The Dream Project

This college-prep program is close to my heart because I was apart of it and helped me immensely while going through the college application process. The Dream Project is group of U of Washington students that reaches out to low-income and first generation students who are looking to go to college. It starts around your sophomore or junior year and have weekly meetings to keep you on track with classes, application deadlines, etc. They offer FREE SAT prep to those who qualify as well as other services. We also took a trip up to the campus and spent a day with a student, seeing what it's like for a day in the life of a college student. I was able to speak with Admission officers and have them help me write my application essay! The people I met along the way while involved with the Dream Project were indescribable in terms of how much they helped me.


**I suggest this to all Seattle area students looking to receive an education beyond high school. Being involved in this program does not mean they only help you to apply for UW, it is for any school. I ended up going to U of Miami and they helped me with that application as well!

Here is the link to their website : The Dream Project

Youth Programs in the Seattle Area

Here is the link to the City of Seattle website for youth. There are several different programs, organizations to join and a separate site just for teens. There are tons of things to do around the Seattle area for all backgrounds, cultures and interests! Anything from dance, aviation and gardening to technology, sports and cultural museums. Here is a list of some of the programs that are listed:

• Teen Website
• Art and Cultural Organizations for youth
• Youth sports 
• Summer programs
• Youth camps offered
• Employment opportunities
• Libraries
• Festivals
• Bored...? List of fun weekend events to check out with friends!
• Support Services
• Homework Help offered by Seattle Public Libraries

Here is the link once again...please check it out! Seattle Youth Website

Overcoming Black Stereotypes in Education

GREAT VIDEO! This CNN video takes a more in depth look at stereotypes black students go through. What I like about this video is how these students realize their potential because somebody invested time and effort to help them succeed. These kids went from failing high school to planning for college!

Via Youtube and CNN Student News

Advocating for Youth Enrichment

Here's an introductory video of how important our Youth are and why we need to help them as much as possible. Enjoy!

Via Youtube

About The Editor

My name is Ryan Quigtar and I am a recent graduate and basketball player at the University of Miami. Over the years, I have received support from several different sources. Family, friends, teachers, coaches and the Boy's and Girl's Club (Rainier Vista branch) have all contributed to the person I am now. Because of this, it is my belief that youth need support, from someone who cares and will invest time with them to help them with life's challenges. I know that I would not be where I am now without the support I received and I feel it is my turn to give back. 
I am looking to start a non-profit that will focus on youth enrichment as well as offer parent support. These services include mentorship, academic tutoring, health & wellness programs, sports and art programs. In addition there will be key community figures to come in and speak to these youth, inspiring them to be great. Parent services will include a psychiatrist, someone who will listen to their problems because that is usually where the problem starts, in the home. Parents may be overwhelmed by working extreme hours, not giving their kids the attention and guidance they need. That is where our organization will step in and be the guiding figure the children need. So many kids fall victim to the street life because they have nothing else to occupy their time. By offering these different activities and developing a genuine relationship with our youth, we aspire to make a difference in each and every child's life!

**With this blog, I hope to raise awareness for youth enrichment, providing different articles and links to other blogs/websites that are also advocates of youth. We must give back and help our youth because they are the future!