Our vision to foster innovation and entrepreneurship in Seattle’s Black community came to life during our recent summer session culminating event. This gathering showcased projects developed by local high school students who participated in hands-on learning programs. From fashion design to media production and coding, these students embodied the future of creativity and business leadership.
Opening up the program, ACLT President and CEO, K. Wyking Garrett shared the significance of yet another successful season of classes at WGC.
“We are excited to begin another season of learning for the students at the William Grose Center. It’s an honor to see our team, youth and community members co-designing impactful programs that have the potential to transform our community in powerful and lasting ways.”
Throughout the event, students presented their work with pride, reflecting the skills they gained and the personal growth they experienced. Whether they were pitching a business model for microgreens aggregation or explaining the technical process behind their custom fashion brands, it was evident that WGC’s programs provide more than just education—they offer a pathway to self-sufficiency and economic empowerment, while considering the cultural context that shapes each student's experience and connection to the world around them.
One of the highlights was the innovative microgreens business proposal created by a group of students in collaboration with Budi Mulyo, SIXR Development Director and WGC Hydroponics Class Facilitator. This project not only taught students about agriculture but also emphasized entrepreneurship as a practical and powerful tool for creating sustainable income. Mulyo summed up the significance of the program when he shared, "We don’t just teach them skills; we give them the tools to take control of their futures."
WGC’s Fashion Design class, now in it’s second term, is another example of the unique opportunities offered at WGC. This season, each student developed their own brand and produced custom shirts, blending creativity with business acumen.
One student expressed their newfound independence, saying, “I can sew now and don’t have to rely on anyone else to fix what I need. I am also now considering what it may be like to expand my skills and what it could take to run a business doing so." These moments of empowerment are the foundation of what WGC strives to create for every participant not only entering courses but uplifting and empowering each and every student and business owner who enters through the doors of WGC is of utmost importance.
In addition to fashion and business, students in the Media Management Class demonstrated their storytelling skills through video production and editing. By showcasing interviews on YouTube, they learned to use technology responsibly and creatively, gaining real-world experience that will serve them in future endeavors. The media projects, like all of the classes at WGC, encourage students to think critically and apply their knowledge to build something meaningful.
As Ty Griffin, WGC Program Manager, said, "WGC is more than a place to learn—it’s a space where youth can explore, innovate, and lay the groundwork for their futures." His words resonate deeply with the mission of the Center, which seeks to break down barriers and provide equitable opportunities in fields that often feel out of reach for many within our community.
Here, at The William Grose Center – we are committed to creating long-term impact by providing educational resources and opportunities that build economic mobility. This isn’t just about today’s students; it’s about establishing a legacy of empowerment that will benefit future generations of Black entrepreneurs, creators, and innovators in Seattle. As Dr. Amir Law, ACLT Director of Programs and Services noted, "What WGC is doing is much bigger than just teaching classes—we’re creating a sustainable future for our community and for the future of our world for generations to come."
As we look to the future, we invite you to join us in supporting our students and emerging business leaders as they take their next steps toward success. Together, we can create more equitable opportunities in STEAM and build pathways for economic mobility for entrepreneurs in our community. Your support, whether through donations, volunteerism, or partnership, is crucial in ensuring that this work continues and that every student at WGC has the opportunity to thrive.
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