With remarkable energy, drive and a passion for community service, Morgan Parker (’12, ’14) is devoting her life to help young adults who are struggling find their paths in life, and in doing so, she is making the community a better place for everyone.
She is the director of Next, a program she helped design for Workforce Southwest Washington—and the recipient of WSU Vancouver’s 2019 Notable Alumni Award.
This is how she expresses her life’s mission: “What’s 80 years on this earth if you’re not doing something that extends much longer than the time we have here?”
As a child, Parker wanted to be a teacher. Her passion for the mission-driven work she does now was ignited when she met Susan Finley, professor of education at WSU Vancouver and founder of the At Home At School (AHAS) program, which, through teacher education and research, helps children who confront systemic barriers (such as homelessness) and supports them to succeed in school.
“It changed my perspective on life,” Parker said. “Through AHAS, I found this career pathway that allows me to get paid to do my passion—figure out what we can do to support kids who’ve fallen behind or fallen out. Figure out what we can do to move them forward.”
Parker started volunteering at AHAS as a student in 2009 and quickly became volunteer coordinator, then research assistant. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English and public affairs in 2012, with a minor in Spanish and a certificate in technical and professional writing. She went straight on to graduate school at WSU Vancouver, earning her master’s degree in public affairs in 2014.
As a long-time youth advocate with a strong grasp of social policy, she understands the unique barriers youth in the community face. “I also know that all of our young adults have an incredible potential to be mindfully engaged in our community and impactful in our future,” she said.
Next allows Parker to put that optimism to use. Next works with youth ages 16 – 24 who are not in school or working. Most referrals come from friends and family, and others from the school district. The program’s website describes Next as “a safe space where young adults can connect and socialize, get something to eat or access health services, and find help with their education and career.”
In offering food and a shower, Next is unusual among youth programs. Sometimes, that’s what it takes to instill the confidence to take the next step forward. For example, a homeless immigrant found Next after several other youth programs. The ability to eat and shower got him started on a productive path toward his degree. “Just having those two things added to the services we offer has totally changed his ability to engage in his education,” Parker said.
Although it is just a year old, Next has numerous success stories. It has served just over 1,100 youth in its first year, with more than 10,000 visits to the center, more than 70 GED/diploma completions, and more than 150 paid internships.
Parker’s ability to put her enthusiasm for kids and the community into action has earned recognition and awards. In 2018, she was named “Accomplished and Under 40” by the Vancouver Business Journal, and she was a class member of Leadership Clark County in 2016/17. She received numerous scholarships during her years at WSU Vancouver and was Outstanding Student in Public Affairs in 2012.
Parker credits her experiences at WSU Vancouver with setting her on her trajectory in life. “I would be doing none of this if it hadn’t been for the people I met at WSU Vancouver,” she said, naming as examples Finley; Carolyn Long, associate professor in the School of Politics, Philosophy and Public Affairs; Marcelo Diversi, associate professor of human development; and Paul Thiers, associate professor of political science and public affairs. “My time at WSU Vancouver connected me to people I will remain close with for the rest of my life.”
The WSU Vancouver Notable Alumni Award honors alumni who have made significant contributions to society, and whose accomplishments, affiliations, careers and/or community service reflect WSU Vancouver’s legacy of excellence. The nomination process begins in the spring, and a committee scores the nominations and chooses one notable alumna/alumnus for the year. The award began in 2014 with 25 notable alumni selected as part of WSU Vancouver’s 25th anniversary celebration.
Top image: Morgan Parker, photo courtesy of Northwest Crimson and Gray magazine.
From WSU Vancouver Northwest Crimson and Gray magazine