You’ve heard the saying, “it takes a village.” In Tacoma Public Schools, that village is our community partners. For the past 23 years, the College Success Foundation (CSF) has worked hand in hand with TPS. This school year, CSF has 17 staff members working in 11 schools, building relationships with students and making sure every student knows that college and career pathways are possible—and within reach. 

CSF’s programs are active in all of our comprehensive high schools: Foss, Lincoln, Mt. Tahoma, Stadium, and Silas. Additionally, the CSF team works with students at six of our middle schools: Baker, First Creek, Giaudrone, Gray, Stewart and Truman. 

CSF Programs—Support from middle school to college 

CSF is committed to helping students, no matter where they are on their educational journey. Here’s how they help make career and college dreams a reality: 

• Middle school (grades 6-8): At this critical stage, CSF helps students and families understand that college isn’t just an idea—it’s an achievable goal. Their early awareness programs ensure that students start thinking about career paths and college well before they enter high school. 

• High school (grades 9-10): The transition from middle school can be challenging, but CSF’s “Rally for College” program offers personalized support, so students are prepared to take on the academic demands of high school and think ahead about college. 

• High school (grades 11-12): For juniors and seniors, CSF provides hands-on guidance to low-income students, ensuring they stay on track academically, apply to colleges and secure financial aid. 

A true partnership—families, schools, community 

The TPS partnership with CSF thrives because we share the same goal: making sure that Tacoma students have every opportunity to pursue higher education. From workshops to one-on-one coaching, CSF provides resources that empower students and their families to plan. CSF also has programing available at many of our local colleges and universities to help students transition to post-secondary education.   

Connect with CSF 

Students and families at our five comprehensive high schools can find contact information for CSF staff and other community partners on school websites; Foss, Lincoln, Mount Tahoma, Silas and Stadium. For our middle schools or other high schools, contact your principal. Learn more about Tacoma - College Success Foundation.