Seattle, January 18, 2018 – The YMCA of Greater Seattle is to discontinue its school-based “Closing the Achievement Gap” programs in the Seattle Public Schools including its Powerful Schools programs and Summer Learning programs focused on education support.

As a nonprofit organization, the Seattle Y relies on public/government and private philanthropic funds to support this work. Unfortunately, over the last several years the funding landscape has not been stable and the Seattle Y has had to increasingly subsidize these programs reaching $1.3M of annual subsidy. This represents half of the cost of the programs. Subsidy cannot continue at this level and as a result, these programs will end in June 2018.

Where available, the Y will identify other organizations that may be able to provide similar programs. The organization will do all it can in connection with the school district to provide a smooth transition.

The Seattle Y continues its commitment to serving over 14,000 kids annually through licensed child care, Community Learning Centers, Y-Scholars, Kids University, Teen Programs, Outdoor and Environmental Education programs throughout the region. Additionally, it will continue to offer select “Closing the Achievement Gap” programs in South King County.

 

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About the YMCA of Greater Seattle

The YMCA of Greater Seattle is the Northwest’s leading nonprofit organization strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Founded in 1876, the Y reaches more than 253,000 people of all backgrounds, abilities and financial circumstances annually through 13 branches, two overnight camps and more than 200 program sites throughout King and south Snohomish counties. It nurtures more than 142,000 kids and teens to develop their gifts and give back to our community and engages nearly 23,000 volunteers who contribute more than 372,000 hours of service each year. Visit seattleymca.org.

 

Affected School Programs

The following school programs are affected as of June 2018

 

John Muir Elementary              Afterschool Enrichment, Arts Integration, Summer Learning, Learning Intervention

 

Beacon Hill Elementary                        Afterschool Enrichment, Summer Learning

 

Chief Sealth High                              Academic & Enrichment

 

Cleveland High                                     9th Grade Support, Summer Learning

 

Concord Elementary                Academic & Enrichment, Summer Learning

 

Franklin High                                      Academic & Enrichment, Summer Learning

 

Graham Hill Elementary           Afterschool Enrichment

 

Hamilton Middle                       Academic & Enrichment, Summer Learning

 

Hawthorne Elementary                        Learning Intervention

 

Jane Addams Middle                Academic & Enrichment, Summer Learning

 

Madison Middle                        Academic & Enrichment

 

Maple Elementary                    Afterschool Enrichment

 

Van Assalt Elementary                         Arts Integration

 

West Seattle Elementary         Academic & Enrichment, Summer Learning

 

West Seattle High                    Academic & Enrichment, Summer Learning

 

Wing Luke Elementary                         Learning Intervention, Math Learning