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Launch Northwest presents early results and scholarships; county-funded pilots show participation gains
Summary
Launch Northwest representatives gave commissioners an overview of the nonprofit’s second-year work on May 20, describing early, leading indicators from programs that aim to raise post‑secondary attainment and workforce readiness.
Launch Northwest representatives gave commissioners an overview of the nonprofit’s second-year work on May 20, describing early, leading indicators from several programs intended to increase post‑secondary attainment and workplace readiness for Spokane County youth.
Jared, representing Launch Northwest, summarized four core initiatives: Engage in Real Life (after‑school engagement navigators and early‑childhood specialists), All It Takes Is One (a volunteer-recruitment campaign in partnership with United Way and Volunteer Spokane), Empower mentoring (peer and adult mentoring in 13 area high schools) and the Launch Northwest Promise scholarship program (private fundraising to close the gap for students pursuing post‑secondary credentials).
Launch Northwest said the Engage in Real Life platform now lists activities and registrations and that the program engaged 18,242 students (about 63% of Spokane Public Schools’ students) in its first year. Staff said the program’s FAFSA outreach improved completion rates at targeted schools; Riverside High School’s FAFSA completion for low-income students reportedly rose from 28% to 62% in one year, and Riverside’s graduation rate among low-income students improved by 5 percentage points.
On scholarships, Launch Northwest reported raising roughly $83,000 in pledged and legacy gifts and making initial awards this year (13 students awarded, average award about $4,200). The organization said it expects to award about 250 scholarships next year and noted the scholarship application is intended to be simple and fast (Launch Northwest said it takes about 16 minutes to apply).
Commissioners asked about geographic coverage, partnership with colleges and apprenticeship pathways and demographic trends such as gender gaps in post‑secondary participation. Launch Northwest said it is building data collection for apprenticeships and is working with CHAS Health and the construction trades to expand apprenticeship supports.
Launch Northwest asked the county for continued partnership and said it will present lagging indicators (degree attainment, apprenticeship completions) as those data mature.
