Passport Student Support Funds Utilization Webinar: Collaboration is Key

On Wednesday, September 25, the WPN kicked off the 2024-25 webinar series with a conversation about Passport Student Support Funds utilization. Dawn Cypriano-McAferty, assistant director for Passport to Careers at Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC), facilitated a discussion with panelists from two- and four-year institutions across the state:  

• Kathy Albin, director of learning support (Spokane Falls Community College) 
• Angie Hobbs, assistant director, scholarships (University of Washington) 
• Priya Osborne, director of student success, equity & diversity (Spokane Community College) 
• Lexi Schaar, assistant director for college success programs (Washington State University) 

The conversation explored funding barriers for unaccompanied homeless youth, emergency funds accessibility, ideas to address funding reductions, and tactics to raise awareness of available resources and help students increase financial literacy.  

Panelists stressed the value of collaboration and partnerships—across departments at their own institutions as well as within the WPN—to help connect students with resources, advocacy opportunities, partner organizations, and emergency funds. Throughout the webinar, several ideas came up that sparked plans for follow-up conversations and potential partnerships—a great example of impactful connections practitioners can make  through the WPN.

Missed the webinar? Watch the replay now >>