Educator Diversity

The deadline to apply for this funding opportunity closed on May 23, 2022 at 3:00 pm. 

As part of the 2022 budget allocation supporting recommendations from the Equitable Communities Initiative, DEEL is seeking requests for investment (RFI) from community-based organizations for educator diversity funding. DEEL will invest up to $700,000 in community-based programs supporting professional learning opportunities for educators of color disproportionately impacted by systemic inequities in education to increase racial and ethnic representation in the education workforce. Funded programs will provide historically underserved youth with increased access to racially, linguistically, and ethnically diverse educators providing culturally-responsive learning opportunities to support student success.

*Grant Process Update: 

On May 16, DEEL amended the RFI application to remove "age range program will serve” section from Cover Sheet. Age range is not applicable to this RFI. Amendments to eligibility criteria are outlined in the RFI overview document.  

On July 7, DEEL announced notifications regarding funding decisions will be provided to applicants on Friday August 12, 2022.  

Who can apply and for how much money:

Community-based organizations and individuals providing services and learning opportunities to educators who identify as Black, Indigenous, and people of color are eligible to apply. For purposes of this RFI, educators include individuals: 

• Being recruited and/or enrolled in a teacher preparation program
• Working in a K-12 school based setting within a variety of roles, including para-educators, athletic coaches, administrative staff, instructional staff, teachers, school leadership, etc.

Up to $150,000 will be awarded per selected applicant. 

Types of programs that can be funded:   

Programs eligible for funding will provide aspiring educators of color support with:  

• Entry: Increased outreach, recruitment, and enrollment in preparation programs.   
• Teacher Education and Program Retention: Increased teacher preparation program retention and completion; access to supplementary curriculum that focuses on positive identity development.  
• In-service and Classroom Retention: Increased access to professional development and mentoring opportunities promoting retention and job satisfaction. 
• Advancement: Increased access to professional development and mentoring support promoting career advancement.
• Professional and Organizational Development: Increased organizational capacity (operations, financial development, program strategy) of community-based organizations working on educator diversity outcomes; Increased access to professional development opportunities for non-certified teaching staff working in educational spaces to advance in the field. 

How will applicants be selected? 

Funding will be awarded through a competitive process managed by DEEL. Applications will be evaluated using specific criteria outlined in the application and a review panel will make recommendations.  

Timeline:  

Eligible applicants will submit a grant application online no later than 3:00 pm on Monday May 23, 2022. DEEL will notify successful applicants on Friday August 12, 2022.  

*Dates subject to change. 

How to Apply: 

For your reference, please find the full RFI Overview document linked below.  

Each of the following forms are required as part of your application for funding. Please be sure to complete each of the following:  

Please click the links below to view additional information and resources to support you with your application.  

How to submit your application:  

Email your application to DEELFunding@seattle.gov. Please use the following naming convention in the subject line of your email and for the electronic files attached: “[Organization Name] - Educator Diversity RFI”.  

How to ask questions:  

For questions regarding the application process or language interpretation requests, please contact: DEELFunding@seattle.gov with "Question: Educator Diversity RFI" in the subject line.