Standing Tall Collective

Standing Tall Collective is a Washington State 501(c)(3) nonprofit built around one idea: Empowering Every Step Forward. We help neurodivergent and neurotypical youth and young adults build real skills, find real mentors, and create real plans for their futures. We work alongside students, families, and communities, not above them.

We don't build programs for people. We build them with people.

Our work runs through three programs.

ARISE (Advocacy, Readiness, Independence, Skills & Empowerment) provides pre-employment training mapped to Washington's five Pre-ETS categories, job-readiness skills, and self-advocacy development for young people and adults with disabilities preparing for employment, postsecondary education, and greater independence. ARISE includes programming in partnership with DCYF sites, including Echo Glen Children's Center.

PATH (Peer Assistance through Transition and Healing) provides peer mentorship, pairing participants with mentors who share lived experience, to support the move from institutional or highly supported environments toward greater community participation and independence. PATH is relaunching in late 2027.

LEAP (Leadership, Environment, Adventure, and Purpose) is a six-week outdoor recreation and leadership program for youth ages 12 to 18, with a particular focus on Black boys and young men eligible for special education services. LEAP builds leadership skills, civic engagement, and self-advocacy through outdoor recreation, environmental education, and creative expression. LEAP is relaunching and expanding in 2027.

So far, Standing Tall Collective has served 80+ students across 3 programs and 2+ partner sites.

Standing Tall Collective is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and all donations are tax-deductible. Learn more at stcimpact.org.