Celebrating Scholar Success
This summer we focus on supporting students and nourishing ourselves and others
Musings of the Month
What is next for high school and college graduates?
Bad and good news ahead…
The data2insight team is invested personally and professionally in learners and helping them thrive. Our teammates include the proud parents of a high school graduate, a middle school graduate, and a high school senior. Also, one of our longest standing clients is the University of Washington, where we have evaluated many education programs over the years.
Our musing this month is about education in Washington State.
Did you know that 90% of Washington State’s high schoolers say they want to continue their education after high school? But only 50% of high school graduates enroll in postsecondary programs, including two- and four-year degrees and apprenticeships.
This is heartbreaking! And bad for our economy.
Needless to say, we are thrilled that the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Washington State Team led by Angela Jones is focused on helping more Washington State high school students realize their goal of postsecondary education credential attainment.
As more of the state’s high school students achieve this educational milestone, they are more likely to find career pathways that are both fulfilling and financially rewarding. The Washington State team will work with local and regional partners to help students see a clear path to success in the careers they choose, with an emphasis on young people who face the highest barriers including Black, Latine, and Indigenous students, plus students from low-income backgrounds and rural communities.
Celebrating Scholars
Join data2insight in supporting the GSBA Scholars program. Each year we look forward to the May Celebration Brunch. We love celebrating the hard work and dedication of our next generation of LGBTQ+ leaders.
Check out this video to hear from graduate scholar Alejandra Silva Hernandez about her journey. To support LGBTQ+ scholars, reach out to GSBA Senior Development Officer, Jeff Boyer.
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What's new at data2insight?
Jay Alba at the intersection of Tech and Women’s Health
Jay Alba, July’s blogger, manages the company blog for LTHJ Global and wears many hats at the organization. She organizes their internal processes and supports clients.
Before joining LTHJ Global, Jay was head writer for Below the Fold newsletter, which amassed 10,000 subscribers in its first year. Her experience also includes tech publications, product design, and women’s health. As a lifelong learner, Jay continues to hone her skills daily.
Learn more about the work that Jay does and the resources she shared with our community by reading our latest blog post.
Book Spotlight
Introducing Colin Seale's Books for Liberating Students
Colin Seale, thinkLaw Founder & CEO, offers two books that challenge traditional educational paradigms. With a unique blend of expertise in law, education, and social justice, Seale provides practical frameworks and strategies for empowering students to unlock their full potential.
In Tangible Equity: A Guide for Leveraging Student Identity, Culture, and Power to Unlock Excellence In and Beyond the Classroom, Seale explores how embracing student identity and culture can create a transformative educational experience which leads to excellence. This book offers educators valuable insights into fostering inclusivity and cultivating an environment where all students thrive.
Thinking Like a Lawyer: A Framework for Teaching Critical Thinking to All Students, equips educators with innovative approaches to cultivate critical thinking skills in every student, regardless of their background. Drawing upon his legal expertise, Seale provides a comprehensive framework that empowers educators to guide students towards analytical reasoning, problem-solving, and effective communication.
#SelfCareCorner
Image by Creative Dream Incubator
Let’s have fun with self-care!
While summer break for some can mean lazy days, for many of us, creating space for ease and relaxation can be a challenge. Working parents with kids home from school, young people working summer jobs, and seasonal workers with challenges outdoors and inside all have summer stressors.
What about this summer activity? Create a self-care kit for when you need some relief from the grind or an especially challenging day. Lifestyle blog writer and entrepreneur Deze shares what a self care kit is and why it is important.
A self care kit is a care package filled with things that soothe you and make you feel safe. It is also known as a comfort box.
When you feel overwhelmed, overly stressed or anxious, your self care box for mental health should contain multiple healthy coping mechanisms that you can trust to “snap you out of it”.
A self care kit is an effective part of a long-term stress management plan and prevents you from relying on negative coping strategies.
Check out Deze’s post How to Build the Ultimate DIY Self-Care Kit. Have fun taking care of you and/or a family member or friend!
Take a bow Beth Gebre!
Hamrick-Smith Scholarship Awardee going on to Medical School
The Seattle Chaper of the Association for Women in Science scholarship Beth received in 2021 was sponsored by data2insight founder Veronica Smith and her wife Natalie Hamrick.
Veronica had a chance to talk with Beth on the job as a clinical lab technician at the University of Washington virology lab. Veronica was inspired by Beth's story and shared:
“Beth has had an amazing journey getting where she is today. As a little girl, she helped her mom in the general store in a village in Ethiopia, where she was born. After learning English and getting the hang of living in the United States, Beth took a ChemBio class in her high school. She recognized that this line of study could benefit people. That class planted the seed that pushed her toward majoring in Physiology in college.”
Beth shared these pearls of wisdom for other students who are working to achieve their academic and career goals.
Surround yourself with people who believe in you and support you. It will make the climb to achieve your goals easier.
Make connections and build networks.
If you think you might regret not doing something, jump in and do it!
Know you’ve got this!
Congratulations to all the 2023 graduates! And all the best to Beth and all the others around the world who will be beginning a new chapter in their education in the fall.
