The Sno-Isle Libraries Foundation is pleased to announce that we have secured a $100,000 grant ($25,000 annually for the next four academic years) from Education First as a part of their ‘Limitless’ Postsecondary Enrollment Learning Network made possible with funding support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

The grant will help drive collaborative efforts between Skagit Valley College, Oak Harbor Public Schools, and Sno-Isle Libraries. The primary goal is to develop and implement strategies to increase higher education enrollment. Key responsibilities will involve close coordination with Sno-Isle Libraries for effective planning and implementation.

SVC, OHSD, and SIL representatives will actively participate in meetings at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation as members of the Limitless Network. This collaboration aims to enhance SVC’s existing initiatives while also opening avenues for additional grant opportunities.

“We are excited to be in partnership with Sno-Isle Libraries and Oak Harbor School District to improve post-secondary enrollment,” said Yadira Rosales, Associate Vice President for Equity and Inclusion at SVC. “This partnership provides the opportunity to develop innovative strategies by focusing on the strengths of community voice and that of the partnership with the school district and library to increase student enrollment in higher education.”

"We value our partnership with Skagit Valley College and are grateful to Sno-Isle Libraries Foundation for seeking funds to secure our ability to continue to increase higher education opportunities for the students of Oak Harbor Public Schools, " said Dr. Michelle Kuss-Cybula, Superintendent of Oak Harbor Public Schools.

“Sno-Isle Libraries looks forward to working alongside Oak Harbor Public Schools and Skagit Valley College on this new initiative – increasing support for our community’s students and families as they navigate the challenges and complexities of post-secondary enrollment. Our partnership seeks to center students in all that we do so that life beyond high school is full of promise and opportunity,” said Jennifer Sullivan, Sno-Isle Libraries Student Success Coordinator.

Grant Overview

Managed by Education First with funding support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, “Limitless” is a new collaborative statewide learning network focused on postsecondary enrollment. Comprised of 25 partnerships across Washington state, this new initiative focuses on strengthening the pathway from high school to postsecondary education. The core principle of equity guides the Learning Network, with a special emphasis on serving students facing significant barriers, including those from Black, Latino, and Indigenous communities, as well as students from low-income backgrounds and rural areas.

Each partnership within the Learning Network is mandated to include at least one K-12 district and one institute of higher education based in Washington state. Practitioner leaders within these partnerships will concentrate on key objectives: building awareness and improving access to strategies supporting postsecondary enrollment, enhancing partnership capacities, and advancing data capacity.

Learn more about Education First’s “Limitless” Postsecondary Enrollment Learning Network.