top of page

Palmer Pathways Scholars Progress


Shiquan posing in his WA. Conservation Corps uniform.

The Palmer Pathways program began in March 2020, at the start of the pandemic. Despite the challenges that COVID-19 brought, our five fully enrolled (we also had 6 amazing young adults who went directly into employment or education) Pathways Scholars persevered through 100 hours of Postsecondary Readiness Training, completing the first step of their Palmer Scholars journey in June. We wanted to give you a look into all our Scholars have accomplished in the past four months.

Malcolm completed his first quarter at Clover Park Technical College and is currently in his second quarter. Malcolm is pursuing a degree in IT Admin Security. “With this new quarter, where my courses are focused on my degree path,” Malcolm says, “I finally feel like I’m moving closer to my goals – I’m focused.”


Azamaia has been employed since August 6th full-time at Concrete Technology Corporation as a General Laborer. Concrete Tech is committed to providing high-quality precast/prestressed concrete products that meet the needs of the construction industry today and into the future. According to their website, Concrete Tech continuously invests in their employees and plant facilities to meet this commitment. When asked about his new work, Azamaia said that he’s “doing good, learning, and growing. It’s challenging for sure, but the work is good work.”


Chandler is currently in his first quarter at Bates Technical College in the Sheet Metal Technology program. Upon completion in 6 quarters, Chandler will pursue his apprenticeship with the Western Washington Sheet Metal Local 66 JATC (Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee). Chandler says his program has “been crazy. Being in college feels wild and great all at the same time.”


Nate is currently on a short-term contract with ANEW building tiny houses for King County Homeless Services. Nate has been working with ANEW since September 14th. According to Nate, his work has “been a blast. Though the commute (to/from Kent) is tough, the work has been fun and I’ve picked up some additional skills.”


Shiquan began a Washington Conservation Corps 11-month service contract on October 5th. Shiquan’s ultimate dream is to own his own urban farm and teach the BIPoC community how to make the most of the land they have, whether urban or rural. Shiquan is working in Tacoma restoring wetlands, salmon and wildlife habitats, trails, and forestry/arborist projects. Shiquan says, “We have been doing some crazy stuff out in the swampy areas of Tacoma--everything from cutting trees stripping them down and replanting them. In other places, we’re wading in water that's literally waist to chest high sometimes. I know how to plant trees and grow them - so many new skills I’ve learned - how to tie certain knots, how to paracord…I love it! This is where I was always meant to be.”


We are so proud of our Pathways Scholars and their commitment to creating a better life for themselves, their families, and our greater community!

 
 
 

Comments


 SUPPORT OUR MISSION TODAY!

Palmer Scholars acknowledges that our work is carried out on, and our office space is located within, occupied Coast Salish land, specifically that of the Puyallup Tribe of Indians. We pay respect to Coast Salish Elders past and present and extend that respect to their descendants and to all Indigenous peoples. To acknowledge this land is to recognize its longer history and our place in that history; it is to recognize these lands and waters and their significance for the peoples who lived and continue to live in this region, whose practices and spiritualties were and are tied to the land and the water, and whose lives continue to enrich and develop in relationship to the land, waters, and other inhabitants today.

 

We also pause to recognize and acknowledge the labor upon which our country, state, and institutions are built.

We remember that our country is built on the labor of enslaved people who were kidnapped and brought to the U.S. from the African continent and recognize the continued contribution of their survivors. We also acknowledge all immigrant labor, including voluntary, involuntary, trafficked, forced, and undocumented peoples who contributed to the building of the country and continue to serve within our labor force. We acknowledge all unpaid care-giving labor.

 

To the people who contributed this immeasurable work and their descendants, we acknowledge our/their indelible mark on the spaces in which we operate today. It is our collective responsibility to critically interrogate these histories, to repair harm, and to honor, protect, and sustain this land.

Physical Address - 

4500 Steilacoom Blvd SW BLDG 16

Lakewood WA 98499-4004

Phone -

Tricia Speid (CEO) (253) 617-5676

Mailing Address - 

PO Box 7119, Tacoma, WA 98417

Email - info@palmerscholars.org

To contact someone directly visit our staff page here: Our Team

candid-seal-platinum-2022.png
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Youtube
bottom of page