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 […]
The state of the state budget and K-12 finance
Washington state is facing a significant projected budget deficit. Thus far, it seems as though Democratic lawmakers and the Governor have been working on separate tracks when it comes to […]
Tacoma’s $800K Investment in Youth and Culture Guided by Community Voices
The City of Tacoma, in partnership with the Foundation for Tacoma Students, has launched a Request for Proposals (RFP) as part of an $800,000 funding initiative to expand youth programming […]
We need to turn the tide on student learning
We’re one third of the way through the legislative session calendar, and there are two key things on the docket in the coming weeks: Two different cutoff dates will winnow […]
2025 Legislative Session Update, Week 3 – Fiscal and Federal Uncertainty
At this point in the legislative session, and for the next couple of weeks, lawmakers and advocates are dealing with the peak volume of new legislation. Things will ebb by […]
2025 Legislative Session Update, Week 1 – New Governor, New Session
Bob Ferguson is officially the governor of Washington. The first week of the legislative session was occupied by swearing-ins of lawmakers, statewide office-holders, and of course the governor. Jay Inslee […]
The 2025 legislative session is going to be a doozy
For the first time since the great recession year of 2009, Washington is facing a significant budget deficit. The big question going into the session is how lawmakers are going […]
Opening windows: the purpose of our Policy Platform
At the Foundation for Tacoma Students we believe that a better world is possible, but that its realization requires difficult, rigorous work. This informs our approach to policy work where […]
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, […]
Analyzing Washington’s Election Results
2024 was a big election year in Washington. At the state level we had two new candidates running for Governor for the first time since 2012, as well as a […]