LaunchNW, an initiative of Spokane-based Innovia Foundation, has been awarded a $2.5 million grant from Ballmer Group to implement a post-high school education support system for students throughout Eastern Washington.

The funding will enable LaunchNW to integrate “post-high school navigators” into local higher education institutions or apprenticeship programs, a press release from LaunchNW states. The navigators will be trained in best practices for supporting students as they enter their respective post-high school education programs.

“We are excited to offer direct services to students as they navigate a credential or degree program of their choice,” says Ben Small, executive director of LaunchNW, in the release. “This work signals an expansion of our support for students beyond their K-12 journey.”

LaunchNW’s post-high school navigators will provide support on a wide range of critical topics for students, including financial aid, mental health support, career pathways, and other essential resources.

The work is intended to improve student retention rates.

“The transition from high school to post-high school education is not easy,” says Innovia Foundation CEO Shelly O’Quinn in the release. “Many students need additional support as they maneuver the complexities of higher education.”

Innovia Foundation is the community foundation for Eastern Washington and North Idaho. Each year, it invests $10 million into communities through grants and scholarships.

Ballmer Group is a Bellevue, Washington-based investment organization founded by former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer and his wife Connie Ballmer, a philanthropist.