In continued support of educational opportunity and community vitality, the Pacific Power Foundation recently awarded Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences (PNWU) a $5,000 Education and STEM grant to support the growth of the Roots to Wings (RTW) program.
The grant underscores a shared mission between the Pacific Power Foundation and PNWU: to empower underserved youth through access to high-impact STEM education and pathway programs that foster futures in the health sciences.
“We’re honored to partner with Pacific Northwest University.”
“The Foundation’s mission is to support the growth and vitality of the communities served by Pacific Power — and the Roots to Wings program is advancing that mission in a powerful way,” said Toni McLavey, Regional Business Manager for Pacific Power. “We’re honored to partner with Pacific Northwest University to prepare Washington students for the future by bringing hands-on STEM learning and real-world pathway opportunities to our local communities.”
Roots to Wings is a co-mentoring initiative led by PNWU’s Office of Opportunity and Diversity, designed to inspire students from historically marginalized populations to pursue careers in health and science. Through school-based mentorships, community events, and immersive learning experiences, the program connects youth with current health sciences students who serve as co-mentors, role models, and advocates.
“Roots to Wings is about connection.”
“Roots to Wings is about connection,” said Debbie Helgert, Administrative Coordinator in PNWU’s Office of Opportunity and Diversity. “It’s about creating opportunities for students to see themselves in health care — and know they belong there. With partners like Pacific Power, that vision becomes more and more real.”
Since 2019, the Pacific Power Foundation has invested more than $13 million in local communities, with a strong focus on fostering the next generation of creative problem solvers. Their ongoing support of Roots to Wings helps bring those values to life.
“They’re helping to build a more equitable and inspired health care future.”
“We’re incredibly grateful to Pacific Power for investing in this work,” said Adam Story, PNWU’s Vice President of University Relations. “By supporting Roots to Wings, they’re not just supporting a program — they’re helping to build a more equitable and inspired health care future.”