Palmer Scholars

🎉 Exciting News from Palmer Scholars! 🎉 We’re thrilled to welcome Tricia Speid as our new CEO, starting November 6, 2024! As a first-generation Jamaican immigrant, Tricia has experienced the transformative power of mentorship and opportunity firsthand, and she’s ready to lead with passion and commitment. “Together, we will expand access, resources, and support for young adults of color, empowering each scholar to realize their fullest potential and create the lives they deserve.” – Tricia Speid Join us in welcoming Tricia to the Palmer Scholars family! Read FULL Press Release Here: https://lnkd.in/gS3PVfmV 💫 #PalmerScholars #WelcomeTricia #EmpoweringYouth

📢 GSI Cohort Update Last week was packed with classes and fieldwork, giving our scholars hands-on experience in urban forestry and GSI! Tuesday: Intro to Urban Forestry Instructors: Mike Carey, Lowel Wyse & Lisa Kenny Highlights: Explored career paths, tree biology, and the role of urban forestry in sustainable stormwater management. Wednesday: Clover Park Tech Tree Tour Instructors: Joey Hulbert, Fig Dewitz, Isiah Montejano Hands-On: Scholars identified trees, measured diameters, and discussed campus biodiversity. Thursday: Field Day with Pierce Conservation District Instructor: Melissa Buckingham Activity: Planted 12 "Grit City" trees, contributing to Tacoma’s green spaces and urban ecosystem restoration. Urban Forestry & GSI Apprenticeship Opportunities check out Tacoma Tree Foundation, EarthCorps , Washington State Department of Ecology , Seattle Parks and Recreation , Pierce Conservation District, and WA DNR! #fit4me #GSI #palmerscholars

A huge thank you to our incredible DEI Panel for sharing their expertise, experiences, and hands-on knowledge with our scholars. Your insights into the trades and personal growth have sparked new passions and practical skills that will serve them well in their careers and lives. We’re so grateful for the time, wisdom, and real-world advice you brought to the table. Here’s to building strong foundations for a bright future! #Gratitude #Trades #PersonalGrowth #SkillsForLife #dei

🎉 Celebrations 🎉 We can't start November without some October celebrations! Welcome to the DREAM Team, Kenneth! We’re excited to have you on board as we keep working to turn dreams into reality for our scholars. And here’s to Denise Nicole' Franklin—Happy 2nd Workversary! Thank you for your dedication, passion, and all the ways you contribute to making Palmer Scholars a place of opportunity and growth. Here’s to many more years of success together! #DREAMTeam #TeamPalmer #CelebratingSuccess

🌟 The Palmer Scholars Dream Team 🌟 Today, we’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our interim Executive Director, Helen McGovern-Pilant, for her unwavering dedication, hard work, and visionary leadership over the past four months. Helen, you’ve guided us with grace and determination, helping us pave the way for an exciting new chapter at Palmer Scholars. We’re truly grateful for everything you’ve done to support our mission and strengthen our impact! After an amazing team lunch and meeting of the minds, we’re fired up and focused on what’s next! There’s nothing like gathering together to build, strategize, and dream big for our scholars’ future. Here’s to creating more pathways, breaking down barriers, and achieving greatness together! #TeamPalmer #DreamTeam #CreatingPathways #CommunityImpact

📢 Week 2 Recap: Green Stormwater Infrastructure Training 🌍 This week, 8 students explored career paths in GSI, diving into Conventional SW concepts and learning how GSI uses nature to manage runoff. Highlights: 💡 Classroom Learning: Key GSI concepts and hands-on discussions. 🌱 Field Tour: Thanks to Shauna Hansen & Kristi Lipphardt from the City of Tacoma, students toured bioretention sites, engaged with Inspectors, and connected with Sampling teams at Foss Waterway. Big thanks to everyone who made it possible! 👏 #GreenInfrastructure #FutureLeaders The Nature Conservancy in Washington

Palmer Legacy Scholars on the path to success! Our incredible students made the most of the Tacoma Community College's College Fair, connecting with representatives from over 80 colleges and universities. This event gave them a valuable opportunity to explore academic paths, ask questions, and discover options for their futures. We’re so proud of their hard work and curiosity as they take steps toward achieving their dreams! #PalmerScholars #CollegeFair #FutureLeaders #buildyourlegacy

🌟 Alumni Spotlight: Christopher Clay🌟 Since joining Palmer Scholars in 2017, Chris has pursued a master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy, managing a client caseload at both a university clinic and a local behavioral health agency. With a background in Community Health, he’s passionate about researching policy impacts and integrating mental health with community wellness for diverse populations. Read the FULL Interview Here: https://lnkd.in/gbkcFWxW We’re proud of alumni like Chris making a difference! 💼 #PalmerScholars #CommunityWellness #Pathway2opportunities #unlockyourfuture #alumnispotlight #buildyourlegacy

🌟 Alumni Spotlight 🌟 Reece Martin joined Palmer Scholars in 2017 during his junior year and continued through his graduation from the University of Washington in 2021. Today, he’s thriving as a Marketing Specialist at the Washington Association for Community Health, managing marketing efforts for their InReach Career Pathways program. Along the way, Reece has developed skills in photography, website development, and email marketing. Read the FULL interview here: https://lnkd.in/gJvvEKYn #Pathway2opportunities #palmerscholars #unlockyourfuture #alumnispotlight #buildyourlegacy

This week, GSI (Green Stormwater Infrastructure) Cohort 1 focused on hydrology and watersheds, led by Jay Hart, an Environmental Science student from Clover Park Technical College. Scholars learned about the relationship between watersheds and water quantity and quality, explored hydrological concepts relevant to local ecosystems, and examined the interconnectedness of larger watershed systems. They also reflected on personal connections to their home communities, emphasizing the importance of environmental justice in watershed management. The Nature Conservancy in Washington #GSI #Palmerscholars #pathway2opportunities #EcoEducation #GreenStormwaterLearning #GSIImpact