At Washington Trust Bank, community partnership is about more than financial support —it’s about showing up, sharing expertise, and helping build pathways to long-term success. One of the most powerful examples of this commitment in action is our ongoing partnership with Lumen High School in Spokane.
A school designed for teen parents
Lumen High School is a public charter school in downtown Spokane created specifically to support pregnant and parenting teens on their path to graduation. The school’s mission is centered on empowering two generations at once — students and their children — by combining high academic standards with wraparound support that make education attainable for young parents. These supports include individualized graduation pathways, an on-site early learning center, and life-skills-focused coursework that reflects the realities students face every day.
By removing barriers that often derail young parents’ education, Lumen provides a safe environment where students can thrive as scholars while gaining the tools they need to build a stable future for their families.
Financial empowerment in action
Washington Trust is proud to support Lumen High School through both funding and hands-on volunteer engagement.
One key part of this partnership is our funding of Lumen’s matching savings program, which helps students begin building financial security while still in school. Programs like this teach the importance of saving, budgeting, and long-term planning—critical skills for students preparing to support themselves and their children.
In addition to financial support, bank employees have volunteered their time and expertise on-site at Lumen to lead financial literacy and career development sessions. Recently, members of our Compliance Management Team worked directly with students during technical career training workshops, including:
- Resume writing and interview preparation.
- Personal budgeting and financial planning.
- Foundational banking and money management skills.
These sessions are designed to be practical, approachable, and immediately relevant — helping students connect classroom learning to real-world outcomes.
Deepening leadership and long-term commitment
Our relationship with Lumen High School continues to grow. Kris Owens, Associate Relationship Manager in Spokane, will be joining the Lumen School Board of Directors this year.
Kris’s board service is an important next step in Washington Trust’s support of Lumen — bringing together financial investment, employee volunteerism, and leadership involvement. This expanded role strengthens the bank’s ability to support Lumen across all key areas, while reinforcing our belief that sustainable impact happens when institutions commit for the long term.
Building stronger communities — one family at a time
Lumen High School exists because traditional systems haven’t always met the needs of teen parents. Through partnerships with organizations like Washington Trust, the school can provide not just education, but opportunity, dignity, and hope.
We’re honored to stand alongside Lumen High School — supporting young families as they work toward graduation, financial independence, and a brighter future for the next generation.