Award Ceremony Honors 2018 Governors’ Scholars
College Success Foundation honored 30 new recipients of the Washington State Governors’ Scholarship for Foster Youth on June 26. The award ceremony in Seattle was an inspirational day to celebrate these impressive young men and women.
The 2018 recipients came from all around Washington state—from Seattle to Vancouver to Asotin in Eastern Washington. CSF Alumna Alexis emceed the event and provided words of advice for the scholars as they enter college.
“Your experience in foster care has given you something that many take decades to attain: resilience. Arm yourself with it and use it to your advantage,” she told them. “The statistics say that less than 3 percent of foster youth graduate college. I beat those odds, and I know that all of you will too.” Read more about Alexis’s story.
Former Governor Gary Locke and CSF established the scholarship in 2001 to recognize the long, often difficult journey that foster youth take to higher education. The scholarship program is funded primarily by private donations from the annual Governors’ Cup Golf Tournament.
CSF Co-Founder Ann Ramsay-Jenkins welcomed the scholars, their family and friends, and other special guests in attendance including House Speaker Frank Chopp and Representative Ruth Kagi. “Governors Inslee, Gregoire and Locke continue to support this program year-in and year-out. We are very grateful for everything they do to lift up youth in foster care here in Washington,” Ann said.
Governor Jay Inslee gave a special video message to the Governors’ Scholars, and Former Governor Gary Locke gave a stirring speech. Luis, a 2016 Governors’ Scholar who will complete his associate’s degree this summer at Skagit Valley College, shared his success story and encouraged this year’s scholars as they start college in the fall.
Luis came to the U.S. at age 16, when he was forced to flee his home country of El Salvador due to gang violence. He was placed into a foster program and spoke very little English, yet he was determined to overcome these obstacles to graduate from high school and attend college. He’s preparing to transfer to Seattle University where he plans to complete a bachelor’s degree in medical social work. Luis is a remarkable example of what can be achieved through courage, perseverance and hard work.
“I think we are all the same and just because we were born in a poor family doesn’t mean that we should be poor,” Luis said. “I believe that education is the key to success. It’s not easy, but it’s not impossible if you put in the effort.”
Luis explained how the CSF Governors’ Scholarship supported him not only financially, but also socially and academically. “I am very thankful for College Success Foundation because I received huge support from them which helped me survive my first two years of college,” he said.
After the scholars received their scholarship certificates and took photos with VIPs, the 2018 Governors’ Scholars were whisked away to Make It Happen!, a three-day, two-night college experience designed to help them build skills, grow their supportive community and help them succeed.
Special thanks to Nike, Founding Sponsor KKR and all sponsors of the 2017 Governors’ Cup Golf Tournament for funding the 2018 scholarships. We are proud of our 2018 Governors’ Scholars and excited for the start of their successful college career!