JOURNEY SPOTLIGHT
Sergio .. Perry Technical Institute
After graduating from high school in 2012 I worked a number of jobs and learned I needed more education to get a better job. Sergio graduated from Perry Technical Institute in September 2021. Sergio is now employed by Tolman Electric and is already halfway to getting his Journeyman License which requires completing 8,000 hours of work as apprentice to a master electrician and then passing a difficult certification test.
“Thanks to Kids’ Chance to helping me work towards my electrical program at Perry Technical Institute. School is going great.”
Lyddie Austin .. University of Washington, Environmental Engineering
Lyddie Austin learned about Kids’ Chance when her father was determined to be totally and permanently disabled. After her father’s debilitating head injury at work, her father became a stay-at-home dad, and her mother returned to school while working to support the family.
I was in the fifth grade when my Dad was injured, and my little sisters were in the second grade. I was ecstatic when I received the call back that I had been chosen as a recipient of the award. It guaranteed me a little bit of financial stability in this troubling time. Pursuing my degree has absolutely changed my life, and it is an incredible opportunity I am so thankful for. None of this would be possible without the generous support of Kids’ Chance. This financial stability guarantees me the chance to succeed. Without it, I wouldn’t be able to focus on academics, and I wouldn’t be able to travel the world. Thank you for your contribution to my education and my life. I am so thankful, and it means the world to me.
The Power of Your Support: Celebrating Our 2025 Graduates
Cassie F – graduates this October from Evergreen Beauty College in Renton with a degree in Cosmetology. She excelled in her program and plans to pursue a career at a local salon after taking her state boards. Originally from Yakima, Cassie chose to stay in Western Washington to take advantage of the strong job market and opportunities in her field. Cassie shares, “I’ve met lifelong friends, and the teachers make me feel like an equal and truly care about my success. I enjoy making people feel happy in their skin and confident. None of this could have been possible without Kids’ Chance. They not only provided financial help but also support and encouragement. They make you feel valued instead of just another name on a list. I am beyond grateful for the opportunity and the future I love.
Anarae M – is a graduate of the University of Washington with a degree in Finance, Marketing and Information Systems. In addition to maintaining a stellar GPA, Ray was also involved within the Business School in mentoring underrepresented students and assisting exchange students. He recently was hired by Bank of America and is on his way to achieving his goal of becoming a Financial Advisor or Analyst.
Kole K – recently graduated from Grand Canyon University with a major in Business Management and a minor in Hospitality Management. His senior internship at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess has turned into a full-time job. His long-term goal is to become the general manager of a resort or golf club. He may eventually seek a master’s degree, but he is “definitely enjoying life and work for now.”
Mary C – Mary’s education started at the University of Hawaii and ended with a degree in Environmental Science with a marine emphasis from Western Washington University. After a summer internship on a whale watching boat, she has just started a job on the Washington Conservation Crew program through the Washington Department of Ecology, she is “excited and happy to be able to find a job that correlates to my degree.”
Congratulations to all four from Kids’ Chance Washington.
Our 2022 Graduates
Gustavo Contreras graduated from Heritage University
Our 2021 Graduates
Lyddie Austin graduated from the University of Washington
Alyssa Martinez graduated from the University of Washington
Madison Wood graduated from Seattle Pacific University
Sergio Gonzales graduated from Perry Technical Institute
Congratulations to all of them!!
JOURNEY SPOTLIGHT
Sergio .. Perry Technical Institute
After graduating from high school in 2012 I worked a number of jobs and learned I needed more education to get a better job. Sergio graduated from Perry Technical Institute in September 2021. Sergio is now employed by Tolman Electric and is already halfway to getting his Journeyman License which requires completing 8,000 hours of work as apprentice to a master electrician and then passing a difficult certification test.
“Thanks to Kids’ Chance to helping me work towards my electrical program at Perry Technical Institute. School is going great.”
Lyddie Austin .. University of Washington, Environmental Engineering
Lyddie Austin learned about Kids’ Chance when her father was determined to be totally and permanently disabled. After her father’s debilitating head injury at work, her father became a stay-at-home dad, and her mother returned to school while working to support the family.
I was in the fifth grade when my Dad was injured, and my little sisters were in the second grade. I was ecstatic when I received the call back that I had been chosen as a recipient of the award. It guaranteed me a little bit of financial stability in this troubling time. Pursuing my degree has absolutely changed my life, and it is an incredible opportunity I am so thankful for. None of this would be possible without the generous support of Kids’ Chance. This financial stability guarantees me the chance to succeed. Without it, I wouldn’t be able to focus on academics, and I wouldn’t be able to travel the world. Thank you for your contribution to my education and my life. I am so thankful, and it means the world to me.
The Power of Your Support: Celebrating Our 2025 Graduates
Cassie F – graduates this October from Evergreen Beauty College in Renton with a degree in Cosmetology. She excelled in her program and plans to pursue a career at a local salon after taking her state boards. Originally from Yakima, Cassie chose to stay in Western Washington to take advantage of the strong job market and opportunities in her field. Cassie shares, “I’ve met lifelong friends, and the teachers make me feel like an equal and truly care about my success. I enjoy making people feel happy in their skin and confident. None of this could have been possible without Kids’ Chance. They not only provided financial help but also support and encouragement. They make you feel valued instead of just another name on a list. I am beyond grateful for the opportunity and the future I love.
Anarae M – is a graduate of the University of Washington with a degree in Finance, Marketing and Information Systems. In addition to maintaining a stellar GPA, Ray was also involved within the Business School in mentoring underrepresented students and assisting exchange students. He recently was hired by Bank of America and is on his way to achieving his goal of becoming a Financial Advisor or Analyst.
Kole K – recently graduated from Grand Canyon University with a major in Business Management and a minor in Hospitality Management. His senior internship at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess has turned into a full-time job. His long-term goal is to become the general manager of a resort or golf club. He may eventually seek a master’s degree, but he is “definitely enjoying life and work for now.”
Mary C – Mary’s education started at the University of Hawaii and ended with a degree in Environmental Science with a marine emphasis from Western Washington University. After a summer internship on a whale watching boat, she has just started a job on the Washington Conservation Crew program through the Washington Department of Ecology, she is “excited and happy to be able to find a job that correlates to my degree.”
Congratulations to all four from Kids’ Chance Washington.
Our 2022 Graduates
Gustavo Contreras graduated from Heritage University
Our 2021 Graduates
Lyddie Austin graduated from the University of Washington
Alyssa Martinez graduated from the University of Washington
Madison Wood graduated from Seattle Pacific University
Sergio Gonzales graduated from Perry Technical Institute