Student Equity and Inclusion Services

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Skagit Valley College and Washington’s public universities are pleased to recognize young multicultural leaders in Skagit, Island, and San Juan counties. Join us to applaud these high school students for their achievements in promoting diversity in their school and community! In addition to the Champions of Diversity Awards, selected seniors will receive scholarships presented by local individuals, businesses and Washington state colleges and universities.

Application Deadline

The application for nominations is noon on Fri., Jan. 12, 2024. See below for information about nominating students.

Champions of Diversity 2022

Champions of Diversity 2022 Honorees

Skagit Valley College COD Winners

Angel Perez
Christyann Langbata
Michael Plasencia
Dianey Ramirez-Aguilar
Livy Gates
Guadalupe “Lupita” Ruiz
Yosadara Ponce
Oksana Davydiuk
Junel Caidic
Marymel Barrera

Washington State University COD Winners

Abisaid Merino
Itzel Barajas Jimenez
Israel Reyna
Anthony Herrera
Kiya McGlothin
Jeuleyca Rodolfo
Stephanie Ocampo
Carlita Cardona-Arce
Ariely Aviles

Western Washington University COD Winners

Esmeralda Luna-Santos
Caitlin Broadgate-Thomas
Natally Celaya-Martinez
Gali Celaya-Martinez
Edwin Cholula-Ortiz
Yeshbet Rivera Conejo
Ingrid Rivera Conejo
Crystal Fernandez
Genesis Mathis
Selena Arellano-Gama

Central Washington University COD Winners

Juan Reyes
Dylan Solano Cruz
Yusuke Zakimi Veliz
Archer Otero
Betsy Villegas

Eastern Washington University COD Winners

Jennifer Solano
Johanna Gamboa
Jazmin Bermudez

North Cascades Institute’s Youth Leadership Adventures Award Recipients

Kristi Duncan
David Julian Rodriguez
Miguel Fernandez
Alejandro Delgadillo Uribe
Isaiah Wililams
Jairo Rosales
Symon Martin
Josue Montiel
Natalie Rivera
Maya Rodriguez
Gabriella Searle
Alexis Ayala Ramirez
Fatima Flores
Shaneez Wanjiku
Lilia Ortiz
Dulce Vieyra Duran
Maya Justus
Kati Avila Hernandez
Litzy Serrano Pacheco
Karla Silverio
David Pacheco-Castaneda
Christian Ellifritt
Johan Navarro
Anthony Sanchez Mota
Tenaya Taylor
Miriam “Alexa” Garcia Jimenez
Alan Santiago
Santiago Ochoa Acuna
Mara Rotter
Mia Peterman
Lillian Hibbert-Vester
Malakai McWilliams
Kyle Huang
Dennik Kloewer
Tessa Hughes
Avishai Salinger
Riona Sheils
Macy Oliver
Payton “Kai” “Mack” McCree
Katie Tanner
Meleny Lamas
Erin Pierce
Arlene Jimenez-Nava
Lee Hollands
Israel Lopez
Jasmine Phillips
Judit Ceja

History

Between 1990 and 2000, Skagit Valley College offered full-tuition scholarships to 10 multicultural students each year with funding from the SVC Foundation. High school students routinely did not apply for these funds. To encourage high school student participation, the Champions of Diversity Awards Ceremony was founded in 2000 by Anita Ordóñez, SVC; Rita Ordóñez, UW; and Rafael Gomez, WWU.

Each year, over 100 high school students are presented with a “Champions” award at this ceremony, and selected seniors receive scholarships from 8 colleges/universities and other donors. Over 700 community and family members come together at this event to honor and recognize these young people.

Contact Us

For more information about the Champions of Diversity Program and Awards Ceremony, please contact:

Rick Flores M.Ed.
Director of Student Equity & Inclusion
[email protected]
360.416.7611

Nominate Students for Champions of Diversity Awards

10th and 11th Grade Awards

12th Grade Scholarships

Nominations are due by noon on Fri., Jan. 12, 2024. Selected students will be honored Wed., March 6, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. at the Champions of Diversity Awards Ceremony to be held in McIntyre Hall, Skagit Valley College, Mount Vernon, WA.

View Nomination Timeline

Reasons to Nominate Students

This is a short list of reasons a student could be nominated but not the only reasons. When nominating a student we look for individuals who have worked to promote diversity in their school, community, church or daily activities.

Club or organization involvement on their school campus or community that promotes diversity and inclusion.
Participates or leads in multicultural event programming on their school campus.
Volunteered at events/agencies/organizations related to serving historically underrepresented populations.
Attended conferences related to diversity and equity.
Involved in sports or athletic activities such as jaripeo, lasso, pulling canoe for the tribe, referees for soccer games etc.
Assisting in nursing homes, healthcare facilities and homeless shelters, donating clothing, feeding the hungry, helping in migrant camps, marching for peace, mentoring peers and/or siblings, raising funds for scholarships and/or world tragedies, translating for others, tutoring young children etc.
Involved in Northwest Indian College Summer Program, Science and Math Bilingual Program, U-doc Program, Upward Bound etc.

Frequently Asked Questions

What sparked the initiation of the Champions of Diversity Scholarship Program?

Between 1990 and 2000, Skagit Valley College offered full-tuition scholarships to ten multicultural students each year with funding from the SVC Foundation. High school students routinely did not apply for these funds. To encourage high school student participation, the Champions of Diversity Awards ceremony was founded in 2000 by Anita Ordóñez, SVC; Rita Ordóñez, UW; and Rafael Gomez, WWU.

Each year, over 100 high school students are presented with a “Champions” award at this ceremony, and selected seniors receive scholarships from eight colleges/universities and other donors. Over 400 community and family members come together at this event to honor and recognize these young people.

What is the nomination procedure?

Nominate students online by using the Champions of Diversity Awards Nomination Form.

How many students are nominated for Champions of Diversity Awards each year?

We receive an average of over one hundred nominees each year. Of these nominees an average of 85 have been seniors eligible for scholarships.

What are the scholarship eligibility requirements?

High school senior
Resident of Skagit, Island, or San Juan County
Contributor to diversity through leadership or community service.
Minimum Grade Point Average of 2.0

What is the selection process?

A selection committee, comprised of representatives from all contributing institutions of higher education, review the nominations of seniors and determine scholarship winners.

What is our goal?

To award as many nominated seniors a scholarship to attend college in the state of Washington. Some students selected for scholarships through Champions of Diversity are not eligible for federal financial aid. Our scholarships support them in furthering their education.

What is the dollar amount of the individual awards presented?

Scholarships vary each year ranging from $1,500–$6,000

Which educational institutions award scholarships?

Skagit Valley College, Central Washington University, Eastern Washington University, The Evergreen State College, University of Washington – Seattle, University of Washington- College of Engineering, University of Washington – Bothell, Washington State University, and Western Washington University.