ESD 105’s LEADER Impact Network Honors 20 Educators As First Cohort Of RISE Scholarship Recipients (Photo) - 08/27/26

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

Yakima, WA — Educational Service District 105 celebrated the first cohort of RISE Scholarship recipients at an awards ceremony held last week on Aug. 19, recognizing 20 educators from schools and districts across South Central Washington for their commitment to growing, leading, and staying in the communities they serve.

The RISE Scholarship (Racial Equity and Inclusion Support for Educators) launched earlier this year in response to input from more than 260 educators and community members across the region, developed in partnership with the LEADER Impact Network Advisory Council. The program supports educators through two pathways: paraeducators pursuing teaching credentials, and teachers pursuing administrative leadership. This year's cohort includes recipients from both pathways, representing districts throughout South Central Washington.

Each of the 20 recipients will receive $3,000 in support, including $2,000 in tuition assistance and $1,000 for leadership engagement through the LEADER Impact Network. Beyond financial support, recipients join a regional cohort of educators building leadership skills, connecting across districts, and supporting one another through leadership gatherings, networking opportunities, and mentorship.

[Quote from ESD 105 Representative]:

"This work comes directly from what educators in our region shared with us," said Alma Castillo, Career Readiness Coordinator at ESD 105. "Seeing this first group of 20 recipients recognized last week was a powerful reminder of the leadership that already exists in our schools. RISE is about creating the conditions for educators to grow, stay, and lead in their communities."

The Aug. 19 ceremony brought together recipients, district leaders, and community members to celebrate the cohort's achievement and mark the beginning of their journey through the program. Alma Castillo and Melissa Matczak, who together lead ESD 105's regional LEADER Impact Network team, say the launch of this inaugural cohort is just the starting point: over the coming year, the team plans to deepen the regional network around the Scholars, connecting them to one another and to broader leadership opportunities across South Central Washington. Recipients now move forward as part of a growing network of educators working to build an educational ecosystem where educators of color thrive and every student sees themselves reflected in leadership.

The RISE Scholarship is part of the LEADER Impact Network's broader effort to strengthen and diversify the educator workforce across South Central Washington. This work is supported by College Spark Washington, whose investment helps expand opportunities for educators and strengthen pathways into teaching and leadership roles across the region.

For more information, please contact:

Alma Castillo

Career Readiness Coordinator

Educational Service District 105

alma.castillo@esd105.org

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About LEADER Impact Network:

The LEADER Impact Network is a regional initiative focused on recruiting, supporting, and retaining educators who reflect the communities they serve. Through community-informed strategies centered on investment, networking, and belonging, the network works to strengthen educator pathways and create more equitable outcomes for students across South Central Washington.

About College Spark Washington:

College Spark Washington supports the postsecondary dreams of students and their communities through grantmaking focused on dismantling racism in the education system.

About ESD 105:

ESD 105 serves the educational needs of schools and students in South Central Washington. Through partnerships, internal collaboration and innovation, ESD 105 serves and supports students, families, and communities by removing barriers and transforming lives.