NLA

Northwest Learning & Achievement Group is a non-profit organization that develops and manages local and regional youth programs that are innovative, efficiently managed, cost effective and result-oriented, with primary emphasis on assisting youth to achieve personal goals.

NLA is currently involved with programs in 22 school districts and with community technology programs in the greater Wapato area. NLA was founded in 1999.

NLA Objectives

• To help each student develop a comprehensive plan (a roadmap) to meet both long and short-term goal.
• To incorporate into the design of all NLA programs, meaningful involvement of parents and caregivers, and the larger community.
• To provide students exposure to contextual learning incorporating both theory and practice.
• To develop and provide effective programs that engage young people in responsible and challenging actions for the common good.
• To assist communities in the development of after-school community-based youth programs.
• To develop and implement innovative ideas that help people throughout the community meet their own goals for learning and achievement.

Current NLA Programs

NLA develops and manages both school-based and community-based program for college outreach and planning for middle and high school students. NLA delivers direct services to students, as well as brokering outreach services from many state postsecondary institutions including the University of Washington, Central Washington University, Washington State University, Yakima Valley Community College, Columbia Basin Community College, Big Bend Community College, and the Higher Education Coordinating Board.
NLA currently partners with the following Washington school districts: Granger, Grandview, Sunnyside, Zillah, and Quincy.

NLA Principals

Co-Executive Director

Leroy Werkhoven, (BA, M Ed). A 30-year career educator, 15 as principal of Wapato High School. Werkhoven led his WHS staff to research, develop and implement a secondary curriculum improvement effort which is now a state and national model of best practices. His “School to Careers” portfolio concept is nationally recognized.

Co-Executive Director

Barbara Peterson (BA, MPA): Peterson has developed grant applications and collaborative partnerships with colleges and foundations to support college outreach programs. She has extensive contacts with public and private postsecondary institutions from more than a decade as staff to the Higher Education Coordinating Board.

NLA consults with school districts to design effective programs of college outreach for middle school and high school students. College outreach components include age/grade appropriate planning activities (portfolios) administered both in-school and after school, mentoring and tutoring using college students and other adults, structured after school programs, and visitations to college campuses. Parent involvement is encouraged and integrated into programs.

Since 1999, NLA has been transforming the lives of rural learners using innovative strategies that inspire students of all ages to believe that they can excel academically and achieve ambitious life goals. Supported by funding partners such as GEAR UP, 21st Century and the Gates Foundation, NLA develops and delivers effective after-school programs and educational resources to schools, colleges and community organizations so that students from low-income families will be able reap the benefits of higher education.

NLA partners have extensive experience with K-12 reform and college outreach programs, with connections to the state's network of 33 community and technical colleges, public and private 4-year universities.

• Academic and Life Planning
• Financial Aid Awareness
• College Test Preparation Strategies
• Portfolio of Extemporary Work
• Help with College Applications
• Parent Involvement and Outreach
• Support for School Wide Plans
• Campus Field Trips

Leroy Werkhoven and Barbara Peterson, co-founders of NLA Group, have over 20 years of experience working with school districts in Washington state to develop strong curriculums, programs, and partnerships.