Ground Control Coffee launched in 2025 as a student-led venture. Students from Open Doors Gravity Centers across ESD 113's five-county region - Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, and Thurston counties- staff the café.
"In Gravity, our students shoot for the moon and take control of their futures."
Gravity Open Doors programs implemented this student-run barista to provide students with valuable work experience, the opportunity to earn money, and a pathway to future careers.
When you visit ESD 113 and need a coffee fix, be sure to stop by Ground Control to support our local Open Doors students.
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State Superintendent Chris Reykdal has issued a statement condemning the federal government's attempt to prohibit Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs in schools.
Reykdal emphasizes the importance of DEI initiatives in fostering inclusive and supportive learning environments for all students. He reaffirms Washington state's commitment to upholding these programs and protecting the rights of all students, regardless of federal actions.
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Priority deadline: April 30, 2025.
Eligible students are those experiencing foster care (dependent youth) age 15-20 who are planning to enroll in an accredited college, university, technical, vocational, or dual credit high school program.
The Education and Training Voucher (ETV) Program offers financial assistance to eligible youth (up to $5,000 per academic year). Students must apply for FAFSA and receive the Pell grant.
High school students taking dual credit classes can receive up to $2,000 per academic year. They must register for at least six credits and one 100 level class or higher each quarter.
Applications for 2025-2026 are open. The ETV program is still accepting applications for the current academic year (2024-2025), as well.
To learn more about the program, eligibility, and to apply for the 2025–2026 school year, please visit the ETV webpage or feel free to email ETVWash@dcyf.wa.gov with questions. To meet the priority deadline, you must apply by April 30, 2025. All applications received after April 30 will be awarded on a funds available basis.
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Live Webinar: Meet the ETV program
Date: Tuesday, March 11, 2-3:00 pm
Join us to learn more about the ETV program from during our upcoming webinar with representatives from DSHS!
- This is a fantastic opportunity for all Open Doors program staff to attend and learn more from the ETV experts.
- The event coincides with our Case Manager Network meeting – but all Open Doors folks are encouraged to participate.
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Join us for an informative workshop with the Financial Education Public-Private Partnership (FEPPP) on supporting Open Doors students in financial education. This session equips educators with tools to help disengaged youth manage their finances effectively.
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As the U.S. economy evolves rapidly with technological advancements like AI, the demand for a highly skilled workforce grows. To bridge the skills gap, state-level initiatives focus on career pathway programs, offering students' academic and workforce experiences to build industry-specific skills.
Bellwether has released three new briefs in the Pathways to Implementation: Building and Sustaining Effective Career Pathways series. Each brief in this seven-part series addresses a core element critical to policy and effective implementation: communications, data, and continuous improvement.
The resource provides practical steps for developing a Career Pathway – these steps are applicable to Open Doors programs seeking to offer the Career Pathway.
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Math Nation has partnered with OSPI this year to share their secondary math digital resources with all secondary schools in the state, at no cost to districts - this includes Open Doors!
Math Nation is a data-proven, research-backed tool designed to support students, educators, and families in middle and high school math. The platform includes K-12 Washington mathematics-aligned supplementary lessons and activities, an interactive WCAG-compliant digital student workbook, multilingual instructional videos, 24/7 online tutoring, and digital assessment tools.
Come to our Math Nation Introduction webinar to learn more about the resources available to your district and to learn how to get access!
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Last month, Open Doors teacher Mason Bryant testified for Senate Bill 5007 – a bill that includes barrier reduction funding for Open Doors students and other reengagement activities. Mason explains why barrier reduction funding is needed and the impact it has for students. Watch the video from TVW.
Watch the testimony on Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education - TVW
Do your students who dream of attending college but worry about the cost? You can play a crucial role in helping them achieve their educational goals. Many youth and young adults are eligible for WA-Grant funding to make higher education accessible. Help you help students contact their local college’s financial aid office.
People who receive the following are among the eligible:
- Aged, Blind, or Disabled (ABD) Program
- Housing and Essential Needs (HEN) Referral Program
- Pregnant Women Assistance (PWA)
- Economic Security for All (EcSA)
Help ensure that every person has the opportunity to pursue their dreams. Encourage students to reach out to their local college today to explore these options. Your assistance can make a significant difference in their journey towards a brighter future.
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Looking for a way to provide an overview of FAFSA with students and families? KSPS PBS has created helpful FAFSA videos in five languages: English, Spanish, Ukrainian, Marshallese, and Arabic. More languages are being added.
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Email the Open Doors team for support with your questions at OpenDoors@k12.wa.us.
You can also call the new Open Doors voicemail line at 360-725-4958.
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Past Newsletters:
Check our website for previous years' newsletter topics.
Mandy Paradise,
M.Ed
Open Doors
Program Supervisor
Email Mandy
360-789-3949
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