Marvin Ortiz is a first-generation college graduate, former GEAR UP student, and scholarship recipient from Central Washington. He currently works for Child and Family Welfare Services (CFWS), Family Reconciliation Services (FRS), & Family Voluntary Services (FVS) Social Worker for the Washington State Department of Children, Youth & Families (DCYF). He holds a Bachelor of Science in Social Service from Central Washington University. He is enrolled in the Master of Social Work program at the University of Washington.
Marvin began working for Altera in a partnership program with Central Washington University, serving two separate cohorts of students—MOSAIC GEAR UP and SOAR GEAR UP—through a federally grant funded postsecondary outreach program. In his role as Migrant Family and Resource Director, he provided oversight to 5,000 students and families in several rural communities, all while working from his home district of Quincy. The program’s primary goal was to increase graduation rates, enrollment in college and completion of postsecondary education programs among underserved students in rural schools.
His work with two student cohorts from the Quincy School District, each with more than 300 students, resulted in 99% of them making formal application to a postsecondary position. The programs his students applied to included 4-year, 2-year, and 1-year technical programs, as well as military service and trade apprenticeships. Through his efforts, Marvin has created alliances with numerous community agencies, programs, and school districts to provide a wide range of integrated, holistic services.
Marvin resides in rural Quincy in central Washington State, where he remains committed to serving the educational needs of underrepresented and disadvantaged families. When he is not at work, he enjoys spending time with his family, working out, traveling, and being outdoors.