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, including community technology programs in the greater Wapato area.

NLA has managed the Millennials Program at Garrison Middle School since 2003.

NLA was founded in 1999.

• To help each student develop a comprehensive plan (a roadmap) to meet both long and short-term goals.

• 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.

Co-Executive Director

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

Co-Executive Director

• Barbara Peterson (BA, MPA): Peterson has developed numerous grant applications and collaborative partnerships with colleges and foundations to support college outreach programs.  She has extensive contacts with public and private post-secondary institutions through more than a decade of service to the Higher Education Coordinating Board.

NLA GROUP Contact Information