The Power of Perspective
2025 IMPACT REPORT
THE KNOWLEDGE CASCADE
How Lifelong Learning Impacts Community
2025 Highlights
This past year we strengthened our community through strategic partnerships and innovative programming. Here’s a snapshot of the milestones that made it possible.
Our Programs in Action
Whether you’re 9 or 89, our programs create opportunities to grow and connect. Just ask Ray Pfortner — a biologist-turned-photography instructor who’s spent the past eight years sharing his passion with students of all ages at UW Continuum College. His story shows that when we learn together, the impact goes far beyond the classroom.
SAM LEUNG
Sam Leung discovered his passion for architecture in a UW Youth & Teen Programs class, a moment that made college feel less intimidating and more attainable. Years later, he’s come full circle, serving as a teaching assistant who mentors students and helps them chart their own paths forward.
JAMES RUFO-HILL AND CARSON CRAMER
Students at Hyla School are turning knowledge into impact through the UW in the High School course, Global Warming: Understanding the Issues. By partnering with climate experts like EcoAdapt and Washington State Ferries, they designed interactive signage for the new Bainbridge Island ferry terminal — educating passengers on rising sea levels and inspiring action.
FOLABI (EDWARD) OBEMBE
INTERNATIONAL & ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROGRAMS >
With a passion for entrepreneurship, Folabi (Edward) Obembe enrolled in International & English Language Programs’ Global Business Certificate to deepen his understanding of the U.S. business world. The program introduced him to franchising and affiliate models, which helped him scale two tech platforms internationally. One of them, findadmission.com, now serves nearly one million users and has helped more than 50,000 students study abroad.
“Noticing how few students looked like me on campus in the U.K. inspired me to start a business helping universities attract more diverse students. It’s fun seeing it grow globally; it keeps me motivated to continue.”
BERRY BROSI AND ANNE SHERWOOD
UW biology professor Berry Brosi is transforming conservation education by creating BIOL 126, a fully online, asynchronous course in partnership with UW Summer Sessions. The class draws strength from hope and action, empowering learners from all walks of life to understand biodiversity, ignite change and reimagine their role in protecting the planet.
JULIA GRAVES
UW PROFESSIONAL & CONTINUING EDUCATION >
After 15 years in hospitality, Julia Graves followed her passion for tech through UW Professional & Continuing Education’s full stack web development and UX/UI programs, then discovered game design — where she quickly found her stride. Today, she’s making history as the first woman to teach in the UW Certificate in Game Design, encouraging students to find their voice and shape the future of the industry.
“It’s imperative to understand the wide range of roles in the gaming ecosystem. I’m helping students identify the game design roles they want to pursue and allow them to develop the skills they need.”
JACK MCLAUCHLIN
After military service and personal setbacks, Jack McLauchlin found support and inspiration in UW’s Online Bachelor of Arts in Integrated Social Sciences. The experience helped him grow as a leader and sparked his pursuit of a master’s in public administration, allowing Jack to expand his impact through service.
JULIA WAN AND PAT HARRIS
OSHER LIFELONG LEARNING INSTITUTE AT THE UW >
At Mirabella senior living in Seattle, OLLI-UW members Pat Harris and Julia Wan have been instrumental in expanding the program. As the Lifelong Learning Committee chair and Residents’ Association president, they’ve brought in expert speakers and secured vital funding, including an annual grant from the Mirabella Foundation. They also facilitated a connection with Mirabella Seattle, leading to a corporate sponsorship — inspiring residents to keep learning and growing.
“We’re great believers in getting people out of their apartments and interacting with others. A lot of our residents cannot hop on the bus and go to the UW, so having regular events here helps keep a connection to the people at the university.” – Pat Harris
Students Served
We’re building a Washington where everyone can learn and thrive. Here’s how many students we reached this year.
Download the full enrollment chart
Opening the Door to Opportunity
While the Pacific Northwest has seen a decade of economic boom, many local people are struggling due to inequities and rising living costs. The UW Certificate Scholarship exists to break down barriers for Washington adults living on low incomes by providing access to in-demand skills and career opportunities. With help from funding partners, we can now offer need-based aid for many UW Certificate programs, covering at least 80% of program fees.
CLARISSA SUAREZ
In Sunnyside, Washington — a small, tight-knit agricultural town in the Yakima Valley — Clarissa Suarez grew up surrounded by rising crime rates that often cast long shadows. But even as a young girl, Clarissa saw past the statistics. She didn’t want to escape the challenges around her; she wanted to help solve them.
That desire became a journey, one shaped by education and made possible in part by financial support from a UW Certificate Scholarship.
Make a Gift
YOUR SUPPORT, THEIR FUTURE
Continuum extends the impact of the UW to deliver the right learning opportunities, in the right way, at the right time. In 2025, thanks to our generous donors and funding partners, we were able to provide scholarships to 25% of UWPCE students who applied and were eligible for financial assistance. With your gifts and philanthropic support, we can do even more to help learners at all ages and stages of life find their path.
We invite you to contribute to our scholarship fund — or contact us to explore more ways we can work together to support learning, attainment, innovation and community collaborations.
SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM SUPPORTERS GIVING $15,000 OR MORE ANNUALLY
Founding Donor
CONNECT WITH CONTINUUM
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Building Futures Through
Community and Innovation
At Continuum College, we believe education should evolve with the world — and the people in it. Today’s learners need education that is flexible, accessible and lifelong. That means creating innovative formats and pathways that meet people where they are.
Equally as important as flexible learning is the community that surrounds it. We intentionally cultivate concentric rings of connection — from our students to our campus, our city, and beyond. These connections help learners not only succeed in the classroom but also take meaningful next steps in their lives and careers.
In addition to increasing external partnerships, we’re integrating our work more deeply across the tri-campus system. We’re expanding online and digital learning, strengthening workforce development, advancing lifelong learning and ensuring academic readiness for learners of all ages.
Rovy F. Branon III
Vice Provost, University of Washington Continuum College