On April 18, the Northwest Regional Passport Network presented the 3rd annual virtual college and career event “The Journey Continues, We Got You College & Career” specifically to encourage high school students with foster care or unaccompanied homelessness experience to get prepared for college and career success. This year’s event was attended by 28 high school junior and senior students from Bellingham and Lake Stevens schools.
Rep. Debra Lekanoff, D-40
The event kicked off with words of encouragement and congratulations from Representative Debra Lekanoff from the 40th Legislative District. Rep. Lekanoff shared her support for post-secondary education through college or apprenticeship and encouraged students to continue their education and reach for their dreams.
Participants also heard from Cecelia (Cece) Thompson, a participant in ANEW’s Passport Apprenticeship program. Cece is currently pursuing a career in building and construction and is working on Sound Transit light rail in Shoreline Washington. “I would like to ride the light rail when it is finished because I can say that I had a little bit to do with getting it built,” she said.
While she hadn’t originally considered a career in the trades, she realized that there were a lot of opportunities, especially through ANEW. “There are a lot more career paths you can go into without going to college. We need people to build things,” she shared.
Cece Thompson
Cece also encouraged current high school students to become advocates for themselves. “If you need help, ask for it. You never know what someone could help you with. It could be the smallest thing ever or it could be a big problem you are facing. You just never know what resources someone else can help you access. Never be scared to ask and speak up for yourself. We’ve all been through a lot, just don’t ever give up. There’s always a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow,” said Cece
Presentations also included information about the Passport to Careers scholarship, apprenticeship opportunities, and details regarding financial aid.
The Washington Passport Networking hosted the event in partnership with ANEW, Bellingham Public Schools, Bellingham Technical College, College Success Foundation, Everett Community College, Northwest Indian College, Treehouse, Secret Harbor, Skagit Valley College, Washington Department of Children, Youth and Families, Western Washington University, Whatcom Community College, and Youthnet.
