College Success Foundation

09/02/2026

One step closer towards her future. 🚗🎓

College Success Scholar Betania is headed to the University of Washington this fall with one less barrier standing in her way.

Thanks to a generous vehicle donation from Fix Auto Tacoma South and Tacoma Subaru, Betania will have a dependable way to get to campus, care for her young daughter, and stay focused on her goals. Read her full story here: https://buff.ly/l3tBFSI

For students without reliable transportation, getting to college is about more than reaching campus. It can mean juggling bus schedules, […]

09/01/2026

Throughout the summer, our coaches have been helping College Success Scholars prepare for the transition to college by navigating campus systems, attending orientations, registering for classes, and addressing potential barriers before they become obstacles. Read more about how we've been getting students ready for a strong start: https://buff.ly/WS1pzWs

Here's to a successful year ahead! 🎓

A successful start to college begins long before College Success Foundation Scholars set foot on campus. Across Washington state, our […]

08/03/2026

As wildfires continue to affect Spokane and other communities across Eastern Washington, we are thinking of everyone who may be facing displacement or other challenges. We know our students and their families may be impacted and we are reaching out to see how we can support them. For those looking to help, several trusted local organizations are coordinating assistance and resources for those affected.

Resources and Ways to Help:
❤️ City of Spokane Wildfire Relief Fund: https://buff.ly/Nx0uXmE

💛 Second Harvest Inland Northwest: Accepting nonperishable food donations for wildfire response.

💙 Catholic Charities Eastern Washington: https://buff.ly/P1orfXT

We are grateful to these organizations and the volunteers and first responders who are helping to navigate this incredibly challenging time, and encourage anyone who can support these recovery efforts to give what they can locally. We send our love and support to everyone who has been affected.

More information on how to help: https://buff.ly/GTp097R

The Spokesman-Review

As fires devastate Spokane, people across the country are looking for ways to help.

07/29/2026

We loved reading this recent profile of our President & CEO, Michael Cheever. The story explores Mike's journey from first-generation college student to nonprofit leader and reflects on what it meant to be recognized with Antioch University Seattle's 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award.

Read the full article here: https://buff.ly/LiduFtv

When Michael Cheever first learned that he was the 2025 recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award at Antioch University Seattle, he didn’t quite believe it. “It was obviously a very proud moment, but it was a voicemail, and then an email, and I think I had to read it three or four times to tru...

07/15/2026

College Success Foundation recommendation: Before changing your federal student loan repayment plan, take time to review your options carefully.

If you're unsure how new repayment rules apply to you, especially if you're pursuing Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) or considering loan consolidation, talk with your loan servicer, your college's financial aid office, or the Federal Student Aid Information Center before making changes.

A single decision could affect your monthly payments, repayment costs, or eligibility for future loan forgiveness.

📄 Here's a handy one-pager with more info about what graduates need to know: https://buff.ly/wx0pSFM

06/26/2026

🎓 Celebrating Another Year of Student Success!

College Success Foundation's 3rd Annual End-of-Year BBQ at the Yakima Area Arboretum recognized the achievements of local students and recent graduates while celebrating another successful academic year. ❤️💛💙

"Our End-of-the-Year BBQ was a fun way to bring together our recent grads, college students, staff, families, and community partners," shared CSF Advisor Yolanda Guzman. "The food and treats were delicious, the raffle prizes were amazing, and students had a great time playing games and taking instant photos with friends and family to capture the moment. It was a special way to celebrate and kick off the summer together."

For students, the event was also a reminder that earning a college degree is a journey supported by an entire community.

"Looking back on everything, I'm so grateful for the people who encouraged me along the way," reflected CSF Scholar Sara Rodrigez. "Celebrating with my family, friends, and the CSF community made my progress feel even more meaningful."

👏The event also highlighted the many community partners who help make student success possible. Representatives from Yakima Valley College, Central Washington University, Heritage University, Educational Service District 105, Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences, Yakima Rotary Trust, and Seattle Credit Union joined the celebration.

🙌 A special thank you goes to the local businesses that helped make the day memorable by providing delicious food and refreshments: The Alignment Co, Snack Attack Yakima Food Truck, Tacos El Rey Food Truck

06/19/2026

⚖️ What does a career in law really look like?

Recently, CSF Scholars from Highline, Tyee, Evergreen, and Mount Rainier high schools stepped inside the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington for the 13th annual Youth Law Day. Students met judges, attorneys, investigators, and court staff, and even participated in a mock trial.

Read the full recap here: https://buff.ly/ench2gC

A special thank you to Judge Richard Jones, Assistant United States Attorney Lauren Staniar, the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington, and all of the legal professionals and volunteers who made this inspiring day possible for CSF Scholars.❤️💛💙

For many students, a career in law can feel out of reach or pretty unfamiliar. Experiences like the annual Youth […]

06/16/2026

It's not just what you know. It's who you know. 🤝

For many first-generation students, opportunities to build professional networks don't come easily. That's why creating opportunities to connect with professionals and potential future employers is such an important part of college and career success.

Recently, CSF Scholars from Foss High School visited Amazon.com for a speed networking event with employees, made possible through our partnership with Goodera. Students explored career pathways, practiced networking, and built the confidence to see themselves in professional spaces. ❤️💛💙

Read the full story here: Link in bio.

06/10/2026

Starting college can feel overwhelming, especially for first-generation students. It doesn't have to.

College Success Foundation Coaches Kass and Elvia are working alongside Yakima Valley College to make sure first-generation students don't have to navigate college alone. Together, they're partnering with the college’s staff to streamline the orientation process for new students. ❤️💛💙

Read more about how YVC has expanded its advising offerings for students: https://buff.ly/MDxRKoa

06/09/2026

When College Success Foundation Scholar Lezlie lost her mom last year, she could have put her college dreams on hold. Instead, she kept going with the support of her family, teachers, and CSF advisors Maria and Isai.

Today, she's graduating from Davis High School in Yakima with an associate degree already completed and is headed to the to pursue her dream of becoming a nurse practitioner. ❤️💛💙

Read Lezlie's full story here: https://buff.ly/5i6glx7

Public Schools