Programs
Leadership and Mentorship for Washington Youth
Programs
Empowering Washington’s Marginalized Youth
Empower Washington’s Youth Through Leadership, Mentorship, and Community Engagement
Welcome to Cougs 4 Kids! As a vital part of Believe in Me, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Cougs 4 Kids is committed to uplifting underserved youth throughout Washington State. By leveraging mentorship from Washington State University (WSU) student-athletes, we inspire, teach, and guide youth, building the skills they need to lead confidently and thrive in their communities. Discover our programs and learn how to join us in making an impact.
Summer Leadership Camp: Grow and Be Inspired
Our summer camp is an immersive experience where youth develop essential life skills through engaging workshops, team-building exercises, and impactful community service projects—all guided by WSU student-athletes.
Key Benefits:
- Personalized mentorship from student-athletes
- Leadership and critical-thinking workshops
- Community-focused projects that build pride and resilience
Who Should Apply? We welcome nonprofits, TRIO, and GEAR UP programs to nominate participants for this unique summer opportunity.
Apply Now: Secure a place for your organization and provide youth with a summer full of growth and empowerment.
Leadership for Life
Our year-round mentorship program pairs youth with WSU student-athletes who guide them in leadership development, teamwork, and problem-solving.
Program Highlights:
- Regular mentorship sessions
- Interactive leadership and teamwork activities
- Support for youth-led initiatives that foster practical experience
Why It Matters: Student-athletes inspire by sharing their stories of perseverance, fostering a sense of hope and ambition in youth
Lead Through Action
Youth learn to give back through community projects that meet local needs. From environmental clean-ups to social initiatives, these experiences build real-world leadership skills.
Program Outcomes:
- Enhanced problem-solving and leadership capabilities
- Stronger community bonds
- Direct contributions that make a tangible difference
Supporting Youth Through NIL Agreements
Supporting Youth Through NIL Agreements
Our innovative Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) agreements empower student-athlete mentors with fair compensation while ensuring program sustainability.
How NIL Works:
- Your donations help fund NIL agreements for student-athletes who mentor youth
- All contributions are tax-deductible and comply with NCAA, WSU, and IRS guidelines
Volunteer and Sponsorship Opportunities: Be Part of the Change
Amplify your impact by volunteering, sponsoring, or donating. Your support fuels mentorship and leadership programs that empower youth.
Get Involved:
- Volunteer: Share your skills in event organization, mentorship, or outreach
- Sponsor: Choose a sponsorship level that aligns with your vision and directly supports leadership initiatives
- Donate: Contributions may qualify for employer matching, doubling your impact
Join Our Mission
At Cougs 4 Kids, we are dedicated to making a measurable difference. Help young individuals develop the confidence and leadership skills they need to thrive.
Empower, lead, and inspire by joining us today!
Donation
Your tax-deductible contribution directly supports our programs, from funding mentorship and leadership training to providing resources for youth-led community-service projects.
Volunteer with Us
We’re always looking for passionate volunteers who want to make a difference. Whether it’s mentoring, event support, or community outreach, your time can change lives.
About Believe in Me
Cougs 4 Kids is just one of Believe in Me’s programs, each designed to create safe spaces, foster supportive networks, and provide educational opportunities for marginalized youth.
Contact Us
For more information or to discuss how you can get involved, please reach out!
FAQs About Our Programs
Cougs 4 Kids offers summer leadership camps, year-round mentorship programs, and community engagement projects—all led by Washington State University (WSU) student-athletes.
Our programs serve youth aged 13-18 from underserved and marginalized communities throughout Washington State.
Youth participate in leadership workshops, team-building exercises, and community service projects to build skills in resilience, teamwork, and communication.
WSU student-athletes provide ongoing mentorship, guiding youth through leadership activities, teamwork challenges, and youth-led projects.
Projects include environmental clean-ups, social inclusion events, and initiatives that address local community needs.
Student-athletes serve as relatable role models, inspiring youth through their stories of perseverance, discipline, and leadership on and off the field.
Participants build confidence, learn leadership skills, and gain motivation to actively engage in their communities and pursue personal growth.
Yes, thanks to generous support from donors and sponsors, participation in Cougs 4 Kids programs is free for youth.
Youth can be nominated by schools, community organizations, or apply through partnering nonprofits.
Yes, we welcome youth from all backgrounds, including BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and Indigenous communities, creating a diverse and inclusive environment.
Yes, nonprofits, TRIO, and GEAR UP programs can nominate youth or collaborate with Cougs 4 Kids for a broader impact.
These projects help youth apply leadership skills in real-world settings, strengthen community bonds, and create tangible contributions that foster local pride.
NIL agreements provide compensation to student-athletes for their mentorship roles, following NCAA and 501(c)(3) regulations.
Mentors undergo specialized training in effective youth engagement, leadership activities, trauma-informed care, and cultural sensitivity.
Programs are funded through tax-deductible donations, grants, and sponsorships.
Cougs 4 Kids uniquely integrates WSU student-athlete mentorship, hands-on leadership training, and youth-led community projects.
Participants develop critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills through interactive activities.
While parents are not directly involved in mentoring, they can support by advocating for participation and spreading awareness.
Yes, donors can choose to support summer camps, mentorship programs, or community projects.
Volunteers can assist with event planning, support mentorship sessions, or offer special skills to enhance program effectiveness.
We use participant feedback, mentor reports, and assessments of youth-led projects to track outcomes and continuously improve.
Student-athletes receive training, resources, and continuous support to effectively mentor youth.
Yes, all programs and NIL agreements adhere to NCAA rules, ensuring student-athletes’ eligibility.
Visit our website, email cougs4kids@believeinme.org, or call 206.414.8043 for more details.
Cougs 4 Kids is not partnered with the Cougar Collective. Donations to Cougs 4 Kids are tax-deductible and specifically fund mentorship programs led by student-athletes.
Mentors complete comprehensive training in trauma-informed care and sensitivity to ensure youth well-being.
Yes, all mentors pass thorough background checks to maintain safety standards for youth participants.
This training equips mentors to recognize and respond to trauma, fostering a supportive environment where youth feel safe and understood.
Sensitivity training covers effective communication, cultural competency, and creating an inclusive and respectful space for all participants.
We regularly update training programs, policies, and safety protocols to maintain high safety and ethical standards.
