Local nonprofit highlights grants, Paint the Path fundraiser and new gallery wall

Meg Sutherland, representing the Washington Bridge Education Foundation, addressed the city council during the public comment period on May 19 to outline the foundation’s work supporting students and educators.

Sutherland said the foundation—established in summer 2021 and using the acronym BRIDGE (Building, Recognizing, Informing, Developing, Growing, Educating)—offers grants to students pursuing skilled trades and an opportunity grant for secondary‑level educators to support classroom projects and career exposure. She listed recent grantees entering fields including cosmetology, certified nursing assistant programs, ultrasound technology, welding, automotive technology, EMT/firefighting training, electrician and diesel/farm equipment work, aircraft mechanics, and electric vehicle technician training.

Sutherland thanked the city for awarding a tourism grant that will help fund the foundation’s annual Paint the Path fundraiser on Saturday, June 14, which this year will include an art contest celebrating Washington’s 200th birthday and a concurrent pickle‑ball tournament in Five Points. She also announced a new community gallery wall in the Five Points south hallway to display previous Paint the Path artwork.

Sutherland closed by encouraging businesses to participate in a career directory (maintained via the chamber and the foundation website) and to host job‑shadowing or co‑op opportunities for students.

What’s next: The Paint the Path event is scheduled for June 14; the foundation will use the tourism grant to support prizes and programming.