Scholarship Fund

This program is intended to provide financial assistance to students residing in Whatcom and Skagit counties and attending or preparing to attend institutions of higher education. This program is funded by donations from both private and business contributors. All donated proceeds go directly to the student scholarship recipients in award amounts of $1000 per individual award. Applications are reviewed and selected for awards by the Scholarship Fund Committee. Recipients are formally recognized during the Scholarship Awards Reception at Western Washington University in April.
Download a copy of the Scholarship Application.

Sponsored by Key Corporation and BP America.
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Young Readers Program

This is a six-week summer program designed to promote literacy, it is coordinated with the Lynden School District's Summer Migrant Program. It provides first through sixth graders the invaluable opportunity to experience the joy, wonder and value of reading. In addition, high school students act as role models, providing tutoring and assistance. This program is intended to include and outreach to Summer Migrant Program students. Parent and community involvement, along with support of local businesses is key to the success of the program.
Click here for more information.

Sponsored by BP America.
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Computer Technology Program

We believe by providing our children with the skills to compete they will be prepared to contribute to our community. With this program it is our goal to overcome the disadvantages of low economic status in obtaining access to computer literacy. It is a positive step in providing a foundation for promoting computer skills for low-income Hispanic adn migrant students (age eight and older) in Whatcom county. By fostering educational opportunities with business leaders, schools and parents, all our children will have the opportunity to compete and succeed. This program offers our community business leaders a unique opportunity to make a difference in a child's life. Many of our civic minded citizens and local businesses have donated computers to this program.

Sponsored by Whatcom Educational Credit Union.
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Emergency Assistance

WHO strives to help families in need and has established a limited emergency fund toward that end. This fund is intended for assisting on a one-time basis for shelter, food, books or other emergencies. Whatcom county residents in need of assistance must be referred by a WHO executive board member. If WHO does not have the assets to assist they can offer information on other community service organizations.
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Office of the Education Ombudsman

Are you interested in learning more about the public school system? Need help resolving conflict with schools? Want to find out how to become more involved in your children's education? Ask an Education Ombudsman. It's free! The Office of the Education Ombudsman (OEO), an agency within the Governor's Office, recently opened its doors to work side-by-side with parents, students, and educators around the state. OEO is separate from the public education system. Its mission is to promote equity in education and the academic success of all students attending elementary and secondary public schools in the state of Washington. Education Ombudsmen are multicultural professionals who understand the public school system well and are trained as problem-solvers. They empower parents, students and educators to solve conflict in the best interest of the student. For a free consultation or to find out about our complaint resolution services call us toll free at 1-866-297-2597. We offer immediate phone interpretation in over 100 languages. Visit our website: www.waparentslearn.org to download a complaint form and to learn more about: Trainings and workshops for families and educators. Information about the Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL), graduation requirements, the Transitional Bilingual Instructional Program and more. Seven publications on school issues from "Parent-Teacher Conferences" to "Resolving Conflict with Schools" to "How Does a School District Work?" Publications are translated into Spanish, Cambodian, Russian, Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, and Somali. Ombudsmen are available to speak to community groups. Call our toll-free number to arrange for a presentation. For news about workshops, or for updates about services, e-mail Communications Manager, Patti Carey at patti.carey@gov.wa.gov.
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Benito Juarez Award

Throughout history there have been special individuals who stood as advocates for their community. In 1867 Benito Juarez led the fight against the French after their invasion of Mexico. This period represents a special time in history for descendants of the Hispanic community. As the result of Benito Juarez's devotion to "his people" today he remains a symbol of the struggle for equality for all. The "Benito Juarez Award," is an annual award established to recognize a selected individual who has demonstrated outstanding service to the community.
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Community Leadership Celebration

This annual initiative is a cornerstone to the success of our goals. It is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate those leaders in our community who have made a strong commitment to promoting our goal to develop a sense of unity and stimulate opportunities for community leaders to be invloved in the process of making our community "among the very best."
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WHO Depends On You!

The Whatom Hispanic Organization is a community resource that has members from diverse ethnic backgrounds. Private donations and membership dues ($10 annually) fund it. Some financial support is raised through annual fundraisers. To obtain more information about this community service organization, it's programs or to make a donation please contact us.
Download a copy of the Membership Application.