The Science of Hope, Legislative Priorities & More at PLT’s Q1 Meeting

On Monday, August 19, members of the Passport Leadership Team (PLT) gathered in person for our Quarter 1 meeting of the 2024-25 academic year. We shared timely updates from Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) and PLT partners on legislative priorities for next session, enjoyed a networking lunch, and engaged with an insightful presentation about the science of hope.

It was an invigorating way to kick off the school year, said Laura Lydia, program manager for the Washington Passport Network. “The goal of this group is to continuously center student voice and perspectives in these conversations and decision-making processes,” she said. “PLT meetings give attendees a chance to deepen resource sharing and programming strategies through a focused statewide network.”

This was the first PLT meeting for Zack Reiber, basic needs navigator and designated support staff for Spokane Falls Community College. He was grateful for the opportunity to connect face-to-face with colleagues from across the state. “Being invited to be part of the leadership team is an exciting opportunity to help make a difference in a program that I have seen firsthand have an impact on students’ lives,” he said.

PLT members from various state agencies, organizations, and institutions spent the day strategically brainstorming and preparing for the academic year. WSAC delivered updates on the past year’s student enrollment data, shared their legislative agenda, and forecasted projections for this year’s Passport to Careers program numbers. Representatives from the Department of Children, Youth, and Family (DCYF), Office of Homeless Youth (OHY), and College Success Foundation shared their agency’s legislative proposals and funding requests to better support the populations they serve.

Considering this year’s reduced public funds, PLT members shared strategies and ideas to alleviate financial barriers their student populations may face for college education costs and basic needs security. This idea-sharing was a valuable part of the day, said Reiber. “It was interesting to see all the ways different organizations are stepping up to meet students’ needs head-on,” he said. “It was very powerful and inspiring.”

Another inspiring moment for Reiber was a presentation on the science of hope from Jolynn Kenney, executive director of Mentor Washington, which he felt deeply connected to the work of the Washington Passport Network. “We all work to provide hope to the students we serve,” he said. “As individuals and a community, we walk alongside the students to change their narrative and give them hope for their dreams to be fulfilled.”

Through the day of guided conversations and presentations, members leaned on each other for sustainable ways to support youth and young adults, discovering new partnership opportunities and strengthening regional group effectiveness.

Lydia is excited to collaborate with the PLT to support the advocacy, collective action, and statewide support of our practitioners during the schoolyear and beyond. Feedback and ideas are always encouraged to continue the conversation on how we can do better as service practitioners – reach out to us anytime!

The next PLT meeting is a virtual meeting on December 2—we hope you’ll join us! Check the events calendar for more upcoming opportunities to connect with regional groups and the broader Washington Passport Network.