Stories of Impact: How UW Continuum College is Transforming Lives Through Education

Rovy Branon shares Continuum's mission for the future. 

UW Continuum College hosted its first in-person certificate scholarship fundraiser in the autumn of 2024 as part of the ongoing Continuum Convenes event series, aimed at engaging the community in discussions about regional higher education needs.

Welcoming the group of about 75 guests to the Washington Athletic Club for Continuum Convenes: Stories of Impact, Vice Provost Rovy Branon outlined Continuum’s mission to expand the reach and impact of the University of Washington by providing pathways to education, including professional certificates designed for adult learners living busy lives.

“Together, we’re working to advance a bold vision of a postsecondary education ecosystem for Washington that provides pathways for people to attain the education they need to thrive,” Branon says.

Our goal is to make our certificate programs accessible to all. Your generosity is going to unlock more stories.

 — Rovy Branon, Vice Provost, Continuum College

Continuum launched the UW Certificate Scholarship program seven years ago to increase access for adult learners enrolled in eligible UW Professional & Continuing Education (UW PCE) programs. Since then, Continuum has awarded more than 200 scholarships to students with financial need. The financial assistance covers about 80 percent of their course fees.

Generous sponsors Artemis Connection, WE Communications, Seattle Finance Collective, Dana Frank and TDFF LLC covered all event costs, allowing the more than $40,000 in gifts pledged during a paddle raise to go straight to funding scholarships.

“Today, we’re able to provide scholarships to approximately 25 percent of those who qualify, and our goal is to make our certificate programs accessible to all who are eligible,” Branon says. “Your generosity is going to unlock more stories.” 

In extending the University of Washington's reach and public impact, Continuum welcomes philanthropic support and partnerships to advance learning, access, innovation and student success.

“We're incredibly grateful for the generosity of the business leaders, philanthropists and community members coming together to build a brighter future for our community,” says Manca Valum, Continuum’s chief advancement officer.

Creating Certificates that Boost Confidence and Credibility

Dana Frank describes the impact of Continuum's programs.

Special guest Dana Frank, head of one of Seattle's longest-running multi-family real estate businesses and author of “Get Up And Get On It: A Black Entrepreneur’s Lessons on Creating Legacy and Wealth,” shared observations from her experience as a mentor in the UW Certificate in Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership (WEL) program.

“Given the opportunity, anyone can change their narrative,” Frank says. “Programs like these help people connect to knowledge, skills and a network.”

That was the case for two certificate alums who, in keeping with the event’s theme, Stories of Impact, shared how their Continuum experiences changed their lives.

Actress and model Tiffany Chancellor shared how a pivot toward entrepreneurship with her husband, former Seattle Seahawks safety Kam Chancellor, motivated her to enroll in the WEL program. 

Chancellor, who also holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology, is now using her new skillset as a co-founder and investor in multiple businesses, including a shoe collection, a restaurant, property investments and a new beverage line.

“Taking part in the WEL program changed my perception of myself, and things that I previously thought I couldn’t do, I now know that I can do,” Chancellor says. “I gained confidence. I gained courage. I was empowered. And that is invaluable.”

Left-Tiffany Chancellor, Right-Rebecca Bramwell talk about their experiences.

Like many students, UW Certificate Scholarship recipient Rebecca Bramwell worked her way through college. At times, she struggled to make ends meet and experienced homelessness for a brief time. Bramwell worked diligently and earned a bachelor’s degree in 2018, but she felt unprepared for the job market and spent three frustrating years searching for work in environmental science. 

When she learned about the UW Certificate in Wetland Science & Management, Bramwell thought the program would be the key to gaining the skills and credentials she needed to launch her career. Bramwell mentioned that while Continuum tailors programs for working professionals, she had to reduce her work hours to be able to attend classes during evening hours. Additionally, she said, the program's cost was an obstacle.

My self-doubt was quickly replaced with confidence and a drive to prove that investing in me would make a difference.

 — Rebecca Bramwell, Alumna, UW Certificate in Wetland Science & Management

“I had been living paycheck to paycheck my whole life, and I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to make that financial sacrifice without jeopardizing the stability I had worked so hard for,” says Bramwell, who wondered how she’d handle the disappointment if she couldn’t secure a scholarship. “The scarcity of resources in higher education can often lead to self-doubt, and it’s hard to ask for help, even when you’re deserving.”

When she got an email that said Continuum selected her to receive a UW Certificate Scholarship, Bramwell says, “I felt like there were people who believed in me and my potential. My self-doubt was quickly replaced with confidence and a drive to prove that investing in me would make a difference."

Bramwell landed a job the same week she completed her certificate program. Today, she not only works as a biologist serving Snohomish County, but Bramwell is also an alumni volunteer, supporting current UW certificate students in wetlands fieldwork and capstone projects.

Ensuring Access and Attainment

As attendees celebrated these alumni, industry leaders and community members shared ideas about how Continuum might prepare learners for the future.

Hanson Hosein encourages discussion about regional higher education needs. 

Convenes host Hanson Hosein, Continuum’s director of strategic engagement, noted the times we are living in require that business, education and philanthropy leaders start thinking differently about educational attainment, broadening the definition of attainment from “degree-only” to include other valuable credentials, such as meaningful certificates or digital badges.
 
“Too often, students find that they have to step away from education before achieving their learning goals, such as gaining new skills or earning a credential that could help them advance their life and career,” Hosein says.

To realize the vision of postsecondary education that works for everyone, Continuum wants to ensure not only access to education, but also provide the support that a learner needs to attain a credential. That’s why Branon has committed that Continuum will continue to offer flexible course options and step up efforts to break down financial barriers.

"Education enhances economic stability and mobility and impacts health outcomes, and flexible options for education increase opportunities,” Branon says. “We know education attainment at all levels matters.”