Our Mission
Building People. Strengthening Trades. Empowering Community.
"Building People. Strengthening Trades.
Empowering Community."
Creating a full-circle system of opportunity that helps local people build better futures and keeps Whatcom County thriving.
Why We Exist
The Stay Spicy Foundation was born from a simple belief: every young person in Whatcom County deserves a real shot at a thriving career and a stable life. We focus on the skilled trades — the backbone of our local economy — because they offer pathways to living-wage careers that don't require a four-year degree but do require investment, mentorship, and opportunity.
We invest in students across every school district in Whatcom County. Through scholarships, tool grants, and direct financial support, we remove the barriers that keep talented young people from pursuing trades careers. Whether it's welding, electrical, plumbing, carpentry, or HVAC — we're here to help fund the first step.
Building relationships with local employers is just as important as supporting students. We connect students with contractors, business owners, and trade professionals who provide apprenticeships, on-the-job training, and mentorship. These partnerships don't just create jobs — they build futures and forge the kinds of working relationships that sustain communities for generations.
We believe in the small business owners and tradespeople who are already doing the hard work. Our microgrant program provides targeted financial support to local trade professionals and small businesses — helping them buy equipment, grow their operations, and hire more people from right here in Whatcom County. When small businesses thrive, everyone benefits.
The dream is simple and it's already happening: the students we support today are becoming the employers, mentors, and community leaders of tomorrow. They're hiring local, investing in the next generation, and continuing the cycle we started. That's the full circle. That's what we mean when we say we're building Whatcom County — together.
The Full Circle — Step By Step
We provide scholarships and direct financial support to students across all Whatcom County school districts who are pursuing careers in the skilled trades. No student should be stopped from building their future because they couldn't afford the first step.
Students gain hands-on training, apprenticeships, and mentorship through local contractors and trade professionals. Theory meets practice, and classroom learning becomes real-world skill.
Contractor and business partners hire, mentor, and invest in students while giving back through volunteer work and community projects. The business community becomes part of the solution — and part of the cycle.
Microgrants help local trade professionals and small businesses grow, purchase equipment, and build stronger companies. When we invest in the businesses doing the hiring, everyone wins.
Businesses grow, create jobs, and continue to invest in the next generation and our community. Growth creates opportunity, and opportunity creates community.
Today's students become tomorrow's leaders, business owners, and mentors — continuing the cycle for the next generation. The foundation we build today is the community our children will inherit.