Degrees of Change

Last Seed Teachers training of the year! Scholars came together for a joint celebration complete with dinner, deep conversation, and powerful reflection. We wrapped things up with the always-iconic Gaby Awards 💫 Creative and hilarious awards by the scholars themselves–from the “Swaggy Award” and "Most Likely to Go On A Shopping Spree" to “Most Mindful and Compassionate”. Here’s to a strong close to the 2024–2025 training season! #degreesofchange #collegetocareer #seedteachers #homegrowneducators

I'm excited to share that our article, “Student Voices: Non-completing College Students on the Importance of a Sense of Purpose to Support College Persistence,” has just been published in the Journal of Student Success and Retention. This community-driven study focuses on UW Tacoma and Tacoma Community College students, and highlights the powerful role that purpose plays in college persistence. It reflects a true collaboration—with coauthors and partners from University of Washington Tacoma, Tacoma Community College, Degrees of Change, and Graduate Tacoma (Foundation for Tacoma Students). You can read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/gEH73d-m Sharon S. L., Kelly B., Kanwal Yousuf, Nalani Linder, Amanda Figueroa, Elvin Bucu, Judy Loveless-Morris, PhD, SPHR, Dolores Haugen

Our May newsletter is coming soon! Make sure you're subscribed to receive all our latest updates, including news about our amazing students 📬✨ Sign up at https://bit.ly/3oqEQji

Wrapping up celebrating our Act Six seniors this month with the #TacSeaSeniorToast! Seniors from the Tacoma-Seattle area received roses from Degrees of Change, and came together for one last meal at Indita Mia in Tacoma. We're so proud of all our scholars—congratulations seniors! 🌹🎓🎉 #degreesofchange #collegetocareer #actsix #seniors #collegegraduation

Since 2001, the Milgard School of Business has honored South Sound leaders making a difference. Meet the 2025 Business Leadership Awards honorees: 🏆 Business Leader of the Year: Chris Walters, CEO, Gensco Inc 🏅 Lifetime Achievement (For Profit): Larry & Virginia Gordon, Gordon Truck Centers & Gordon Trucking, Inc. 🌱 Sustainable Business Leader: Bett Lucas, SVP Commercial, Seaport Sound Terminal, Llc 💼 Women’s Leadership Award: Jackie Flowers, P.E., CEO, Tacoma Public Utilities 🚀 Pathfinder Leader: Marquise Dixon, CEO, Degrees of Change Join us in celebrating these incredible leaders who are shaping our region’s future! #BLA2025 #BusinessLeadershipAwards #Leadership #uwt #uwtacoma #education #business #businessschool #topbusinessschool #milgard #milgarduwt

Washington CPA Foundation Awards More Than $37,000 in Grants by Benjamin Warren The Washington CPA Foundation's mission is to strengthen and expand the profession by advancing and investing in the accounting profession. As part of this mission, the Foundation awards grants and scholarships each year as a way to increase access to the accounting profession and to support a more diverse pipeline of accounting students. Foundation grants are awarded to organizations with programs or events designed to improve the diversity of the CPA pipeline in Washington. This year, the Foundation has awarded a total of $37,400 to four organizations that it felt aligned with the mission of the Foundation and the goal of the grant program. Congratulations to this year’s grantees! ACAP: Accounting Career Awareness Program Degrees of Change Central Washington University Washington Society of CPAs Learn more about the organizations and their programs on the WSCPA blog >> https://hubs.li/Q03m6cTN0

Thank you to everyone who joined us at our spring fundraiser last night! The turnout was amazing! Alongside community and employer partners, some of our students shared powerful stories of growth, resilience, and the importance of being seen. When our community wraps around young leaders like this, students gain more than opportunity—they gain the tools to shape their future. Together, we’re building a support system for diverse, homegrown leaders to thrive, now and into the future. THANK YOU 🎉 #degreesofchange #collegetocareer #studentsupport #studentsuccess #springfundraiser #tacomawa photos by Sharon Ho Chang

Last night was special! MultiCare Health System showed up for Degrees of Change! We are a committed premier sponsor and champion employer, supporting 30 Seed interns annually. Marquise Dixon, CEO of DOC, we are proud of you!! 🙋🏽♀️As a homegrown Seed that grew into a tree, defying expectations, we pay homage to Timothy Herron’s movement and mentorship garden. I am immensely grateful that my team and I continue to help cultivate space, provide shade, and uplift the next generation of leaders.

Congrats Melaya! We’re so excited to welcome you to our 2025 cohort ☺️

Another DoC Gift Drop took place at PLU and one lucky scholar took home a handheld fan and a set of play dough! These random gift drops have been highly anticipated by the PLU Act Six and Seed Teachers scholars, and we're glad to be able to show them some love and support in this way. Program staff are planning to do one last DoC drop before the summer. Leave a comment with prize suggestions below ⬇️ Photo: Winner! Act Six scholar, Rubi, PLU Cadre 17