Von Washington, Jr.

Written By Tim Terrentine

Episode 003: Education, Opportunity, and the Power of Community

What happens when an entire community commits to the future of its students?

In this episode of UNSTUCK, Tim Terrentine sits down with Von Washington Jr., CEO of The Kalamazoo Promise, to explore the transformational impact of education and community investment.

The Kalamazoo Promise is one of the most generous scholarship programs in the United States, providing graduates of Kalamazoo Public Schools access to post-secondary education. But as Von explains, scholarships alone are not enough.

Real change requires relationships, trust, and a community willing to invest in the success of its students.

Drawing from his journey growing up in a military family, working in education, and now leading a nationally recognized scholarship initiative, Von shares powerful insights on leadership, opportunity, and what it truly takes to help people move forward.

In this episode, you’ll explore:

  • How constant change shaped Von’s leadership philosophy

  • The story and impact of The Kalamazoo Promise

  • Why scholarships must be paired with community support

  • The importance of trust between schools and families

  • How education can break cycles of generational poverty

  • What leaders must do to help people become unstuck

About the Guest

Von Washington Jr. serves as Chief Executive Officer of The Kalamazoo Promise, where he leads efforts to maximize the transformational impact of one of the nation’s most groundbreaking scholarship programs.

Through his leadership, The Promise continues to strengthen pathways to education, expand opportunity, and deepen its impact within the Kalamazoo community and beyond.

Learn more:

Tim Terrentine
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