support services. Students will get real-time, tactile training, such as the chance to operate heavy equipment under the guidance of experts, take part in virtual simulations, and discover their strengths through kinesthetic learning experiences. These events will provide a foundation of exploration to connect students with prep classes offered in their high schools and colleges that will subsequently launch them into a career of their dreams.

To learn more about Learning with Leaders and its past and future events, visit the program page here!

Financial Aid Support:

Throughout the fall and spring, FuturesNW partners with the 12th Year Campaign to put on financial literacy events in which Financial Aid experts and admissions staff from local higher education institutions provide personalized support for families completing the FAFSA or WASFA. See our calendar for a list of current events.

Thanks to the amazing folks at the Washington Student Achievement Council, we are able to attend and co-host many statewide and regional events. For a complete list of virtual events hosted by WSAC check out their event list here.

Check out our Financial Aid resources page for more information on how to fund your education plans!

Peer Navigators:

The Peer Financial Aid Navigator plays a key role in helping classmates successfully complete their FAFSA or WASFA applications, as well as identify and apply for scholarships. Working under the FuturesNW partnership with the 12th Year Campaign, Peer Navigators receive specialized financial aid training to prepare them to share accurate information and connect peers with resources.

Training:
Peer Navigators will complete intensive Financial Aid navigation training to ensure they can confidently serve as a trusted guide for students and their families. Two training opportunities will be offered: October 2nd, Skagit Valley College cafeteria 3:30-7:00 pm or October 3rd, Whatcom Community College Syre Center 11:30-3:00 pm. Peer Navigators are only required to attend one. 

Workshops:

A list of workshops and completion events can be found here: https://www.futuresnw.org/how-we-can-help-2. Peer navigators are only required to attend and promote the first workshop and their high school completion event. If they want to attend additional events, we welcome their support!

Monthly Meetings:

Each month, you’ll participate in a one-hour virtual session featuring scenario-based training, Q&A, and strategy discussions. These meetings are an opportunity to learn, bring your curiosity, share ideas, and use your creativity to engage your peers in ways that encourage Financial Aid completion.

Goal:

To increase FAFSA/WASFA completion rates in our community so more students can access the funding they deserve for their post-secondary dreams.

If you have an interest in becoming a Peer Navigator, email Ashley at adelatour@futuresnw.org for more information.

1-1 Pathways Support:

Students and parents can book 1-1 support session with FuturesNW staff to get expert support with applications, scholarships and financial aid.

BOOK A SUPPORT SESSION — FuturesNW

Our Department of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) funded program focuses on providing 9-12th grade students with the tools needed to live an independent & self-directed life; these programs are tailored with a specific focus on students with learning disabilities who utilize an education plan such as an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or 504 plan. Currently FuturesNW is serving students at Lummi Nation School, joining Hawktime workshops every third Tuesday morning as well as at the SVC INvest program.

In 2019, we were able to develop a resource platform for students in Skagit and Whatcom Counties. In doing so, students and families now have a central nexus of information for pathways support in our region, regardless of whether a mentor is placed at their school. This is an ever-growing resource that is adaptive to the needs and opportunities of our community and is updated regularly by staff. Additionally, our aim is to have it serve as a valuable resource for school staff in assisting with High School and Beyond Planning.

Currently scaled back due to state budget cuts for the 2026 school year.

Through attending and presenting at College/Career fairs, Design Your Future events, community outreach and through our resource platform, FuturesNW is uniquely positioned to reach a multitude of families and engage in dialogues to provide support with college and beyond.

QuickStart to College

This program is currently on pause for 2026.

QuickStart to College is a free summer camp program to uplift and encourage high school seniors as they prepare for college selection, applications, scholarships, and financial aid processes. Students enjoy 4 days and 3 nights at WWU and visits from our friends at BTC, NWIC, SVC, and WCC to help you learn more about the various types of colleges available. By attending QuickStart, our mentors and local college staff members will help students get prepared for milestones throughout their senior year, so they can confidently step into the path that lies beyond it. If you are interested in learning more, please visit the program page.