MOUNT VERNON, Wash. — Skagit Valley College has received a $1.4 million grant from Ballmer Group to support the continued growth of Maestros para el Pueblo, a collaborative initiative that expands access to higher education and prepares students to become educators in the communities they call home. Through the grant, Maestros: Expanding Access to Education Pathways through Servingness and Regional Impact, the college and its partners will strengthen the infrastructure and support systems needed to increase the program's reach and long-term sustainability.
Through a unique partnership with Mount Vernon School District, Burlington-Edison School District, and Western Washington University, the program supports students from high school through college completion and into the educator workforce. Today, more than 25 Maestros alumni have returned as teachers and education professionals in Skagit County school districts and at SVC, demonstrating the program's lasting impact on the region.
The program reflects SVC’s commitment to expanding educational opportunity, strengthening the educator pipeline, and fostering student success through meaningful community partnerships. As the college continues its work to improve access and achievement for all students, Maestros serves as a model for how collaboration can create lasting impact for students, families, schools, and communities.
The three-year Ballmer Group grant, which runs from February 2026 through February 2029, will support the continued growth of the Maestros program and expand its ability to serve students across the region.
Since its inception, Maestros has supported hundreds of students pursuing careers in education and has helped create a growing pipeline of educators who return to serve local schools and communities. The initiative has become a nationally recognized example of place-based educator workforce development and student-centered support.
Funding from Ballmer Group will allow the partnership to expand student recruitment and retention efforts, strengthen mentoring and advising services, increase transfer and bachelor's degree attainment, enhance career readiness programming, and implement data-informed strategies to measure student success and program impact.
“This investment from Ballmer Group is a powerful affirmation of what can be accomplished when educational institutions come together around a shared commitment to student success,” said Dr. Thomas Keegan, president of SVC. “Maestros has transformed lives by creating pathways to higher education and meaningful careers while helping meet the growing need for educators in our region. We are grateful for this partnership and excited to expand opportunities for future generations of students.”
Beyond academic support, Maestros helps students build confidence, find community, and navigate pathways to higher education and careers in education. Student participants consistently cite the program's mentorship, encouragement, and sense of belonging as key contributors to their success.
“Being a part of a community that helps myself and other Latinos be able to accomplish their dreams and goals in higher education is such an honor and is such a positive, impactful experience,” said M.P., an SVC alum and Maestros participant. “Maestros para el Pueblo not only helped me feel included in college but has also helped me connect and find resources to further my education and better prepare me for my future.”
SVC extends its sincere gratitude to Ballmer Group for its investment in student success and educational opportunity. The college also recognizes the dedication and vision of the Maestros leadership team and partner organizations whose collaborative efforts made this award possible, including Mount Vernon School District, Burlington-Edison School District, Western Washington University, and Skagit Valley College.
Special recognition is extended to the Maestros leadership team and grant development partners whose work helped secure this investment, including Hoffbuhr and Kati Ortiz, along with their counterparts across the partner organizations.
About Maestros para el Pueblo
Maestros para el Pueblo is a collaborative initiative among SVC, Mount Vernon School District, Burlington-Edison School District, and Western Washington University that supports students pursuing careers in education. Through mentoring, advising, leadership development, and educational pathways, the program works to increase access to higher education while strengthening the educator workforce in Northwest Washington. Learn more at https://www.skagit.edu/academics/maestros-para-el-pueblo/.
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Marisa Pierce, Executive Director of Strategic Marketing and Communications
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