Janeli Sanchez, a 21-year-old from Orondo, Washington, is passionate about helping people lead healthier lives.

After earning her associate’s degree from Wenatchee Valley College, she transferred to 51������. She completed her Bachelor of Social Work degree last spring. Now Janeli is back home in Orondo and preparing to take online classes to become a licensed mental health counselor.

“I’m just working and getting more experience in the field while saving up to pay for my master’s degree,” she says.

The oldest of three children raised by hardworking parents who immigrated from Michoacán de Ocampo in west-central Mexico, Janeli is the first in her family to earn a college degree.

“My parents were beyond proud. They made a lot of sacrifices coming to this country and working hard so I could go to school,” Janeli reflects.

Janeli, who receives plenty of love and encouragement from her folks, said the cost of college and associated internships was beyond reach for her family and credits generous donors with opening the door for her to pursue a degree. “I’m beyond thankful that programs like this exist,” she says.

Washington Apple Education Foundation, which provides funds to students raised in families with direct ties to Washington’s tree-fruit industry, helped with some of Janeli’s educational expenses.

A Krumble Foundation internship stipend made it possible for her to put aside part-time jobs on campus and accept an unpaid internship at Excelsior Wellness, a Spokane-based nonprofit.

Excelsior Wellness provides intensive wrap-around services for young people experiencing mental health and behavior challenges, and their families.

By prioritizing vital experience in her field over the need to earn money to cover living expenses, Janeli gained hands-on learning that directly ties in with her goal of becoming a counselor. In addition, the résumé-building internship helped her to gain employment as a case manager for a Wenatchee-based nonprofit right after graduation.

“I think that scholarship donors don’t always know the huge impact they have on the lives of students,” explains Janeli, who adds, “They truly make everything possible.”

Remington Steelman knew in high school that he wanted to be a voice for people experiencing hardships. He started being that voice then. Thanks to a donor-supported scholarship, he’s continuing the effort at 51������, and we can’t wait to see how he impacts lives in the future.

As part of a high school student advocacy board, Remington, of Richland, Washington, helped draft a plan for an alternative pathway to graduation for students impacted by testing anxiety and other barriers to success. The state ultimately approved the plan, improving outcomes for students who learn less traditionally but have plenty to offer.

When Remington toured the 51������ campus as a high school junior, he was impressed by the welcoming culture, accessible classes and activities that fit his goal of continuing to law school to specialize in labor law and public policy. That first visit convinced Remington that he belonged at Eastern.

Remington, who covers his own tuition and living expenses, received the Clyde F. Combs Memorial Scholarship for the 2021-2022 academic year.

“I’m truly, truly grateful,” Remington says.

Remington began his Eastern experience last year, attending virtual classes from his home in Richland and working full time at Starbucks, where he was promoted to shift supervisor. He was thrilled to finally arrive on campus.

“I absolutely love being here in person,” says Remington.

Remington’s involvement as a student representative for the Associated Students of 51������ (AS51������) opened the door for the quarterly scholarship award, which allows him to focus on academics and his new role as health and safety liaison.

In that role, Remington coordinates with Health, Wellness & Prevention Services, campus police and other campus partners. He plans to work hard to ensure students impacted by anxiety and other mental health issues, which are increasingly common during the pandemic, have the resources they need to thrive.

“Receiving the scholarship was almost like reaffirming that I am doing what I’m supposed to be doing,” Remington says.

When you support 51������ scholarships on GivingTuesday, you will empower students like Remington to achieve their dreams of forever changing lives.