Snohomish Education Foundation Awards First-Ever Trades Fund Grants to Four Local Students

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 16, 2025

Snohomish Education Foundation Awards First-Ever Trades Fund Grants to Four Local Students

The Snohomish Education Foundation (SEF) is proud to announce the recipients of its inaugural Trades Fund Grant Awards, a key component of SEF’s newly launched Trades Initiative. This initiative is designed to support Snohomish School District students pursuing careers in the skilled trades by providing financial assistance for training, certification, tools, equipment, and other program-related costs.

The four Summer 2025 Trades Fund Grant winners represent a range of trades and career goals, demonstrating the Foundation’s commitment to helping students explore multiple pathways to success.

Gabriel Cortez – Snohomish High School

Program: Washington State Barber License
Award Amount: $2,500 for equipment, supplies, and booth rental during his 1,000-hour barber internship at Fade Lounge in Snohomish.
Gabriel is also attending Everett Community College and has previously completed online coursework in preparation for licensure.
In his words: “I want to pursue my passion of cutting hair. I use hair cutting as a way to have meaning. I’ve been blessed to be in a shop working as an apprentice. My dream is to open a barbershop in the future.”

Riley Price – Snohomish High School

Program: Electrician (E2 high voltage technician)
Award Amount: $1,300 for tools and supplies for an internship with Structured Communications
Riley has worked for Structured Communications for the past six months and plans to continue building experience while exploring other opportunities through the WA State Construction Industry Trade Council.
In his words: “The world is full of power with not the number we need to keep a rising economy stocked with that power.”

Lainey Lewis – AIM High School

Program: Culinary Arts, Edmonds Community College (Fall 2025)
Award Amount: $450 for a chef’s uniform and cooking kit
Lainey is currently enrolled in baking and pastry classes at the Sno-Isle TECH Skills Center and dreams of opening her own bakery.
In her words: “I grew up baking and I want to make a career out of it. I am usually very shy and quiet, but I put myself out there and started going to Sno-Isle TECH, and it has helped me open up and communicate.”

Summer Morkus – AIM High School

Program: Esthetician, Aveda Arts Institute in Seattle
Award Amount: $2,300 for a required esthetician toolkit
Summer initially pursued hairstyling but discovered a passion for skincare after technical coursework and hands-on experience at a local salon.
In her words: “I have always been inspired by skin and skincare and would love to be able to make people feel good about themselves as a career.”

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About the SEF Trades Initiative
Launched in 2025, the SEF Trades Initiative was created to increase access to trade careers and provide support to Snohomish School District students who are choosing to enter the skilled trades workforce. The program includes Trades Fund Grants, career exploration resources, and connections with local trade partners.

The Snohomish Education Foundation is honored to support these four outstanding students as they take the next step toward fulfilling careers in the trades.

For more information about the Trades Initiative or to support this program, visit www.snoed.org/trades.