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

MUST Mentors and Students at Basketball GameO&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:

Seattle Public Schools Logo

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)

Peggy Kwok - CISC  Peggy Kwok - CISC  

Education and Early Learning

Dwane Chappelle, Director
Address: 700 5th Ave, Suite 1700, Seattle, WA, 98104
Mailing Address: PO Box 94665, Seattle, WA, 98124-6965
Phone: (206) 233-5118
Phone Alt: Childcare and Preschool: (206) 386-1050
Fax: (206) 386-1900
education@seattle.gov

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