Looking back to the start of summer, it's been easy to ride the celebratory wave of graduation ceremonies and parties after years of investing in educating the next generation. But, as we head into a new school year, it's important to acknowledge the quiet, systemic challenges facing young adults currently unfolding right outside our school doors. 

Across Eastern Washington and North Idaho, youth face deep-seated barriers to higher education: rural stagnation, FAFSA application hurdles, and basic survival needs including clothing and shelter for those experiencing homelessness. In a landscape where three-quarters of future jobs will require education beyond high school, a majority of our rural students currently don't pursue any postsecondary path. This leaves them in high competition for a shrinking pool of low-credential jobs, at a time when our regional economy needs this demographic's active contribution to remain resilient. 

If we can't help these high school graduates transition into meaningful careers, we face challenges to our local economy and a declining quality of life for the entire community. The struggle is real, and the stakes could not be higher.

Against this backdrop, LaunchNW has emerged as a crucial vehicle for regional progress. Yet, as its leaders would be the first to admit, no single organization can lift an entire community alone. Spokane and surrounding counties are served by hundreds of high-impact organizations, and this work is a shared burden. To truly move the needle, LaunchNW relies on over 50 partnerships — collaborating with institutions such as NEWESD 101 to connect with school districts, Whitworth University to build higher education support networks, and Big Brothers Big Sisters to anchor mentorship programs. Even grassroots child advocacy coalitions, such as Our Kids: Our Business, have merged into this collective network to support early childhood wellness.

But the true test of any civic initiative is a willingness to acknowledge shortcomings and pivot as needed. It's understood that handing a student a scholarship doesn't erase the systemic friction of being a first-generation college student or working multiple jobs. Without adequate structural support during the transition to higher education, the stress of navigating complex academic and financial systems was leading to student burnout and dropout.

In response, LaunchNW deployed College Navigators a year ago to walk campus halls, provide one-on-one coaching, and actively foster a sense of belonging. This has yielded results, with supported scholars achieving a 93.7% persistence rate, outperforming averages at every participating campus.

To date, LaunchNW has secured $5.6 million in committed, renewable funding to support post-high school journeys, directly aiding 478 students. Since 2023, the Mpower Mentoring Program has engaged over 8,200 students with career and academic guidance. Meanwhile, the FAFSA Opens Doors campaign has removed financial aid barriers; including at Riverside High School, where FAFSA completion rates jumped from 39% in 2024 to 92% in 2026.

True progress is never a straight line; it takes a series of thoughtful adjustments. By acknowledging our deepest community challenges, embracing collective partnerships, and providing help when students stumble, we are committing to developing our region to support the next generation at work and in the community. We applaud LaunchNW and all of its partners in pursuing this path.