Snohomish Education Foundation Launches New Trades Initiative to Expand Career Pathways for Students

SEF hosts a successful Community Impact Breakfast for the first time in-person since 2019.
Snohomish School District high school graduates now have more support from the Snohomish
Education Foundation (SEF) — and more choices for their career pathways after grade 12.
Announced on April 3, 2025 at SEF’s Community Impact Breakfast, the Trades Initiative will
expand career and technical education pathways for students interested in trades and
professional opportunities beyond traditional college routes.

More than 200 business leaders, educators, elected officials, Snohomish School District
administrators, and community members enthusiastically responded to this news and the
additional educational and training opportunities for community young people the
announcement represents.

The SEF Trades Initiative supports Snohomish School District students with scholarships, grants,
financial assistance, and internship support tailored to trades careers. The program removes
financial barriers and creates meaningful connections between students and the workforce.
“This year’s breakfast was a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish when our
community comes together to support students,” said Mary Waggoner, co-chair of the SEF
Breakfast Committee. Her fellow co-chair, Barbara Nowak, added, “I’m especially passionate
about expanding educational pathways in the trades—these opportunities have the power to
change lives and help build the strong foundation our future workforce needs.”

As part of the initiative, SEF launched SEF Trades Fund Grants providing immediate financial
support for students pursuing post-high school trade education, including tuition, certification,
and equipment. Applications for those grants are now open online.

This initiative is the beginning of a broader community effort. The April 3 breakfast kicked off a
new community task force to guide the Trades Initiative’s long-term direction, ensuring it
continues to evolve based on student needs and workforce trends.

How the Community Can Help
SEF is inviting businesses, industry experts, and community members to help make the Trades
Initiative a success by getting involved in several key ways:
● Provide Feedback & Advice
Share your insights on the skills and experiences students need to succeed in the trades.
Complete the input form here: https://forms.gle/WUnDgitWnJwMZqw27
● Volunteer & Join a Committee
Serve on the SEF Trades Taskforce, an advisory group helping to shape the initiative’s
long-term direction, or volunteer at SEF events and programs.
● Sponsor or Donate
Support the Trades Initiative and other SEF programs by making a financial contribution.
Your support funds scholarships, classroom grants, and essential student needs
throughout the Snohomish School District.

This was SEF’s first in-person, community-focused breakfast since 2019. The event featured
student presentations, district leaders, local businesses, and showcased the incredible talent
and potential of Snohomish School District students.

About the Snohomish Education Foundation
The Snohomish Education Foundation (SEF) is a local 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated
to supporting students and teachers in the Snohomish School District. Since 1986, SEF has
provided more than $3 million in funding through scholarships, classroom grants, and
district-wide programs.

In 2024 alone, SEF awarded nearly $80,000 in classroom teacher grants, $50,000 in scholarships
to graduating seniors, and $70,000 in program funding for initiatives such as Summer Academy,
Credit Recovery, and library operations. Additional contributions supported essential student
needs through programs like Operation School Bell, Teen Retail, and the Hansen Shoe Fund.
SEF’s work is made possible by the generosity of donors, community members, and local
businesses.

To learn more or to support SEF’s mission, visit www.snoed.org or contact office@snoed.org.