Opportunity & Access
Investment Summary
The Opportunity and Access (O&A) investment strategy increases access to enrichment and academic experiences for students furthest from educational justice and those not yet meeting grade level learning standards and promotes the development of academic and non-academic skills likely to lead to on-time graduation and matriculation into post-secondary programs.
14 Partner Agencies
50% of agencies led by leaders of color, with 80% BIPOC programming staff
~1000 Students
Enrolled in college and career readiness programs, expanded learning opportunities, and restorative justice programs during 2020-2021 school year
$11.9 Million
Proposed FEPP Levy funding through the 2025-2026 school year
Investment Details
O&A investments promote 21st Century skill building and college and career awareness, prevent learning loss, and accelerate student progress during school breaks. 21st Century Skills refers to the knowledge, life skills, career skills, habits, and traits that are critically important to student success in today's world, particularly as students move on to college, the workforce, and adult life. A few key examples of 21st Century Skills are critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, communication, and literacy in information, media, and technology.
O&A funding supports a range of services including mentoring, tutoring, English acquisition for recent immigrants and refugees, enrichment activities, career exploration, college preparation, restorative practices, STEM education, social emotional support, and family engagement. Program staff who are supporting students have extensive knowledge of the communities, expertise in investment areas, and cultural and lived experiences that reflect the student population.
DEEL is currently funding the following fourteen community based organizations (CBOs) to support out-of-school time and summer programming:
- Atlantic Street Center
- Chinese Information & Service Center
- Delridge Neighborhood Development Association
- Friends of the Children Seattle
- Kandelia
- Neighborhood House
- Refugee Women's Alliance
- NW Education Access
- Technology Access Foundation
- Academy for Creating Excellence
- Catholic Community Services
- Mentoring Urban Students and Teens
- Empowering Youth and Families Outreach
- STEM Paths Innovation
O&A grantees partner with Seattle Public Schools to recruit and coordinate services on behalf of students and families. Some CBOs serve as interpreters, system and school navigators for Limited English Proficient students and families. In addition, each CBO partners with various organizations to provide arts education, professional development, financial aid education, college tours and social emotional health.
Partner Spotlight
"For many immigrant families, parents are working low-income jobs with limited education and limited English proficiency and they are unable to support their children's education in English learning. Our program provides free, bilingual supports for student learning, helps families engage in their child's education with culturally relevant strategies, and strengthens student and family identity." -- Peggy Kwok, Youth Development Program Supervisor, Chinese Information and Service Center (CISC)
