Centering The Student Experience: By Design

This year’s Community Impact Award recipient, Clover Park Technical College (CPTC), demonstrates what’s possible when student experiences are placed at the center of institutional efforts. By redesigning its approach and […]
Culturally Responsive Strategies for Financial Aid Access

Financial aid, a critical resource for college access, remains largely untapped by thousands of students in Washington each year. A complex process filled with unfamiliar terminology, confusion around eligibility, and […]
From the Executive Director | Taking A Sabbatical

After 15 years of dedicated service in education, I am taking a much-needed sabbatical. I’m deeply grateful to the BIPOC ED Coalition, the Foundation for Tacoma Students Board of Directors, […]
Pathways to Possibility: Supporting 1,840 More Students to Success

During last week’s State of Public Education (SOPE) symposium, Foundation for Tacoma Students Executive Director Dr. Tafona Ervin set forth a clear vision: supporting 1,840 more Tacoma students to post-secondary […]
How Pierce County Partners are Connecting Students to Postsecondary Opportunities

In Washington state, the journey from high school to college is rarely straightforward, varying across cities and school districts. Despite diverse paths, every young person has the potential to succeed […]
Building a Shared Vision for GenAI in Pierce County

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is actively reshaping education and workforce development, unlocking new possibilities for how we teach, learn, and work. Recognizing the urgent need to address this transformation, Graduate Tacoma […]
Why Bold, Sustained Investments in Education is Everyone’s Business

The Foundation for Tacoma Students hosted its fourth annual Charting Our Future conference, a transformative gathering that brought together over 300 educators, policymakers, community leaders, and advocates committed to creating […]
Overcoming Barriers to Higher Education with Campaign Free Aid

Affordability remains a significant barrier to higher education, with access to financial aid playing a crucial role in students’ decisions to pursue postsecondary credentials. To help students navigate this hurdle, […]
Altering The Paradigm For A Multi-Year FAFSA Plan

As we delve into the session, FFTS is closely monitoring a range of critical education policy issues. Our commitment is to provide continual analysis and commentary on the developments each week, advocating for policies that align with our policy platform.
College Or Career? Why Not Both? The Case For A College And Career Readiness Curriculum For High Schools

As we delve into the session, FFTS is closely monitoring a range of critical education policy issues. Our commitment is to provide continual analysis and commentary on the developments each week, advocating for policies that align with our policy platform.