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Who We Serve
Who We Serve
Empowering Washington’s Marginalized Youth
At Cougs 4 Kids, we believe every young person deserves the opportunity to thrive. As a program under Believe in Me, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we are dedicated to serving youth from marginalized and underserved communities across Washington State. Our goal is to inspire, mentor, and equip these young individuals with the skills and support they need to become confident, capable leaders in their communities.
Why It Matters
The youth we serve face unique challenges that can limit their growth and potential. Many experience geographic and economic isolation, a lack of resources, or social exclusion. By offering mentorship from WSU student-athletes and leadership clinics, we provide these youth with the tools, role models, and support needed to develop essential life skills, build resilience, and foster a sense of belonging and purpose.
The Impact We Create
At Cougs 4 Kids, our programs are designed to empower youth by providing comprehensive support and opportunities that encourage growth and development. Here are the core elements that make our approach impactful and unique:
- Leadership and Life Skills: Participants learn critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork through structured workshops and hands-on community projects.
- Strong Mentorship: Youth receive guidance from WSU student-athletes who share their stories and experiences, fostering hope and showing that success is within reach.
- Community Engagement: Youth-led projects encourage participants to identify local issues and create meaningful solutions, strengthening their communities and building confidence.
- Diverse and Inclusive Environment: We celebrate diversity and strive to create an environment where every participant feels valued, regardless of their background.
Join Us in Supporting Our Youth
Whether through donations, volunteering, or sharing our mission, your support helps Cougs 4 Kids continue to serve marginalized youth across Washington. Together, we can ensure that these young leaders grow into empowered, community-minded adults ready to create positive change.
Donate Now
Your tax-deductible contribution directly supports our programs, from funding mentorship and leadership training to providing resources for youth-led projects.community service projects.
Volunteer Your Time
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 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
We serve marginalized and underserved youth in Washington State, including BIPOC, LGBTQ+, Indigenous youth, and those in foster care or low-income households.
Our mission is to empower youth by providing mentorship, leadership training, and community engagement opportunities that build confidence and leadership skills.
No, Cougs 4 Kids is not related or in partnership with the Cougar Collective. However, we support one another’s efforts. The key difference is that donations to Cougs 4 Kids are tax-deductible and support mentorship programs led by WSU student-athletes.
Student-athletes act as relatable role models who inspire youth with their stories of resilience, teamwork, and leadership, fostering hope and motivation.
We work with youth aged 13-18, focusing on those in rural and underserved communities.
We create a welcoming environment that values the voices, experiences, and cultural heritage of BIPOC youth, ensuring they feel seen and heard.
We prioritize inclusivity by building safe spaces and supportive networks that help LGBTQ+ youth feel valued and included.
We partner with local tribal and Indigenous organizations to deliver culturally responsive programs that celebrate and honor their heritage.
We offer mentorship, leadership clinics, and youth-led community projects that develop problem-solving, teamwork, and critical thinking skills.
Our programs are held on the WSU campus and in community spaces throughout Washington State to maximize accessibility.
Many of the youth we support experience geographic and economic isolation, limited resources, and social exclusion.
Our programs build leadership skills, confidence, and resilience, preparing participants to be active, empowered members of their communities.
Youth can join through partnerships with local nonprofits, schools, or by being nominated by community leaders.
Our unique combination of WSU student-athlete mentorship, leadership training, and youth-led projects offers a comprehensive approach to youth development.
No, our program welcomes youth at all levels and helps them develop these skills from the ground up.
While parents do not directly participate in the mentorship program, they are encouraged to support and advocate for their child’s involvement.
Donors can make tax-deductible contributions, volunteer, or spread the word about our mission.
We collect feedback from participants, mentor insights, and assess the success of youth-led projects to continuously improve our programs.
Participation is free for youth, thanks to the generous support of donors, sponsors, and grants.
They gain valuable leadership and community engagement experience and are compensated through compliant NIL agreements.
Youth participate in projects that address local issues, such as community clean-ups or social inclusion events, fostering a sense of pride and contribution.
Yes, we welcome partnerships with nonprofits, schools, and community groups to expand our reach and impact.
Donations fund mentorship, workshops, and resources for youth-led projects, ensuring comprehensive support for participants.
We actively create a diverse and welcoming space, serving youth from all backgrounds and fostering an environment where everyone feels included.
For more details, reach out to us at admin@believeinme.org or call 206.414.8043.
