New Paths, Bright Futures
Posted on 07/06/2026
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The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Family Outreach Center in East Central Spokane was filled with joy, pride and celebration on June 12 as 202 young adults were honored for earning their High School Equivalency through the Next Generation Zone and NEWESD 101's Open Doors Youth Reengagement program.
Surrounded by family members, friends, educators, mentors and community partners, graduates were recognized for their hard work, resilience and commitment to creating new possibilities for their futures. The packed gym reflected the strength of each graduate’s accomplishment and the many people who helped support them along the way.
Since 2007, the Next Generation Zone has served as a vital resource for Spokane County youth ages 16–24, providing access to education, career development and connections to community support. Through this partnership, the Open Doors program helps students prepare for college and careers while working toward their HSE and taking the next steps toward their goals.
This year’s celebration also highlighted the power of community collaboration. The work is made possible through partnerships with the Spokane Workforce Council, Goodwill Industries of the Inland Northwest, Career Path Services, Spokane Colleges, YouthBuild Spokane, Volunteers of America Eastern Washington, Building Changes, Crosswalk Youth Shelter and local school districts.