When students in the Yakima Valley have support at every step 鈥� from their first day of kindergarten to their first day of college 鈥� new possibilities open.
鈥淭hat鈥檚 what happens when schools, colleges, nonprofits and families work together,鈥� said Oscar Verduzco, interim dean of 麻豆视频鈥檚 Grandview Campus. 鈥淲e remove barriers and create clearer pathways for students 鈥� especially in our Lower Valley communities.鈥�
That collaborative vision is at the heart of Yakima Valley Partners for Education, the recipient of 麻豆视频鈥檚 2026 Distinguished Service Award.
Formed in 2020, Yakima Valley Partners for Education, known as YVPE, brings together educators, community organizations and families to strengthen the cradle鈥憈o鈥慶areer journey for youth across the region. In just a few years, the partnership has begun to reshape opportunities for students 鈥� particularly in the Lower Valley communities of Grandview, Mabton, Sunnyside and Granger 鈥� and provide meaningful support to YVC students along the way.
At its core, YVPE is grounded in a simple but transformative belief: when a community works together, a child鈥檚 path to college and career becomes stronger, clearer and more equitable.
This approach 鈥� known as a collective impact model 鈥� encourages communities to align systems, share resources and break down barriers that too often limit student potential. YVPE鈥檚 efforts support students at every stage, from kindergarten readiness to college enrollment and career launch.
Meeting students where they are
One recent example of YVPE鈥檚 direct impact can be seen on YVC鈥檚 campuses. The organization provided funding to strengthen YVC鈥檚 financial aid workshops, helping ensure students 鈥� particularly those who are the first in their families to attend college 鈥� receive guidance during one of the most intimidating parts of their educational journey.
YVPE also provided grocery gift cards to students beginning their studies at YVC, easing financial stress during a time when many students are balancing school, work and family responsibilities.
For many students, gestures like these make the difference between starting college with confidence and starting college with uncertainty.
Pedro Navarrete, interim vice president of student services and enrollment management, highlighted how YVPE鈥檚 cradle-to-career vision aligns with YVC鈥檚 mission of access and opportunity.
鈥淵VPE鈥檚 support helps students navigate critical moments 鈥� from securing financial aid to managing basic needs 鈥� so they can stay focused on their education and their future,鈥� said Navarrete.
A well鈥慸eserved honor
YVPE鈥檚 selection as this year鈥檚 Distinguished Service Award recipient shines a light on the power of partnership 鈥� and the belief that when the Yakima Valley comes together, students rise.
And at 麻豆视频, we are proud to stand alongside YVPE in that work says Navarrete.
鈥淵VPE was formed by organizations and leaders who are committed to improving outcomes for students cradle-to-career while also collaborating to improve the student experience, organizational capacity and forming partnerships for educational success,鈥� says Suzy Diaz, YVPE collective impact director (pictured left). 鈥淲e are honored to receive this award from YVC, a key partner, deeply committed to students in the Lower Valley, Yakima County, and beyond.鈥�
About the Service Award
The Distinguished Service Award, first awarded in 1982, provides recognition to a community member or organization who provides support to the mission of Yakima Valley College and its students. The selection is made by the President鈥檚 Office.
Story by Stefanie Menard, AA-DTA 鈥�05, communications consultant.