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Federal Way Public Schools Celebrates the Impact of Mentors

  • Press Release
Federal Way Public Schools Celebrates the Impact of Mentors
Mentors Recognized during the January 14, 2025 FWPS board meeting

As National Mentoring Month comes to a close, Federal Way Public Schools (FWPS) recognizes the transformative impact of mentors who empower scholars to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. Aligned with this year’s district theme, “Better Together”, FWPS celebrates the collective strength and collaboration that mentorship brings to the community.

On January 14, 2025, during the school board meeting at Green Gables Elementary, FWPS celebrated and honored mentors and organizations for their unwavering commitment to making a difference in the lives of scholars.

The Power of Mentorship

Established in 2002 through a partnership between MENTOR (a national mentoring organization) and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, NMM highlights the life-changing impact of mentorship. Research from MENTOR underscores that mentored youth are more likely to attend college, take on leadership roles, and positively contribute to their communities.

FWPS Mentoring Programs: Building Bright Futures

FWPS is proud to offer diverse mentoring opportunities that foster confidence, goal-setting, and career readiness:

  • Mentor and Me Program: Pairs community mentors with students in grades 6-12, creating meaningful connections that support academic, personal, and emotional growth.
  • Inspiring Girls Now in Technology Evolution (IGNITE) Program: Focused on increasing diversity in STEM, this program connects girls and non-binary scholars with mentors through workshops, panels, and hands-on activities.
  • Construction Pre-Apprenticeship Program: Provides industry-recognized credentials and college credit while scholars receive mentorship from skilled trades professionals.
  • INCUBATOR Entrepreneurship Program: Business professionals mentor juniors and seniors in developing entrepreneurial skills, culminating in a business pitch competition.
  • Youth Employment Support Network (YES Network) Program: Offers mentorship and job training for scholars aged 16-18 to overcome employment barriers and build career readiness.
  • Truman’s Barber School: Scholars receive mentorship and hands-on training in barbering, preparing them for a viable career path.
  • AJAC (Aerospace Joint Apprenticeship Committee): Connects scholars with aerospace industry mentors, providing training and apprenticeship opportunities in high-demand careers.
  • Internships: Scholars gain real-world experience, mentorship, and career exploration opportunities through partnerships with local businesses and organizations.

Community Partners Driving Scholar Success

FWPS is deeply grateful for the collaboration with Community-Based Organizations whose mentorship and support amplify scholar success:

  • African Young Dreamers Empowerment Program International
  • Black Equality Coalition
  • El Centro de la Raza
  • Phenomenal She
  • Pro Se Potential
  • Treehouse
  • UTOPIA

Mentorship in Action: A Scholar’s Perspective

FWPS scholar Lames shared that IGNITE fueled their passion for technology, leading to an IT internship with FWPS and supporting their enrollment in Running Start. The program, they said, has helped them work toward a dream major in Informatics with plans to become a Cyber Security attorney.

Superintendent Dr. Dani Pfeiffer Highlights the Value of Mentorship

Dr. Dani Pfeiffer, Superintendent of Federal Way Public Schools, expressed her gratitude, saying: 

“Mentors are the foundation of hope and success for our scholars. Their encouragement and guidance inspire our students to achieve their fullest potential and envision bright futures. This year, as we embrace the theme of ‘Better Together,’ we are reminded that the strength of our community lies in the meaningful connections we build.”

Honoring Our Mentors & Partners

FWPS extends heartfelt thanks to the mentors and partner organizations who continue to champion scholar success. Their dedication exemplifies the transformative power of mentorship.

FWPS alumni and IGNITE mentor, Lori, shared, “I am honored to be part of IGNITE Worldwide’s mission to empower and inspire the next generation of leaders through mentoring programs focused on enabling students to discover their full potential - to grow academically and personally by embracing new technical, networking, and resiliency skills to leverage during the transition from high school into the workforce. Mentors like myself, share real-world career journey experiences, best practices and pro tips, along with heartful lessons learned to better prepare students for the future. Mentoring is transformative, and an excellent example of how we are truly better together, while keeping students at the center of all we do.”

Join Us in Making a Difference

Though National Mentoring Month is ending, the need for mentors continues year-round. FWPS invites community members to become mentors and shape the future of our scholars. Learn more about mentoring opportunities at fwps.org/mentoring.