Renton Technical College became a King County Promise partner college offering navigation and financial support to students whose educations have been interrupted.

The program re-engages students ages 16-26 who have had an interruption to the traditional four-year pathway of high school completion and/or the means for meaningful, gainful employment.  Eligible students receive a dedicated navigator to support their needs such as financial aid workshops, enrollment, advising, as well as an unrestricted equity grant of $1,000 a year to help cover expenses. 

RTC partners with Centro Rendu, Congolese Integration Network, Puget Sound College and Career Network, and Northwest Education Access to help “Opportunity Youth”, young adults 

As part of the King County Promise initiative, Renton Technical College created a Promise Navigator. Maizy B, hired for this position, brings invaluable experience and perspectives. 

“I want you to know you matter” she tells students. “I didn’t get that,  and being bounced around, the shame is real. All the people saying I couldn’t do school.” 

They were wrong. Maizy earned a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree and brought 20 years of educational service experience to RTC.

She helps students navigate obstacles.

“It’s not realistic to think that school is all they do, “ she said. “They work, they have rent, they have childcare. Support looks different for each student, so I ask questions to make sure I’m hearing correctly what students need.”

Students can enroll in a variety of career programs, including healthcare, computer science, or manufacturing.  Together, Renton’s “Promise to Community” model works across partnerships to create a comprehensive student support model that helps under-served young people obtain the resources to support postsecondary pursuits and success.

For more information or to apply, contact Promise Navigator Maizy B or complete an interest form.