DEEL seeks recommendations from Seattle youth and community organizations on mentoring grant design
This fall, DEEL is engaging community members – Seattle teens and young people up to 24, as well as local organizations who offer youth mentoring programs—to help design a new grant. The Every Child Ready-Families, Education, Preschool, and Promise (FEPP) Levy includes approximately $800,000 in annual funding to promote youth safety by increasing access to mentoring and reconnecting youth to education and career pathways. These funds prioritize services for youth most impacted by gun violence. DEEL is currently in the design phase of this investment and plans to open a Request for Proposal (RFP) application in December 2026, resulting in multi-year funding contracts starting in 2027.
DEEL invites youth and local organizations to participate in the program design survey, which is open through September 28, 2026. Up to 20 survey participants will be randomly selected for a $50 e-gift card.
Seattle youth who respond to the survey may also indicate interest to participate in a paid focus group where you can share in detail about experiences with school attendance, academic and life challenges, meaningful support, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What does DEEL seek to learn through these surveys?
As DEEL designs this new grant, we are interested in learning more about:
- Why some Seattle youth stop attending school
- What can help youth in Seattle return to school or work
- What barriers youth face after returning to school or work
- How mentors might help youth who stop attending school
- More about challenging experiences at home and/or legal system involvement that may influence whether youth attend school
- What resources you wish you had to support you in school and in life.
Youth voice and your experience matter for our program design. DEEL is committed to partnerships and programs that meet the needs of Seattle’s young people in ways that are relevant and affirming.
What if I don’t feel comfortable sharing my name or personal information?
That’s okay; this survey is anonymous. You do not need to tell us your name, address, birthday, or what school you attend. Your survey responses will not be linked to you, unless you want to identify yourself. There is an option to include your contact information at the end of the survey if you would like to be selected for a $50 gift card.
But what if I want to do the in person focus group?
You can participate in the in person focus group without providing identifying information. At the end of the survey, you can complete a separate interest form with your contact information (email and/or phone), but you are not required to give us any other information about who you are. You can also contact Jesse Cooley (jesse.cooley@seattle.gov) directly to participate in the focus group.
But you are asking about attendance. Will anything happen if I share information about not going to school?
No, your responses to the survey and/or focus group participation will not be used for any kind of consequences related to attendance. DEEL is asking about attendance to have a better understanding of the challenges and barriers that keep local youth from attending school regularly. We are not Seattle Public Schools, not your principal or district staff.
Do you have more questions or want to learn more about how to get involved?
Complete the survey or email jesse.cooley@seattle.gov.
# # #
Legal Disclaimer:
EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
