Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Puget Sound Skills Center Foundation
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As: PSSCF
Mailing Address: 18010 8th Avenue South
City: Burien
State: Washington
Postal Code: 98148
Main Phone: 2066317300
Main Fax:
Organization Website: https://pssc.highlineschools.org/
Employer ID Number: 91-1665008
Organization Tax Status: 509a

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 12/20/2025
Requested Amount: 5000

Project Title: “Empowering the Next Generation of STEM Leaders
Project Description:

The Puget Sound Skills Center (PSSC) Foundation requests $5,000 in general operating support to advance equitable STEM education and youth development for high school students across South King County.

The PSSC Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the Puget Sound Skills Center, a regional Career and Technical Education (CTE) program operated by Highline Public Schools. PSSC provides tuition-free, hands-on education to over 1,000 high school juniors and seniors annually from multiple school districts, offering pathways in STEM, engineering, health sciences, and skilled trades. Many students come from under-resourced communities or are the first in their families to pursue postsecondary education, making access to additional support critical.

While PSSC programs are tuition-free, students often face financial and systemic barriers that limit their ability to pursue education and training beyond high school. The PSSC Foundation addresses these challenges by providing scholarships, student support, and organizational capacity to ensure access to postsecondary education, industry certifications, and apprenticeships. Programs also cultivate critical thinking, problem-solving, leadership, and collaboration skills, helping students become confident, competent, and caring adults who contribute positively to their communities.

A $5,000 general operating grant would provide flexible support to sustain key operations, including student outreach, program coordination, and targeted financial assistance for students pursuing STEM-related pathways. Even at this level, the funding directly supports the Foundation’s ability to remove barriers, maintain high-quality programming, and ensure that more students—particularly those from historically underserved communities—can engage meaningfully in STEM education and career preparation.

This support represents an investment in youth potential, educational equity, and the long-term social and economic vitality of South King County, helping to prepare the next generation of STEM leaders and contributing members of society.

Total Project Budget: 122,000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Varies grant foundations, coporate, local, and private donors

Project Duration: Annual, ongoing
Geographical Area Served: Puget Sound, South King County, Washington
Age Group To Be Served: 18-21

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mrs
Contact First Name: Erin
Contact Last Name: Herringshaw
Contact Title: Board President
Contact Phone: 2066317300
Contact Email: Erin.Herringshaw@gmail.com