A rising band from Bellingham High School, 5 Star Sexy Sauce, recently became connected with a videographer to shoot a music video for the band.
This is the type of opportunity provided by Educating Future Leaders, a new center for high school students that opened in Fairhaven earlier this month. The center works with students and the community to develop programs for students’ individual needs and to provide a space for students to grow. Membership fees begin at $21.50 a month.
Scholarships are available for students unable to pay the membership fee.
“It’s a place where ideas unfold,” owner Jason Kloster said.
The program was created in 2007 by Kloster, a WWU graduate. Fairhaven was chosen for the first location because of the safe neighborhood and good community it provides, he said. Educating Future Leaders is located at 1315 11th St. in McKenzie Alley.
Everyone’s Program
“It’s a space for our community to come together to form a variety of programs that pique students’ interests,” Kloster said. “Educating Future Leaders promotes the programs and focuses on what students can do outside their normal life.”
A membership to the center includes advising about colleges, careers and senior culminating projects, leadership development programs, lessons on photography and web design (as well as a place to show them), entertainment and events, and discounts to various activities.
“I want the youth to have ownership of the program,” Kloster said. “It’s their spot to meet and hang out.”
Right now, the center has only three members but is working on developing its membership base with high school students through the help of volunteers and internships.
Kloster began developing the program while still in college. He recognized the need of personalized programs for high school students. Kloster worked in various leadership programs and took those experiences to help him further develop his own program, he said.
Helping Individual Needs
WWU senior Brittany Butler is an intern for Educating Future Leaders. Butler primarily works on developing the centers database among other tasks.
“I found I can make a difference with my computer work by teaching others,” Butler said. “I can share my passion while help others grow.”
The center is accessible to the community and is open to suggestions from the community as well.
“Businesses are growing themselves by building a better community when they become involved with the center,” Butler said.
Local businesses can contribute to the program by sponsoring a student to be part of the program for $21.50 a month. Businesses can also work with center to develop an educational program for the students. Single donations are also accepted.
“We want to reach out to other businesses that have the passion to run a program for high school students,” Kloster said. “We’re open to new ideas from the community.”
Randi Burgess, a senior at Sehome High School, is working with the center for her senior culminating project. The culminating project is a state requirement for high school graduation. She works on promoting the center to her fellow students.
“It’s a place where I can get my homework done, I don’t feel distracted here,” Burgess said. “It’s a good atmosphere and I feel connected with the community.”
Burgess hopes to attend the University of Washington or another college in California with a major in architecture, she said.
“I wish this was here when I was in high school,” volunteer Maddie Neuman said. “The people and environment are fun, friendly and supportive. Everyone’s ideas are heard.”
Neuman, a WWU junior, is majoring in secondary education. She works to build a connection for the center with the community and college students.
“What I’ve seen already has been really positive and beneficial for the high school students,” Neuman said. “
“Everyone adds value in their own way, Kloster said. “My goal is for the students to know it’s their program as well.”
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