Graduate Tacoma

9th Annual Walk to Prevent Homelessness
2019-09-28 | Wright Park
Help support the St Vincent de Paul Homelessness Prevention & Basic Needs Program. Be an advocate for our neighbors in need and those less fortunate in Pierce County. Register as a Walk, Create a Team or Join a Conference. All are Welcome!

Educator Financial Aid Training
2019-09-19 12:00 - 14:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | WA
Learn basic details of federal and state financial aid and important messaging educators and community providers can use to discuss financial aid with students and families. Specifically, this training will include:

A basic overview and timeline of the financial aid process and application forms
Important facts about FAFSA and WASFA
Common financial aid terms
Information about key supports at districts and connections with community organizations and agencies

This training is a good fit for individuals working with families and middle and high school students or who are in positions that encourage or champion financial aid completion but do not need the details necessary to support financial aid application completion (this may include, family liaisons and bilingual paraeducators who support families/students in all grades, middle school counselors, district administrators not specifically engaged in college and career readiness).
Kent Campus training – September 19
Lakewood Community Center training – September 23
Clover Park Technical College training – September 30

FAFSA & WASFA Filing Begins
2019-10-01 | WA
Filing begins today for FAFSA/WASFA. The sooner students file, the better their chances for aid. Please visit your high school Career Center for more information

Tacoma High School Student Volunteer Fair
2019-10-01 12:00 - 17:00 | Peoples Community Center, 1602 MLK Jr. Way, Tacoma, WA, 98405, United States
Tacoma Students and Community Partners,
You are invited to attend the Tacoma High School Student Volunteer Fair on Oct 1 from 12-5 pm! This event will feature 501c3 non-profits and govt. agencies with volunteer opportunities in the Tacoma area suitable for high school students.
Through engaging students in volunteer work, we help them develop professional skills while fostering a sense of citizenship and stewardship. Thank you for attending, we look forward to seeing you there!
Questions can be directed to Brady Bekker, bbekker@tacoma.k12.wa.us

FAFSA/WASFA Completion Workshop
2019-10-01 17:30 - 19:30 | WA
Download FAFSA Checklist
Download WASFA Checklist

2nd Annual Empowerment Dinner Gala
2019-10-04 18:00 - 20:00 | BICENTENNIAL PAVILION AT HOTEL MURANO, 1320 Broadway Plaza, Tacoma, WA
Join the Tacoma Urban League for the 2nd annual Empowerment Dinner Gala recognizing some of the most influential young leaders as well as legacy leaders in the community.

Bayanihan Filipino Youth Conference and Leadership Summit
2019-10-05 | Pierce College Fort Steilacoom Cascade Building – Performance Lounge, 9401 Farwest Dr SW, Lakewood, WA, 98401, United States
Pierce College’s ASPIRE team will be piloting it’s first Filipino American Community Engagement event, which will engage 200+ students (7th-12th Grade) and parents/families through:
· FilipinX Identity Exploration workshop & cultural activities
· Multi-generational Community Dialogue around issues of Leadership, Identity & Education
· Exposure to Filipino American Non-profits, Community-based organizations, & student clubs.
· Networking with Filipino American professionals from across the state.

Hilltop Artists Better Futures Luncheon
2019-10-08 10:00 - 12:00 | BICENTENNIAL PAVILION AT HOTEL MURANO, 1320 Broadway Plaza, Tacoma, WA
Hilltop Artist’s Better Futures Luncheon is an opportunity for you to be a force for positive change. Bid on student-made centerpieces, hear directly from Hilltop students about the power of glass art and adult mentors, and learn how you can help connect students to better futures.

Check-In/Silent Auction at 10:30 am.

Program at 11:30 am.

Tickets are $30 each or $300 for a table of 10. For more information, visit www.hilltopartists.org/bfl2019

Exploring Structural Racism
2019-10-09 13:30 - 16:30 | Boys & Girls Club – Donald G Topping Regional HOPE Center, 3875 S 66th St, Tacoma, WA, 98409, United States
A thorough understanding of structural racism can help all professionals provide effective services for youth and their families. In this session, instructors will explain structural racism, provide examples of and data on structural racism, and discuss implications for youth. The material can be emotionally challenging and they will provide what they hope will be a helpful structure for understanding and a learning environment for every participant to grow.
Participants will:
-Increase their knowledge of why understanding race and structural racism is crucial to achieving cultural competence
-Understand how history, laws, policies, practices & belief systems have interacted to produce racial disparities (also known as “structural racism”)
-Identify connections between historical racial injustices & present-day realities for youth and their families
REGISTER

College Gear Day
2019-10-11 | First Creek Middle School, 1801 E 56th Street, Tacoma, WA, 98404, United States
*This activity is part of Discover U month. The activity will be led by Sheila Williams-Griffis and Russell Phillips at First Creek Middle School. For more information contact Sheila at swilli2@tacoma.k12.wa.us

Every Friday in October will be College Gear Day for students and staff. Teachers will engage students with various activites during advisory class.

Festival Latinx
2019-10-12 16:00 - 19:00 | STAR Center, 3873 S 66th St,, Tacoma, WA, 98409, United States
A music and arts festival to celebrate Latinx heritage and culture and sharing it with the greater Tacoma community.

Stadium HS Financial Aid Assistance Night
2019-10-15 05:30 - 19:30 | Stadium High School, 111 North E Street, Tacoma, WA, 98403, United States
FAFSA nights are hosted at Stadium during the year to assist you and your family in completing the FAFSA.

This event was originally scheduled for October 1, and has been rescheduled due to a district-wide internet outage. The new date and time is:

October 15 from 5:30 – 7:30 PM in that Stadium library.

Advocacy Professional Development Workshop
2019-10-15 09:00 - 12:00 | FFTS Office, 919 S. 9th St, Tacoma, WA, 98405, United States
The Foundation for Tacoma Students launched its first advocacy agenda last year. Building on our learnings in that first year, we have since convened the newly-established Graduate Tacoma Advocacy Network (GTAN). This Network is dedicated to elevating the Tacoma/Pierce County voice to address impactful local, regional and state policy issues that further our goals for a Tacoma where every child succeeds cradle to career. With that, we’d like to invite you to join the GTAN at two upcoming professional development workshops from Jeff and Niki Reading of Reading Communications that will give you an opportunity to sharpen your skills and your overall approach to your advocacy work.
Part I: Communicating in a legislative environment
October 15, 9AM – 12PM | Foundation for Tacoma Students Offices

Whether you’re a seasoned hand at delivering your message to lawmakers or looking to learn the ropes, the first session will give an overview of the legislative environment, describe how and why legislative activity looks the way it does, and provide some insight into legislators’ perspectives and behavior. Understanding these factors is key to ensuring that your message is delivered and received with optimal effectiveness, whether speaking one-on-one with a legislator, delivering testimony before a committee, participating in a panel discussion or town hall, or providing informational materials with legislators or their staff. This session will cover the elements of a good message aimed at legislators, and workshop how to develop consistent messaging and strong message frameworks both within your organization and in concert with the messaging of allied organizations.

Part II: Communicating with reporters
November 5, 9AM – 12PM | Foundation for Tacoma Students Offices

It is common for professionals in advocacy roles to rely heavily upon the work of the press while at the same time finding themselves frustrated in their interactions with individual reporters. Knowing what reporters are looking for and how they work to create a story out of shapeless events can help ensure that your engagement with the press promotes greater clarity around your issue and even provides the perspective that frames it. This session will demystify the reporting process, show how reporters are unofficial but essential partners in the public policy process, and provide recommendations for how to help reporters tell a story that both informs the public and advances the communications goals of your organization.
RSVP

Metro Parks Youth Councils
2019-10-15 18:30 - 20:00 | WA
Each community center will have its own Youth Council focused on community service, planning events, and advocating for youth in their communities.
Councils will meet twice a month and are a dedicated space for Youth Voice. An adult facilitator will be present to guide the team, but the projects, events, and focuses of each council will be a result of what YOU as the youth of Tacoma choose.
Metro Parks Youth Councils are open to youth ages 13-18 who call the Tacoma area home. You will self select the Community Center Council you want to join. We encourage students to choose the center that best represents your chosen community- whether that’s where you attend school, live, work, or play.

Free SAT Testing
2019-10-16 | WA
All High Schools.
SAT/PSAT/NMSQT testing for TPS students in grades 10-12 during school hours at their high school. Contact your school’s Career Center for additional information.

Pathway for Your Career
2019-10-18 | Geiger Montessori School, 7401 S 8th St, Tacoma, WA, 98465, United States
*This activity is part of Discover U month. The activity will be led by Kathryn Lanzillo at Geiger Montessori. For more information contact Kathryn at klanzil@tacoma.k12.wa.us
Students will research universities, trade schools, etc. that have to do with their ideal job as an adult. Then they will create a one-sheet about the university. Finally, they will write a letter to the university asking for more information.

WILLO 6th Annual Storytelling Festival
2019-10-20 14:30 - 16:30 | Stadium High School, 111 North E Street, Tacoma, WA, 98403, United States
Join the Women’s Intergenerational Living Legacy Organization for a free storytelling event celebrating Tacoma women who work in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math.

AVID Career Exploration Field Trip @ BCRA
2019-10-22 | WA
Giaudrone, First Creek, Stewart, Baker, Gray and Truman Middle Schools.
More information to come.

Cradle to Career Luncheon
2019-10-24 11:00 | Greater Tacoma Convention Center, 1500 commerce st, tacoma, 98402, United States
Registration is now open for our fifth annual Cradle to Career Luncheon, featuring the voices and performances of Tacoma students! Hear from a panel of community leaders and local expert Fay Hanleybrown of FSG as we discuss how our efforts today can build the tomorrow we dream for Tacoma kids. The possibilities are endless.
RSVP NOW!

Spanish Financial Aid Completion Night
2019-10-25 16:00 - 19:00 | Mount Tahoma High School, 4634 S. 74th St., Tacoma, WA, 98409, United States

Powering Up Educators Workshops
2019-10-29 09:30 - 14:00 | WA
Graduate Tacoma’s STEAM Network invites you to participate in a pilot program offered in partnership with local businesses, Powering Up Educators! Spend the day or evening at a local STEM or STEAM business to learn about career pathways within the organization and the skills your students need for entry level roles. Get an inside look at the office environment and culture, meet and talk with employees in the careers your students may pursue, ask questions, and gain insight into the training and skills needed for success in the industry. Take what you learn back to the classroom to share with your students!

GeoEngineers in Tacoma – November 7th, 3:00-6:00 pm Workshop, 6:00-7:00 pm Networking Happy Hour
Sound Transit in Seattle – October 29th, 9:30 am – 2:00 pm (Transportation Provided via Sounder)

SIGN UP FOR A WORKSHOP TODAY!

PNACAC College Fair
2019-10-30 17:30 - 19:30 | University of Puget Sound
PNACAC College Fairs are FREE to students and families. Students attending the fairs should register for this fair by going to www.strivefair.com and filling out a quick form on their phone or computer (in advance or at the door). When they sign up, StriveScan sends them a barcode via text message and email. At the college fair, students present this barcode to college representatives when they are interested in receiving more information about that college. The next day, students receive an email with a report on of all of the colleges and representatives they met, along with their contact information and social media profiles.
Location: University of Puget Sound, 1500 N Warner St Tacoma, WA 98416
Start time: 5:30 pm
End Time: 7:30 pm

TCC FAFSA/WASFA Completion Night
2019-11-21 16:00 - 18:00 | Tacoma Community College, 6501 South 19th ST, Tacoma, WA, 98466, United States
FAFSA nights are hosted at Tacoma Community College to assist you and your family in completing the FAFSA and WASFA application.
Thursday, November 21st 4:00pm-6:00pm in Building 16 Room 108
Tuesday, December 10th 4:00pm-6:00pm in Building 16 Room 108

RAIN' s Girls Who Code
2019-11-26 15:30 - 17:30 | rain incubator, 2304 Jefferson Ave, Tacoma, WA, 98402, United States
Girls Who Code is a national Club that is designed as a free after-school program for 6th-12th grade girls to join a sisterhood of supportive peers and role models. RAIN’s Girls Who Code curriculum is designed for students with a wide range of computer science experience. It includes activities for students with zero computer science experience all the way up to college-level concepts. Girls will learn to use computer science to impact their community and join a supportive sisterhood of peers and role models across the US.
The 2019-2020 Club will be held on most Tuesdays in the Fall and Winter.

Metro Parks Youth Council
2019-12-03 18:30 - 20:00 | WA
Metro Parks Youth Councils are a new youth leadership opportunity. Each community center will have its own Youth Council focused on community service, planning events, and advocating for youth in their communities.
Councils will meet twice a month and are a dedicated space for Youth Voice. An adult facilitator will be present to guide the team, but the projects, events, and focuses of each council will be a result of what YOU as the youth of Tacoma choose.
Metro Parks Youth Councils are open to youth ages 13-18 who call the Tacoma area home. You will self select the Community Center Council you want to join.

Eastside Community Center- 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month, 6:30-8 pm
Center at Norpoint- 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month, 6:30-8 pm
People’s Center- 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month, 6-7:30 pm
STAR Center- 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month, 6:30-8 pm

Holiday Luau
2019-12-06 18:30 - 21:00 | Asia Pacific Cultural Center, 4851 South Tacoma Way, Tacoma, 98409, United States
Bring the whole family for a fun-filled evening of island music, live entertainment and delicious Samoan and Hawaiian food. All proceeds benefit social service programs at the Tacoma Urban League.

Building Connections
2019-12-07 09:00 - 15:00 | Eastside Community Center, 1721 E 56th ST, Tacoma, WA, 98404, United States
Building Connections is a hands-on professional development training series that empowers families, teachers, child care providers, caregivers, program facilitators, and the like to better serve our earliest learners! Join us as we explore FLIP IT!, a supportive 4-step strategy that helps young children learn about their feelings, gain self-control, and become emotionally aware problem-solvers who develop healthy coping skills that will last a lifetime.

This event is completely FREE and ALL are welcome! Continental breakfast and lunch will be provided, as well as structured child-friendly activities (for children ages 3 – 12) facilitated by our friends at Children’s Museum of Tacoma and KBTC. *Children must be potty-trained.

Receive STARS hours by registering with your STARS ID.

Winter Glass Sale
2019-12-07 10:00 - 13:00 | Jason Lee Middle School, 602 N Sprague Ave, Tacoma, WA, 98403, United States
Mark your calendars for Hilltop Artist’s Winter Glass Sale! Find unique, hand-made gifts for everyone on your list. All proceeds go back into Hilltop Artists programming in support of our youth.
The 2019 signature ornament features silver in commemoration of Hilltop Artists’ 25th Anniversary – the silver anniversary!

Pave the Way Conference
2019-12-11 07:00 - 18:30 | University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195
The annual Pave the Way conference focuses on strategies to advance equity, increase college readiness, and broaden access to higher education in Washington State. The conference brings together educators, policymakers, and community partners from across the education system, from preschool through college. Pave the Way aims to ensure historically marginalized students receive the support they need to succeed.

Know Your Rights Youth Summit
2019-12-14 11:00 - 16:00 | Peoples Community Center, 1602 MLK Jr. Way, Tacoma, WA, 98405, United States
A free youth summit for 4th-12th graders to build knowledge and power. The summit will include:

Dynamic and interactive workshops presented by youth, young adults, and community organizers/leaders themed around Colin Kaepernick’s 10 Points of Know Your Rights.

A youth-led panel

Keynote performances

Talent show/Open Mic

Sack lunch and refreshments
