What started as a simple idea has grown into a countywide effort to ensure that dozens of local students will walk across the graduation stage this spring with pride, and without financial barriers standing in their way. Over the past year, the EPIC Coalition brought a community-driven vision to life by providing free caps, gowns and tassel sets to graduating seniors at Cowlitz County schools.

EPIC Coalition is a nonprofit organization composed of local volunteers dedicated to supporting youth and families in building a safe, healthy and drug-free lifestyle. Guided by the belief that local problems require local solutions, the coalition focuses on prevention planning and sustainable community support efforts to improve outcomes for youth and families.

Formed in 2018 after the community was identified as underserved and facing high rates of underage drinking, marijuana and opioid use, crime, unemployment, and school failure, EPIC Coalition has continued to seek practical ways to support local youth. Its newest initiative stemmed from a simple yet powerful realization: no student should miss graduation because they cannot afford the required attire.

“Our coalition wanted to ensure that no local high school senior would miss out on graduation because of the cost of a cap, gown, and tassel set,” said Sarah Hancock, EPIC community prevention coordinator. “We didn’t know how many students might need help, but we knew the need existed.”

The organization quietly launched the effort in December with a social media announcement and a Google Form application shared on Facebook. Initial responses were modest, but coalition members believed more students could benefit if the opportunity reached the right audience.

EPIC volunteers began working directly with local schools, counselors, and staff members while also sharing information at community resource meetings throughout the county. During one of those meetings, a local professional shared a personal story that underscored the importance of the initiative.

“She told us she never attended her high school graduation because her family couldn’t afford the cap and gown,” Hancock said. “That really confirmed for us that this project could make a meaningful difference for students and families.”

For many students, the support represented far more than financial assistance. It meant being able to fully participate in a milestone moment alongside their classmates.

“To me, it means a lot,” one graduating senior shared. “It gives me a chance to graduate with my peers up on stage. Walking across the stage and being with my peers means more than what I know how to say. Having those costs taken care of means I get to do that without worrying about how I could afford it.”

Through support from EPIC Coalition, 35 graduating seniors received cap, gown and tassel sets to help them participate in commencement ceremonies. Assistance was provided to students from:

  • Discovery High School (8 students)
  • Kelso High School and Kelso Virtual Academy (4 students)
  • Mark Morris High School (11 students)
  • R.A. Long High School (7 students)
  • Toutle Lake High School (5 students)

In addition, EPIC Coalition purchased 10 honors cords for students at Discovery High School, an alternative school serving students who often face significant barriers.

Several students said the assistance eased stress for both them and their families during an already expensive senior-year season.

“It means so much honestly,” another student said. “The money we didn’t have to spend on the cap and gown went toward other things that were just as important. It was such a weight off me and mom’s shoulders.”

Another graduating senior described the emotional impact of knowing their community cared about their success.

“I feel seen and appreciated,” the student said. “Not being able to afford things like caps and gowns can make you feel stuck and left behind. Knowing my community wants to support me graduating gives me hope and makes me feel like people care about me beyond money.”

The initiative’s impact is already extending beyond Cowlitz County.

After learning about the project through social media, educators and community members in Clark County reached out to EPIC Coalition to express interest in replicating the program locally. Staff at Hudson’s Bay High School shared that they had never heard of a resource like the initiative but recognized a significant need for similar support in their community. EPIC Coalition connected with Caitlin Ramirez, coordinator for West Van for Youth at Educational Service District 112, to discuss opportunities for collaboration and expansion.

“Once we learned there was interest in Clark County, we wanted to help however we could,” Hancock said. “There’s no reason to recreate the wheel when communities can learn from one another.”

EPIC Coalition has since offered to meet with West Van for Youth, Hudson’s Bay High School and affiliated service organizations to share insights about how the initiative was developed and implemented in Cowlitz County. For coalition leaders, the project represents more than financial assistance. It represents belonging, dignity and ensuring every student has the opportunity to celebrate a milestone achievement alongside their classmates.

“It feels like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders,” one student shared. “With all the stress of graduation coming up so fast, having one less thing to worry about helps calm the stress.”

Another student said receiving a cap and gown helped them feel they were finally able to share fully in the graduation experience with their classmates.

“Having my cap and gown makes me feel like, for once in my life, I’m not falling behind everyone else,” the student said. “For that, I will be forever grateful.”

“Graduation is something students remember for the rest of their lives,” Hancock said. “We want every senior to know they deserve to be part of that moment.”