Pilot project to help students complete GEDs

PORT ANGELES — United Way of Clallam County and Peninsula College have collaborated on a fund to help students seeking a General Education Development certificate.

The High School Equivalency Finish Line Fund was established to help students working toward their high school equivalency to overcome any barriers that are preventing them from completing all the requirements, according to Travis Simmons of the United Way of Clallam County.

Every year, approximately 500 students in Clallam County sign up to complete their high school equivalency with about 10 percent completing those requirements, he said in a press release.

Family needs, transportation issues and childcare are some contributing factors for students’ incompletion, he said.

This spring, United Way board members began meeting with college staff, the Peninsula College Foundation and community members to outline the pilot project and determine how to implement the fund.

The fund will allow students to apply for financial assistance for bus passes, bills and childcare.

During the meetings, Getta Rogers of the college foundation provided information about its Finish Line Fund.

“The Finish Line Fund offers assistance to students in their final quarters at Peninsula College [by] pay[ing] for bills and other expenses that prevent students from finishing their degree,” Rogers said.

To apply, students speak with their instructors and requests are forwarded to the college foundation’s program coordinator, who then interviews the potential awardee.

To qualify, students must be making active progress on their credential, which means that they must have completed at least two of the official general education degree exams, or they must have accrued 10 out of 20 high school credits.

“We are hoping to fund students who need immediate assistance in order to complete their education,” said the foundation’s interim dean, Laura Brogden.

Another component of the pilot project is creating an opportunity for mentorship.

“We believe motivation plays a big role in keeping students engaged through the study process and able to complete all their tests,” said Ray Chirayath, United Way board treasurer.

“We have connected with service club members and leaders in the business community who want to work with these students to provide moral support as they work toward completing the work they need to do and move toward a trade, job or further education,” Chirayath said.

The funds for this project come from donations to the United Way of Clallam County.

Donations to the fund are accepted. To place a donation, call 360-457-3011, email info@unitedway clallam.org or visit www.unitedwayclallam.org.

More in News

Tamara Clinger decorates a tree with the theme of “Frosted Cranberries” on Monday at the Vern Burton Community Center in Port Angeles. The helping hand is Margie Logerwell. More than three dozen trees will be available for viewing during the 34th annual Festival of Trees event this weekend. Tickets are available at www.omhf.org. (Dave Logan/for Peninsula Daily News)
Finishing touches

Tamara Clinger decorates a tree with the theme of “Frosted Cranberries” on… Continue reading

Grants to help Port Angeles port upgrades

Projects, equipment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions

Joseph Molotsky holds Jet, a Harris’s hawk. Jet, 14 or 15, has been at Discovery Bay Wild Bird Rescue for about seven years. Jet used to hunt with a falconer and was brought to the rescue after sustaining injuries while attempting to escape an attack from a gray horned owl in Eastern Washington. (Elijah Sussman/Peninsula Daily News)
Wild bird rescue to host open house

Officials to showcase expanded educational facilities

Jaiden Dokken, Clallam County’s first poet laureate, will wrap up their term in March. Applications for the next poet laureate position, which will run from April 2025 to March 2027, are open until Dec. 9. To apply, visit NOLS.org/NextPoet. (North Olympic Library System)
Applications open for Clallam poet laureate

Two-year position will run from April 2025 to March 2027

The YMCA of Port Angeles was May recipient of Jim’s Cares Monthly Charity at Jim’s Pharmacy in Port Angeles.
Staff and customers raised more than $593 to support the YMCA.
Pictured, from left, are Joey Belanger, the YMCA’s vice president for operations, and Ryan French, the chief financial officer at Jim’s Pharmacy.
Charity of the month

The YMCA of Port Angeles was May recipient of Jim’s Cares Monthly… Continue reading

Festival of Trees QR code.
Contest: Vote for your favorite Festival of Trees

The Peninsula Daily News is thrilled to announce its first online Festival… Continue reading

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office uses this armored vehicle, which is mine-resistant and ambush protected. (Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office)
OPNET to buy armored vehicle

Purchase to help with various situations

Lincoln High School students Azrael Harvey, left, and Tara Coville prepare dressing that will be part of 80 Thanksgiving dinners made from scratch and sold by the Salish Sea Hospitality and Ecotourism program. All meal preparation had to be finished by today, when people will pick up the grab-and-go meals they ordered for Thursday’s holiday. (Paula Hunt/Peninsula Daily News)
Students at Wildcat Cafe prepare Thanksgiving dinners

Lincoln High School efforts create 80 meals ready to eat

D
Peninsula Home Fund celebrates 35 years

New partnership will focus on grants to nonprofits

A mud slide brought trees down onto power lines on Marine Drive just each of the intersection with Hill Street on Monday. City of Port Angeles crews responded and restored power quickly. (Dave Logan/for Peninsula Daily News)
Downed trees

A mud slide brought trees down onto power lines on Marine Drive… Continue reading

Photographers John Gussman, left, and Becky Stinnett contributed their work to Clallam Transit System’s four wrapped buses that feature wildlife and landscapes on the Olympic Peninsula. The project was created to promote tourism and celebrate the beauty of the area. (Paula Hunt/Peninsula Daily News)
Iconic Peninsula images wrap Clallam Transit buses

Photographers’ scenes encompass community pride

Housing identified as a top priority

Childcare infrastructure another Clallam concern