When Cougs show up, young people see what’s possible.
When Cougs show up, young people see what’s possible.
A campus connection that keeps going
Young people deserve access to the Cougar network, even if they do not already know a Coug.
That is why Cougs 4 Kids brings that network within reach. By meeting WSU students, young people can also ask honest questions and learn from shared experiences. For example, they explore careers, practice workplace skills, and experience campus life together. As a result, unfamiliar possibilities can feel more real.
Mentoring helps students grow, too
Meanwhile, WSU students put leadership into action through mentorship. Because they show up for someone else, they gain meaningful experience. They also strengthen the communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills they will carry into their own careers.
Who we serve
Cougs 4 Kids serves young people ages 13–18 from underserved and underrepresented communities across Washington State. This also includes rural communities, where mentorship and career-connected opportunities may be harder to access.
Through mentoring and shared experiences, participants can build:
- A stronger sense of belonging
- Confidence asking questions and trying something new
- Awareness of college, training, and career pathways
- Communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills
- Relationships with encouraging mentors and role models
- A clearer picture of their next step
Camp Coug participation
According to our April 2026 Camp Coug case study, the inaugural program reached approximately 200 students from seven Spokane-area high schools through two one-day campus experiences. In addition, the program distributed 200 MentorBoost Kits.
These figures describe participation and resources provided. However, formal outcome data collection was still underway when the case study was prepared.
Program milestones
- 2006: Believe in Me was founded to support young people.
- 2023: Cougs 4 Kids was established as a program of Believe in Me.
What Cougs 4 Kids does
Camp Coug, student mentoring, MentorBoost Kits, and the Cougar network connect young people with practical experiences and people ready to show up.
Camp Coug
Camp Coug turns career and college exploration into something young people can see, touch, and experience. For example, participants meet mentors, explore pathways, and take part in hands-on activities. Along the way, they can begin imagining themselves in places and careers that once felt out of reach.
Student mentoring
WSU students serve as near-peer mentors who listen, encourage, and share perspective. In this way, they help young people connect today’s choices with tomorrow’s possibilities. Mentoring focuses on belonging, career awareness, communication, leadership, and practical next steps.
Why WSU students make powerful mentors
WSU students still remember choosing a path, entering an unfamiliar environment, or wondering whether they belonged. As a result, their perspective is especially valuable.
They do not arrive with every answer. Instead, mentors listen and share what they have learned so young people can discover answers of their own.
That is the Cougs 4 Kids difference: Cougar pride turned into personal connection.
MentorBoost Kits
MentorBoost Kits give mentors and young people something useful to do together. For example, each kit includes practical tools, career-readiness activities, and conversation starters. These resources help turn a mentoring meeting into meaningful progress.
The Cougar network
Cougs 4 Kids creates a circle of support across generations. While WSU students mentor younger participants, Cougar alumni and professionals help students grow as mentors and leaders. In turn, everyone has someone to learn from.
How it works
- First, young people connect through trusted partners. Schools, youth-serving nonprofits, and community organizations refer young people who could benefit from mentors and career exploration.
- Next, learning becomes hands-on. Through Camp Coug and mentoring, participants explore careers and build skills around their own interests and goals.
- Then, mentors help turn possibility into a plan. WSU student mentors offer encouragement as young people identify strengths, ask questions, and decide what to explore next.
Help put a young person’s next step within reach.
With your support, a young person can meet a mentor, explore a career, or visit a campus for the first time. They can also find a community that reminds them they belong.
Because these experiences make possibilities feel real, your gift can help a young person see a new path forward.
Your gift supports Cougs 4 Kids through Believe in Me, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit. EIN 20-4830357.
Refer a Young Person · Sponsor the Program · Bring Cougs 4 Kids to Your Community
Make a Donation
Help make mentoring, hands-on career exploration, and Camp Coug experiences possible for Washington young people.
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Built by Believe in Me
Cougs 4 Kids is a program of Believe in Me, a 501(c)(3) charitable foundation serving young people since 2006.
Behind the program, Believe in Me provides nonprofit governance, fiscal oversight, and fundraising administration. It also supports partnerships, youth-safety expectations, and impact measurement.
Through Cougar-powered mentoring, Camp Coug experiences, MentorBoost Kits, and career-connected learning, Cougs 4 Kids brings that foundation to life.
Because Believe in Me receives and stewards donations, gifts to Cougs 4 Kids are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.
Refer a young person or partner with us
Last reviewed: September 8, 2026. Responsible organization: Believe in Me.
Contact Us
Frequently Asked Questions
The program serves teens ages 13–18 from underserved Washington communities, including rural areas. To get started, families, schools, and youth-serving organizations can contact us about referrals.
Young people explore college and careers through hands-on activities. For example, they meet mentors, discover new pathways, and practice useful skills. Together, these experiences help them consider their next step.
Believe in Me operates Cougs 4 Kids and provides nonprofit governance, financial oversight, and fundraising support. In addition, it supports partnerships, youth safety, and impact measurement.
Your gift supports mentoring, Camp Coug, MentorBoost Kits, and career exploration. It also helps coordinate these experiences so young people can connect with encouraging mentors and take practical next steps.
Cougs 4 Kids donations are processed through Believe in Me, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. Believe in Me’s EIN is 20-4830357.