How Professional Associates supports students

clocktower in summer Professional Associates (PA) is a network of volunteers, alumni, and local professionals dedicated to supporting Fort Lewis College students. Our goal is to help students feel welcomed, connected, and confident—both in and out of the classroom—through programs that promote belonging, academic success, and personal growth.

Professional Associates student programming

PA programs are designed to ease transitions, encourage involvement, and connect students with resources, mentorship, and community support throughout their time at FLC.

  • FLC Family Connection: A warm welcome for incoming students. PA members, alumni, and community partners “adopt” first-year, transfer, and exchange students to help them adjust to college life. Learn more.
  • Village Aid Project support: PA helps students participate in this hands-on global project by assisting with fundraising efforts and community outreach. Learn more about VAP.
  • Orientation and recruiting support: PA volunteers greet students and families during fall orientation and spring visit events, helping students feel at home from day one.
  • John F. Reed Honors Program: PA members support honors students through special programs, mentoring, and enrichment opportunities.
  • Academic mentoring: PA members provide mentoring across a range of academic areas to help students succeed and explore their interests. View academic areas.
  • Career readiness: Students receive support with resumes, mock interviews, graduate school preparation, and job-search skills through PA partnerships with departments and Career Services.
  • Student retention programming: PA hosts events that connect first-year students with upper-division students and faculty, helping them build community within their major.
  • Testing Center assistance: Members serve as readers and scribes to support students receiving accommodations during exams.
  • International student support: PA helps welcome international students by offering airport pickups and assembling move-in kits for exchange students.
  • Hawk Tank Business Plan Competition: PA members serve as mentors, topic experts, and reviewers to help student teams prepare for this annual competition.
  • Native American Center partnership: PA supports efforts to create an encouraging and culturally informed environment for Native students.

Professional Associates scholarships

statues in front of clocktower The Professional Associates Scholarship Fund provides direct financial support to students, helping them stay focused on their academic goals. Scholarships may be renewed each year for up to four years, provided students remain in good academic standing and reapply annually.

Six scholarships are awarded each year in partnership with the Fort Lewis College Foundation, ensuring a smooth application and award process for students.

Learn more and apply

Support student success

Your contribution to the Professional Associates Scholarship Fund helps ensure students have the financial support they need to thrive at FLC.