Apply

Applications for the 2026 cohort will be open from October 7th -November 17th, 2025.

Program Eligibility Requirements:

Student Applicant Requirements:

  • Be of high school age;

  • be a Washington State Resident;

  • be a U.S. citizen or a permanent legal resident of the United States;

  • Possess and interest and desire to make a change in their local community.

Mentor Applicant Requirements:

  • Have a passion for education and mentorship;

  • be a U.S. citizen or a permanent legal resident of the United States;

  • be willing to undergo a Background Check;

  • have strong organizational and leadership skills.

Past Cohorts

Compassion Scholars 2024 Cohort

Scholars

Elena Lin Oak - Harbor High School

Lex Swift - Cusick High School

Lucie Dhaliwal-Grizzell - Spokane International Academy

Noah Aquino - North Beach High School

Vy Le - Olympia High School

Mentors

Claire Wilson - Washington State Senator

Francisco Tamayo - Student Financial Services Specialist

Maria Siguenza - Executive Director of the Washington State Commission on Hispanic Affairs

Tracy Morgan - University 4-H Extension Coordinator

Compassion Scholars 2023 Cohort

Scholars

Ariana Vargas - Grandview High School

Kay’lisha Garcia - Lincoln High School

Miriam Gutierrez - Tonasket High School

Mentors

Cynthia Tamayo - Operations and Special Projects Manager for the Commission on Hispanic Affairs

Jennifer Shaar - Consultant for the Department of Defense

Olivia Sarriugarte - Program Manager for Seattle/King County Clinic

Tara Smith - Director of the Washington State Department of Enterprise Services

Compassion Scholars 2025 Cohort

Scholars

Gabriel Linares - Spokane International Academy

Isla Hansen - Spokane International Academy

Kieran Sills-Powell - Summit Virtual Academy

Melinda Rodriquez - West Valley High School

Sofia Gomez - White River High School

Mentors

Ciera Graham - K-12 Manager, City of Seattle Dept of Education & Early Learning

David Muehleisen - Emeritus Professor

James Crawford - Former School Superintendent

Leslie Vazquez Tamayo - Excise Tax Examiner

Omar Santana-Gomez - Legislative Director, WA Office of Equity