About Cougs 4 Kids
Empowering Washington’s Marginalized Youth
About Cougs 4 Kids
Empowering Washington’s Marginalized Youth
Who We Are
Cougs 4 Kids is an impactful leadership and mentorship program under Believe in Me, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to supporting marginalized youth since 2006. Launched in 2023, Cougs 4 Kids has been growing rapidly, reaching more young leaders each day. Our program empowers youth to develop their potential through mentorship, leadership training, and community engagement.
What We Do
Cougs 4 Kids provides youth aged 13-18 in underserved communities across Washington State with the tools, mentorship, and experiences they need to thrive. Participants gain confidence, leadership skills, and the motivation to drive positive change through workshops, youth-led civic projects, and ongoing mentorship from Washington State University (WSU) student-athletes.
The Cougs 4 Kids Program was established in 2023 as part of Believe in Me’s dedication to empowering marginalized youth. The program has expanded steadily since its inception, welcoming new participants and building more impactful partnerships each year.
Our program serves rural and underrepresented communities throughout Washington State. Activities are held on the WSU campus and in local community spaces, ensuring accessibility and fostering strong connections with mentors and peers.
Many youth in rural and underserved communities lack access to programs that offer mentorship, leadership development, and community involvement. Cougs 4 Kids fills this gap by providing youth with inspiring role models, structured training, and opportunities to lead projects that make a real difference. Our participants develop the resilience, confidence, and skills necessary to become tomorrow’s leaders.
Mentorship by WSU Student-Athletes: Participants receive ongoing mentorship from WSU student-athletes, who share valuable lessons on leadership, teamwork, and resilience.
Leadership Training: Youth participate in hands-on leadership clinics that enhance critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Youth-Led Projects: Each participant designs and leads a community project that addresses local needs, such as environmental initiatives or social inclusion efforts.
Supportive Community: We prioritize inclusivity and actively welcome youth from BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and Indigenous backgrounds, creating a diverse and supportive environment.
Get Involved
Your support helps Cougs 4 Kids continue to grow and impact more youth across Washington State. Here’s how you can be part of this inspiring journey:
Make a Donation
Student-athletes undergo orientation and training to prepare them for effective mentorship and leadership activities.
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.
Learn More
Cougs 4 Kids is just one of many programs under Believe in Me, 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!
Frequently Asked Questions
Cougs 4 Kids is a leadership and mentorship program under Believe in Me, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, dedicated to empowering marginalized youth through mentorship and leadership training.
The program was launched in 2023 as part of Believe in Me’s mission to support youth development.
We serve youth aged 13-18 from underserved communities across Washington State.
Our programs include mentorship from WSU student-athletes, leadership clinics, and youth-led community projects that encourage critical thinking and problem-solving.
Activities are held on the WSU campus and in local community spaces to ensure accessibility and strong community connections.
No, Cougs 4 Kids is not related or in partnership with the Cougar Collective. However, we support each other’s efforts to benefit the WSU community. Unlike Cougar Collective, donations to Cougs 4 Kids are tax-deductible and directly support mentorship programs.
Cougs 4 Kids uniquely combines mentorship from student-athletes, hands-on leadership training, and youth-led community projects, creating a comprehensive and impactful program.
Yes, as part of Believe in Me, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, all contributions to Cougs 4 Kids are tax-deductible.
Student-athletes serve as mentors, sharing their experiences and teaching leadership, resilience, and teamwork to youth participants.
The program helps youth build confidence, develop leadership skills, and gain the motivation to lead positive change in their communities.
We actively welcome youth from diverse backgrounds, including BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and Indigenous communities, fostering an inclusive and supportive environment.
While the primary focus is on youth participants and student-athlete mentors, parents are encouraged to support through community involvement and promoting the program.
You can support by making a tax-deductible donation, volunteering your time, or spreading the word about our mission.
Student-athletes undergo orientation and training to prepare them for effective mentorship and leadership activities.
No, Cougs 4 Kids is designed to develop leadership skills from the ground up, welcoming all youth regardless of prior experience.
Youth can join through community partnerships, local nonprofit organizations, or by being nominated by schools or youth programs.
These are projects designed and led by youth participants to address local needs, such as community clean-ups, social inclusion events, or cultural activities.
While some activities are concentrated during certain times of the year, mentorship and engagement efforts continue year-round.
Student-athletes gain leadership experience, personal growth opportunities, and can earn compensation through compliant NIL agreements.
Donations fund mentorship sessions, support youth-led projects, and provide essential resources for workshops and training activities.
Yes, nonprofits, schools, and community organizations can collaborate with Cougs 4 Kids to expand reach and resources.
We gather participant feedback, mentor insights, and conduct community assessments to track the success and effectiveness of our programs.
Yes, youth can apply or be nominated to join the program through partner organizations or schools.
Cougs 4 Kids is one of the many impactful programs under Believe in Me, which has supported marginalized youth since 2006.
For more details, you can reach us at cougs4kids@believeinme.org or call 206.414.8043.
