Sports Mentoring Program

Sports Mentoring Program is sponsored by Washington State Leadership Board. Provides grants to nonprofit organizations offering sports and mentorship opportunities to underserved youth.

Our Impact — The Washington State Leadership Board The WSLB endeavors to empower the next generation of leaders by providing opportunities for young, talented individuals to take on influential roles in various settings.

To achieve this objective, the WSLB delivers several equity-focused leadership and honors programs: Washington World Fellows , a foreign exchange + career preparatory program for high school sophomores Boundless Washington , a grant-based outdoor and sports leadership program for young people with disabilities Compassion Scholars , a study abroad and service learning program aimed at promoting compassionate leadership In the next decade, we aspire to ensure that every one of our program participants comes from priority populations within Washington state.

Our goal is to provide our participants with sustainable and high-quality programs that not only meet their unique needs but also deliver clear, measurable learning outcomes. During her testimony on Senate Resolution 8626 , Senator Judy Warnick, an ex-officio member of the Washington State Leadership Board, referred to the WSLB as: “Washington’s best kept secret. ” Over 1.

4 Million Dollars in Grants and Scholarships In line with the Washington State Achievement Council's (WSAC) goal of improving college affordability, the WSLB has played a key role in helping program participants secure over $1. 4 million in college funding since its inception as a state agency in 2022. This financial support empowers program participants to pursue leadership roles and significantly impact their sphere of influence.

29 of 39 Washinton Districts Served The WSLB has made remarkable progress in reaching out to the individuals who need our support the most in Washington State, proudly expanding our programs to 29 out of 39 counties! Looking ahead, we have set a target to extend our services to every county in the state.

80% of our Program Participants earn less than the median household income in WA In 2022, the Washington state per capita personal income was $75,332 . The WSLB is proud to report that 80. 4% of the program participants served by WSLB live in counties whose median income falls at or below the average.

Over $40k in Grants to Support Sports Mentoring for Priority Populations Since 2023, the WSLB has allocated $40,000 in grants to non-profit organizations dedicated to fostering sports mentoring programs for participants from priority populations. These funds have been instrumental in supporting initiatives that promote inclusivity, skill development, and personal growth through sports. Download our infographic to learn more.

Testimonials from Program Participants “This is truly a life-changing experience. I learned more about myself in this country (Spain) than I ever could have in the US. I am going to become a better person, and work towards my goals with more focus.

This trip gave me clarity. It allowed me to see what I am doing wrong in my life, and how I can improve. I am a better leader because of it.

I now believe that I am capable of much more…” “WWF was by far the most helpful resource I had while applying to colleges. I think that college application tips and help with FAFSA and getting ready for college are really useful! ” “Having the chance to learn the Spanish language and immerse myself in the rich culture of Spain was truly transformative.

As someone who had previously only known life in the United States, delving into the customs and traditions of the Spanish people was enlightening. It gave me a fresh and profound perspective on life. ”