Summer Learning Enhancement

The deadline to apply for this funding opportunity closed on March 22, 2023 at 5:00pm.

The Department of Education and Early Learning (DEEL) is accepting applications from community-based organizations and city agencies for DEEL’s Summer Learning Enhancement Request for Investment (RFI). Funded by the Families, Education, Preschool, and Promise (FEPP) Levy, DEEL’s Summer Learning Enhancement funds will enhance or expand academic, enrichment, and college and career readiness opportunities for Seattle-based K-12 youth disproportionately impacted by inequities in education.   

Please note: Changes to the funding process and timeline may occur. DEEL will not provide individual notice of changes. Applicants are responsible for regularly checking this webpage for technical assistance information, updates, clarifications, or amendments.  

Who can apply and for how much money:

Approximately $1 million is available for summer programs occurring July through August 2023.

Community-based organizations and city agencies are eligible to apply for DEEL Summer Learning Enhancement funds. Up to 20 winning proposals will be eligible to receive between $20,000 and $75,000.

Types of programs that can be funded:

Research has shown summer programs can accelerate learning, mitigate learning loss between school breaks, and support improved academic outcomes for youth. Applicants may submit proposals that expand or enhance summer programming in one of the three areas:

• Academic Learning providing additional academic instruction, tutoring, accelerated learning, or cross-curricular/project-based learning supporting academic outcomes.
• Social-Emotional Learning & Enrichment providing opportunities for youth to connect with peers and build key 21st century skills including critical thinking, communication, creativity, collaboration. Proposals may include, but are not limited to, project-based activities, creative pursuits, cultural identity exploration, outdoor learning experiences, or activities to develop student skills in managing emotions, setting and achieving goals, and persevering through adversity.
• College & Career Readiness supporting youth to explore and prepare for college and career pathways. Proposals may include, but are not limited to, college counseling, campus visits, project-based learning, career fairs, internships, and family engagement in the college-going process.

More information about types of programs that can be funded is outlined in the RFI overview.

How applicants will be selected:

Eligible applicants must demonstrate the following (additional and specific eligibility criteria will be listed within the application):

• Commitment to racial equity, cultural responsiveness, and directing resources to student populations based on the unique needs of historically underserved communities.
• History of serving students furthest away from educational justice, including students not yet meeting grade level learning standards, students of color, immigrant and refugee youth, English language learners, LGBTQ students, and students experiencing homelessness.
• Experience achieving positive academic and/or non-academic outcomes through summer programming.
• Ability to deliver academic learning, social emotional learning and enrichment, and/or college and career readiness programming that is responsive to youth needs and interests.

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

Timeline*:

Eligible applicants will submit a grant application online no later than 5 p.m., Wednesday, March 22, 2023. DEEL will notify successful applicants no later than Friday, April 14, 2023.

*Dates subject to change.

How to Apply:

Please click the link below to view the RFI Overview document, which will guide you through the application process.

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

Use the following links to access forms and additional information you will need to apply for this funding opportunity.

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] - 2023 Summer RFI.”

How to submit questions:

To submit questions, please email DEELFunding@seattle.gov with "Question: 2023 Summer RFI" in the subject line. Responses will be published and linked in the table above.