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WSOS Quarterly
OpportunityTalks 2025: Thank you!
We are grateful to everyone who joined us for OpportunityTalks 2025. What an incredible day! Thanks to your generosity and support, we raised $638,000, including a 1:1 match from the State of Washington. Together, we celebrated a major milestone: 10,000 Opportunity Scholars who have graduated into high-demand careers, strengthening communities and fueling Washington’s workforce.
The event was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when we invest in people. We heard inspiring stories from Scholars like Stephanie Ryder, who shared her journey from student to medical research technician:
“The Washington State Opportunity Scholarship supported my education not just financially, but also through mentorship and career resources from their industry partners. WSOS supports students in a unique and well-rounded manner, which prepares them for the challenges they'll encounter as they pursue their degree, and when they enter the professional world.”
Stephanie Ryder speaking at OpportunityTalks
We were also honored to hear from Dr. Talithia Williams, whose keynote on the transformative power of STEM education reinforced the importance of our mission: to create equitable access to opportunity for students across Washington.
Whether you attended in person, hosted a table, or supported from afar, thank you. Your commitment fuels this work and brings our vision of a more equitable future to life.
We are proud to support the next generation of Scholars, innovators, and leaders. Thank you for helping us celebrate this milestone and for continuing to stand with us as we shape a future where every student can realize their full potential.
Investing in the Future: Cambia Health Foundation's Commitment to WSOS
Cambia Health Foundation’s commitment to fostering healthier, more resilient communities can only become a reality when the backbone of our health care system is supported — the dedicated professionals who provide care when we need it most. That’s why they partner with organizations like the Washington State Opportunity Scholarship (WSOS), to accelerate equitable change for historically underserved students and increase the local talent pool of individuals who could one day enter the health care field.
Why WSOS Matters to Cambia Health Foundation
Washington State Opportunity Scholarship’s mission of “strengthening our communities by building pathways to high-demand jobs” is one that resonates deeply with Cambia Health Foundation. As Peggy Maguire, President of Cambia Health Foundation, explains, “We believe that everyone deserves access to opportunities that can transform their lives and the lives of those around them, especially when it comes to health care. Part of our strategic plan to expand access to behavioral health care involves investing in the current and future workforce to reduce provider shortages in our region. By building pathways to high-demand jobs, including those in the health care workforce, we can empower individuals to acquire the skills and knowledge needed to succeed, which complements the work done by WSOS.”
This shared mission has fostered a strong partnership between Cambia Health Foundation and WSOS, ensuring that students in Washington State have the resources and mentorship they need to pursue careers that will make a lasting impact on their communities.
The Power of Employee Volunteerism
Cambia’s commitment to WSOS goes beyond financial support. The foundation actively encourages employee engagement through volunteering, mentoring, and scholarship application reviews. As Maguire notes, “By providing volunteers to review scholarship applications and mentor scholars, we are not only supporting the educational and career aspirations of talented students but also helping to address the critical workforce needs of our state’s health care system. Additionally, this partnership is a great example of the power of employee volunteerism, which is a key component of our culture at Cambia.”
Supporting students is not just about financial assistance—it’s about fostering a sense of belonging, encouragement, and community. “By providing opportunities for our employees to engage with and support their communities, we are not only making a positive impact on the lives of others but also fostering a culture of compassion, empathy, and social responsibility within our organization,” says Maguire.
Meet Alan, Opportunity Scholar
For Alan Burns, becoming a tradesman was a natural path, one shaped by a deep-rooted family tradition of craftsmanship. “I come from a family of tradespeople, including carpenters, loggers, blacksmiths, [and] jewelers, to list a few,” he shared. Growing up immersed in this world, Burns developed a passion for working with his hands, leading him to pursue a career in machining.
Now an apprentice aerospace machinist, Burns is dedicated to mastering his craft. “My goal as an apprentice machinist is to be an asset to both my employers and the next generation of apprentices whom I hope to pass my skills on to,” he explained. His apprenticeship, supported by the Aerospace Joint Apprenticeship Committee (AJAC), is essential to his growth. "Through my education, I am able to better understand the tools and techniques needed to be a top-tier machinist. I value having the wisdom from decades of experience that is available to me through the instructors of the AJAC program.”
Receiving the Washington State Opportunity Scholarship was an unexpected yet invaluable moment in Burns’ journey. “It is a true blessing to receive this scholarship,” he said. “The Washington State Opportunity Scholarship has been instrumental in helping me bear the cost of tools, books, and materials, as well as assisting me in paying for tuition.” Initially, he had prepared to finance his education entirely on his own, carefully budgeting every expense. The scholarship alleviated that burden, allowing him to focus on honing his craft.
Burns describes his experience with the Washington State Opportunity Scholarship (WSOS) as nothing short of life-changing. “It’s hard to describe my experience. It's like having an angel looking over my shoulder who has provided me with just the right guidance I need to keep pushing forward.” The encouragement and support he has received from WSOS have motivated him to continue striving for excellence in his field. “Everyone is encouraging and kind. I am proud to be a part of the WSOS community and be able to share my thoughts today.”
For Burns, the most meaningful aspect of the scholarship extends beyond financial assistance. “Knowing that there are people who desire to help others succeed is the most valuable part of the scholarship. I aspire to be as kind and generous as Denney and WSOS,” he expressed. The generosity of those who support students and apprentices has left a lasting impression on him. “You are all the most valuable assets a person in education can have. I owe a deep debt of gratitude and appreciation to you all. Thank you for being a blessing, an inspiration, and a bright light on the ocean of learning.”
As he continues his journey, Burns remains committed to excelling in his trade and giving back to the next generation of machinists. His story is a testament to the power of mentorship, perseverance, and the transformative impact of scholarships like WSOS.
2024 Legislative Report: A Look at Our Impact
Each year, WSOS prepares a Legislative Report for the Washington State Legislature to highlight the impact of our work, and 2024 was no exception. As a public-private partnership, WSOS relies on continued support from the Legislature to create more equitable pathways to high-demand careers for Washington students.
The 2024 report offers an in-depth look at our data for each scholarship we offer, including the Career & Technical, Rural Jobs, Baccalaureate, and Graduate programs. We’re proud of the difference we’re making together, and we invite you to explore the report to see how WSOS and our partners are building a stronger, more inclusive workforce for Washington.
