JOURNEY SPOTLIGHT
Gustavo’s Journey
Gustavo Contreras’ life was altered forever when his father was badly hurt at work and could no longer work. Gustavo’s parents, who were not able to finish middle school, impressed upon Gustavo and his sisters the importance of an education. Gustavo took that to heart and has been focused on his goal of earning a Baccalaureate degree in Education, and a teaching career in his community of Sunnyside, Washington.
This past May, Gustavo graduated from Heritage University, both as a first-generation graduate in his family and an honor student; and all while adjusting to life as a new father!
Congratulations, Gustavo! Your community is lucky to have you, and Kids Chance of Washington is proud to have been part of your journey!
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.
Our 2022 Graduates
Gustavo Contreras’ graduated from Heritage University Gustavo’s path path led him from Sunnyside High School to Columbia Basin College and finally, Heritage University. Gustavo focused on his goal of earning a Baccalaureate degree in Education, and a teaching career in his community of Sunnyside, Washington.
Our 2021 Graduates
Lyddie Austin graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in Environmental Engineering and is currently working with an engineering firm in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.
Alyssa Martinez also graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in Community Psychology and a minor in Human Rights. She will be furthering her education in California this fall in merchandising and marketing.
Madison Wood graduated from Seattle Pacific University with a degree in Communications.
Sergio Gonzales graduated from Perry Technical Institute in September and is working as an electrician. He is also well on his way to obtaining his Journeyman License.
Congratulations to all of them!!
JOURNEY SPOTLIGHT
Gustavo’s Journey
Gustavo Contreras’ life was altered forever when his father was badly hurt at work and could no longer work. Gustavo’s parents, who were not able to finish middle school, impressed upon Gustavo and his sisters the importance of an education. Gustavo took that to heart and has been focused on his goal of earning a Baccalaureate degree in Education, and a teaching career in his community of Sunnyside, Washington.
This past May, Gustavo graduated from Heritage University, both as a first-generation graduate in his family and an honor student; and all while adjusting to life as a new father!
Congratulations, Gustavo! Your community is lucky to have you, and Kids Chance of Washington is proud to have been part of your journey!
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.
Our 2022 Graduates
Gustavo Contreras’ graduated from Heritage University Gustavo’s path path led him from Sunnyside High School to Columbia Basin College and finally, Heritage University. Gustavo focused on his goal of earning a Baccalaureate degree in Education, and a teaching career in his community of Sunnyside, Washington.
Our 2021 Graduates
Lyddie Austin graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in Environmental Engineering and is currently working with an engineering firm in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.
Alyssa Martinez also graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in Community Psychology and a minor in Human Rights. She will be furthering her education in California this fall in merchandising and marketing.
Madison Wood graduated from Seattle Pacific University with a degree in Communications.
Sergio Gonzales graduated from Perry Technical Institute in September and is working as an electrician. He is also well on his way to obtaining his Journeyman License.