30 Years of Impact Generational Change Support Inspiration
Aaron ho
TAF@Saghalie | Class of 2020
SQL Developer
Technology Access Foundation
TAF really let us build what we wanted and have a level of control for our learning.
From student to staff—how Aaron Ho’s TAF journey came full circle
For Aaron Ho, time with TAF is a community that shaped his future from middle school student to technology professional. Aaron followed in the footsteps of his older sister Larissa and joined TAF Academy in 6th grade. After seven years immersed in a learning environment built on creativity, collaboration, and real-world problem solving, Aaron graduated from what had then become TAF@Saghalie and entered post-secondary life during 2020. Despite weathering through a pandemic in his senior year, Aaron remembers his time at TAF fondly, especially working and learning closely with his classmates.
Through project-based learning, students apply what they’re learning to real world scenarios and experiences. One of Aaron’s favorite memories captures the spirit of PBL perfectly: convincing a teacher they should create an original rap instead of taking a traditional test. Instead of taking a standardized test to assess retention of curriculum, Aaron and his classmates researched the topics covered in class, worked together to create a rap, perform them, and record them to present to the class. They still learned about important world events and had a lot more fun in the process.
A Foundation Built on Project-Based Learning
At TAF@Saghalie, Aaron discovered the power of learning by doing. Through project-based learning, Aaron was encouraged to take ownership of his education, collaborate with peers, and explore creative solutions to challenges. Those experiences left a lasting impression and prepared him for success beyond high school. When Aaron started post-secondary education at the University of Washington, he quickly realized that the skills he developed at TAF gave him a distinct advantage.
The experience of] project-based learning really helped me get ahead of my peers when I went to college and started doing that kind of work in my major.
From Informatics Student to Educator
During his time at the University of Washington, Aaron pursued a degree in Informatics, where he also served as a teaching assistant, further developing his leadership and technical skills.
After graduating in 2023, Aaron chose to invest in the next generation by mentoring youth in the Seattle area. He taught coding fundamentals by helping students create their own games using Scratch. When former TAF teacher, Mr. Umali offered Aaron an opportunity to work as a paraeducator, he took on the opportunity to continue supporting students in the Renton school district and instill some of that same love of learning.
Coming Full Circle
When he saw the opening to do work in his original field for the organization who gave him his start, he knew he had to apply. Today, we are proud to have Aaron as an SQL Developer at TAF. In his role, he manages and streamlines data from TAF partner schools and the Martinez Fellowship, helping program managers identify trends, make informed decisions, and strengthen support for students and educators.
It’s nice to come full circle. Having been a TAF student and now an employee, I get to see the inner workings and know more about how it all works.
Generational Change in Action
Aaron’s story demonstrates the lasting impact of relationships and opportunity. The project-based learning model, personalized mentorship, and support he experienced as a student helped prepare him for college and career success. More than that, it showed Aaron what it truly meant to give back. Today, he is helping TAF continue its mission—using data and technology to support the next generation of students.
As TAF celebrates 30 years of impact, Aaron's journey reflects the power of investing in our youth and creating pathways for them to return as leaders, mentors, and changemakers in their own communities.
