RESULTS
Empowering and Impacting the Next Generation
Washington Business Week is a unique opportunity like no other. We place business professionals with high school students in a dynamic workplace simulation for a week during the summer where students role-play as industry professionals, launch a company, and solve real-world challenges.
Backed by over 100 Washington state organizations and businesses, including Microsoft, Boeing, PEMCO Insurance, and Costco, we have sent more than 73,000 students and 6,000 business professionals through our programs.
A year of continued growth through collaborative effort – 2023
Integral to our success this year has been the steadfast support from school district partners such as Renton, Kent, Sehome, Yelm, and Olympia. Together with individual and corporate contributions, they have been instrumental in overcoming financial barriers, enabling more students to participate in our programs. This collaborative effort led to 63% of our students attending summer sessions, with $103,316 in tuition costs covered. This robust financial backing has opened new educational avenues for our students, demonstrating the community’s strong belief in their potential and futures.
Our programs’ impact on students
We employ empirical methods like pre and post-program assessments to accurately evaluate our initiatives. These indicators reveal our programs’ significant positive impact on participants, motivating ongoing enhancement in future iterations.
Educational Preparedness
The data indicates a high degree of educational preparedness, with 82% of participants stating they feel ready for college, university, or technical school post-high school.
Workforce Readiness
A substantial 84% of the participants reported confidence in their skills and readiness to enter the workforce, highlighting the program’s effectiveness in professional development.
Boost in Self-Confidence
A striking 91% of students reported increased self-confidence, affirming the program’s capacity to contribute to personal development alongside academic and career readiness.
Skill Acquisition
A noteworthy 92% of students indicated that they acquired skills directly applicable to their ongoing education and day-to-day activities, providing quantitative validation of the program’s comprehensive effectiveness.
Our volunteers – the Company Advisor experience:
The experience of our CAs is marked by profound professional growth and personal fulfillment, as evidenced by the unanimous inspiration and positive influence reported.
100% felt inspired
80% development opportunity
60% learned to lead
Our supporters: building futures together
Through the remarkable generosity of our supporters, we’ve achieved a significant milestone: 63% of our students received financial assistance. This support has been crucial in keeping our educational programs accessible and inclusive, ensuring a broad and diverse range of young learners benefit from our offerings.
The diverse backing from organizations, individuals, and community partners has been pivotal in our growth. Their donations reflect a shared commitment to educational advancement and community development, resonating with our organization’s objectives.
Read the full 2023 Washington Business Week Annual Report
When I was told the program would change my life, I didn’t realize how true it would be. . . . Washington Business Week has taught me so much more than just how to succeed in a professional setting. I am now comfortable speaking in front of a large group of people and leading a group of strangers to success. Not only can I read financial reports and write a business plan, I can make new friends I will keep for a lifetime in a group of people I have only known for a week. . . . Business Week has taught me to step out of my comfort zone, take risks, and take responsibility for my actions.
– Gillian Whelan, 2009 & 2010 BW Participant, University of Washington Student