WHAT IS THE ALUMNI & STUDENT ADVISORY BOARD (ASAB)?
The Alumni & Student Advisory Board serves as the collective voice of Northwest Education Access students and alumni, providing insight and recommendations that help shape programs, services, and organizational initiatives. In doing so, members gain hands-on leadership and nonprofit experience, strengthen professional and communication skills, and build meaningful relationships while making a lasting impact on the NWEdA community.

WHY IS THE ASAB IMPORTANT?

Young people have the insight, creativity, and lived experience to lead meaningful change. At Northwest Education Access, we're committed to ensuring students and alumni have a genuine seat at the table. Through our ASAB, members contribute to important organizational decisions, collaborate with staff and community leaders, receive mentorship and professional development opportunities, and gain hands-on experience that strengthens both their leadership and our organization.

WHAT IS REQUIRED AND EXPECTED OF ASAB MEMBERS?

ASAB is a leadership opportunity built on trust, collaboration, and shared responsibility. Members represent the voices of NWEdA students and alumni while working alongside staff, board members, and community leaders. Because this role has a meaningful impact, we ask that members fully engage, communicate openly, and honor their board commitments. These expectations help build accountability, professionalism, and teamwork while creating a positive experience for everyone.

• Be committed and dependable. ASAB members play an important role, and others rely on your participation.

• Communicate proactively. If you're unable to attend a meeting or commitment, let us know as early as possible.

• Attend meetings and events. Most meetings require in-person participation while some are virtual.

• Be present and engaged. Come prepared, participate in discussions, and contribute your ideas.

• Collaborate respectfully. Work as part of a team and value different perspectives.

• Follow through on commitments. Complete agreed-upon tasks and support projects from start to finish.

• Represent NWEdA professionallywhen interacting with students, staff, board members, and community partners.

ASAB TERM LENGTH

ASAB members serve a one-year term, from October 2026 through September 2027.

ASAB STIPEND

Members who fulfill the quarterly participation requirements receive a $350 stipend per quarter in recognition of their time and contributions.

WHAT YOU’LL GAIN

• Leadership experience through real-world opportunities and projects

• Confidence in sharing your ideas and representing student and alumni voices

• Professional communication and collaboration skills

• Networking opportunities with NWEdA staff, board members, and community leaders

• Experience with committees and organizational initiatives

• Advocacy skills to help influence decisions and create meaningful change

• Interviewing and evaluation experience through staff and board candidate interviews

• Problem-solving and teamwork skills through collaborative projects

• Astronger professional network and connections to support your future goals

• A valuable leadership experience to add to your resume and career journey

TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES

• NWEdA Overview & Mission Training: Learn more about NWEdA’s programs, history, values, and the impact of our work in the community.

• Decision-Making Training: Learn a structured decision-making framework to build critical thinking, evaluate options, and make informed recommendations.

• Organization & Time Management Training: Learn how to use free tools and strategies to stay organized, manage tasks, track commitments, and balance responsibilities.

• Professional Etiquette Workshop: Develop professional communication skills, meeting etiquette, networking skills, and workplace expectations.

• Leadership Development Training: Build confidence, strengthen collaboration skills, and learn how to effectively lead and contribute as a team member.

• Advocacy & Student Voice Training: Learn how to use your experiences and perspectives to advocate for yourself, your peers, and your community.

• Interviewing & Evaluation Training: Gain skills to participate in staff and Board of Directors candidate interviews, including how to ask thoughtful questions and provide meaningful feedback.

WHAT IS REQUIRED TO BE ELIGIBLE & APPLY?

• Must be a current student or alumni of NWEdA.

• Must provide 2 references. (Note: Please notify your references that Northwest Education Access may contact them)

  • One reference from your NWEdA Education Advocate and

  • One personal or professional reference of your choice. Please notify your references that Northwest Education Access may contact them.

• No prior leadership experience is required. We'll help you grow your skills!

INTERESTED IN BECOMING AN ASAB MEMBER?