As the educational landscape continues to evolve in the aftermath of a global pandemic, Seattle's Department of Education & Early Learning (DEEL) is making noteworthy strides to bridge gaps for K-12 youth of color during the crucial summer months. With a hefty $1 million investment from the Families, Education, Preschool, and Promise (FEPP) Levy, DEEL has aligned with seventeen community-based organizations to roll out an array of summer programs aiming to boost college and career readiness, along with social and emotional learning.
According to information released by DEEL, these awarded programs will serve over a thousand students, focusing on populations that have been historically marginalized, including those hailing from immigrant and refugee backgrounds and youth not meeting grade-level standards. The grants range from $50,000 to $80,000 per organization, a testament to DEEL's commitment to educational equity by tailoring resources to those who need it most. This targeted funding opportunity is designed to reinforce the summer programs across pivotal focus areas, such as Academic Learning, Social Emotional Learning & Enrichment, and College and Career Readiness.
A highlight of this initiative is the Summer University program by the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle (ULMS), which has received a $75,000 grant to support a variety of tracks for high school youth, tackling everything from a basic introduction to high school to more advanced STEM and college prep content. With myriad programs hosted by different organizations, from Atlantic Street Center’s Summer Academy to the WA-BLOC’s Freedom Schools Program, the funding caters to a diverse range of academic and cultural needs. The targeted outcomes for these funded programs include preventing summer learning loss, enhancing core content understanding, and fostering a sense of belonging among Seattle’s youth.
In 2023, DEEL funded summer learning programs engaged over 975 youth, with participating students reporting high levels of satisfaction and preparedness for the upcoming school year. With an overwhelming 94% of surveyed students expressing enjoyment in their summer programs, and 87% feeling more prepared for school in the fall, it's evident that engagement during these critical summer months is having a positive impact.
