Believe in Me

05/20/2026

A young person in foster care can’t plan confidently for graduation, college, work, or independence if basic needs, trusted relationships, records, transportation, and belonging are uncertain.

That’s why school and career planning has to start with the whole young person.

Our new Five-Pillar checklist helps donors, volunteers, caregivers, businesses, and community partners identify practical ways to remove barriers while protecting dignity and privacy.

Read the blog and download the checklist:
https://believeinme.news/foster-care-support-checklist-school-career-planning/

05/06/2026

A big thank you to Idaho Central Credit Union for continuing to show up as a valued community partner for the August 31, 2026, Believe in Me Charity Golf Tournament at Circling Raven Golf Club.

Your ongoing support helps us turn a day on the course into lasting opportunities for underserved youth in our community. We’re grateful for your partnership, your generosity, and your belief in what’s possible when communities invest in kids.

Learn more or join us: https://believeinme.org/golf

05/04/2026

⛳️ A heartfelt thank you to Fairmount Memorial Association or stepping up as a community partner for the August 31, 2026, Believe in Me Charity Golf Tournament at Circling Raven Golf Club.

Your support helps us keep our eyes on the pin: creating brighter futures for underserved youth in our community. Because of partners like you, more young people can access the encouragement, resources, and opportunities they need to thrive.

Thank you for believing in our mission and for helping us drive hope farther. 💚

https://believeinme.org/golf

04/30/2026

Congratulations to all of the teams advancing to the final round of the Washington State University Believe in Me High School Business Plan Competition!

I’ll be on campus in Pullman on April 30 for the final round, trade show, and awards dinner, and I can’t wait to celebrate these incredible young entrepreneurs.

Believe in Me is proud to sponsor the high school division because we believe in these kids, their ideas, and the bright futures they’re building. We’re excited to see where their entrepreneurial journeys take them.

GO COUGS! ❤️🐾

https://entrepreneurship.wsu.edu/wsu-business-plan-competition/

04/29/2026

I had the pleasure of speaking with Barin Saxton from Canopy Credit Union today, and I left the conversation truly impressed.

Before our call, Barin was at Lumen High School providing financial literacy training for pregnant and parenting teen students. After that, he did an interview with local news. Then he still made time to connect with me about Believe in Me and our shared commitment to supporting underestimated youth in our community.

What stood out most was Canopy Credit Union’s commitment to meeting people where they are. They are creating a more inclusive financial experience for individuals and families who are too often overlooked by traditional systems.

When I asked Barin what he was most proud of, he shared one of his favorite projects: Canopy’s debit card that allows members to use their chosen name. For transgender and nonbinary community members, that kind of dignity and respect matters deeply.

If you are LGBTQIA+, a young person building financial confidence, or someone who wants guidance from people who look beyond a credit score and get to know the real you, Canopy Credit Union is worth getting to know.

Thank you, Barin, for the meaningful work you are doing in our community.

04/29/2026

Up to $50,000 in scholarships now open for first-generation students.

In collaboration with the Trufant Family Foundation, Believe in Me is now accepting applications for its 2026 Scholarship Program for students across Washington, Oregon, and Northern Idaho pursuing college, trade school, or career training.

This scholarship looks beyond GPA and test scores to recognize resilience, leadership, determination, and the barriers students have overcome.

Awards: $2,500–$10,000
Deadline: May 15, 2026
Apply: https://believeinme.org/scholarships

Please share with students, families, counselors, educators, and community organizations.

02/20/2026

What does it really take for a young person to succeed?

It takes more than a scholarship.
It takes more than encouragement.
It takes a community.

Our Community Support Pillar of Caring focuses on wraparound services that help marginalized youth navigate life’s barriers with stability, guidance, and belonging.

Housing support.
Mentorship.
Academic guidance.
Emotional safety.
Access to opportunity.

When youth are surrounded by consistent, caring adults and community resources, everything changes.

Watch this short video to see why wraparound support is one of the most powerful investments we can make in the next generation.

🎥 Watch here: https://youtu.be/tnMrhs1IExE?si=RdWhUKQv3f2RlYks

If you believe every young person deserves a strong support system, share this post and tag someone who is part of your village.

Believe in Me is a youth empowerment nonprofit helping marginalized kids thrive through grants, mentorship, basic needs support, and community programs. Donate or volunteer today.

01/31/2026

National Mentorship Month may end today — but the need doesn’t. 🕊️

In Washington State, too many students still lack consistent access to trusted adults and financial support — both of which research identifies as key drivers of academic persistence and long-term success (OSPI, 2025; FirstGen Forward, 2023).

Corporate partnerships are essential to scaling what works.

If mentorship and education equity are part of your organization’s values, let’s continue the conversation.
Book a meeting: https://calendar.app.google/GtQ8D2Po4UmyStGh9

01/30/2026

Summer readiness starts long before summer. 🌞

Expanded learning programs are linked to stronger academic engagement and social development, particularly for students facing economic barriers (DCYF, 2022).

Believe in Me summer programs create safe, supportive environments where youth learn, connect, and build confidence alongside trusted adults.

If your organization supports youth and families, let’s partner early.
Explore programs: https://cougs4kids.org/programs/

01/29/2026

Sometimes belief looks like practical support. 🎁

Students who feel supported by caring adults and equipped with the right tools show higher engagement and resilience (CDC, 2022).

MentorBoost Kits help mentors reinforce learning, confidence, and connection — especially during critical transition moments.

Your gift helps turn encouragement into action.
Support MentorBoost Kits: https://givebutter.com/MentorBoost