Summer Learning Programs

The deadline to apply for this funding opportunity closed on Wednesday, March 20, 2024 at 11:59pm.

The Department of Education and Early Learning (DEEL) is requesting applications from community-based organizations (CBOs) and city agencies for in-person academic and enrichment summer learning programs for Seattle-based K-12 students. Funding will be awarded through a competitive request for investment (RFI) process managed by DEEL. Seattle schools, including public, private, and charter schools, are not eligible for this funding. 

Research shows that students continue to be impacted by the significant disruptions to academic learning and adverse social and mental health effects that took place during the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic. Further, for students who are furthest from educational justice, limited and inconsistent access to programs and services throughout the year has compounded existing inequities. This RFI is intended to advance educational equity through access to high quality summer learning programs for youth who have been most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and those from historically under-resourced groups and communities.   

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. 

Grant Process Update*: 

On March 8, 2024, DEEL amended the RFI overview as follows: Modified Appendix A (page 21), Scoring Criteria, to align to questions in Sections 1, 2 and 3. Revisions are highlighted in yellow and underlined the original RFI issued on Tuesday, February 27, 2024. There are no deletions. Please see the table in the section below titled “How to apply” to download a copy of the amended RFI overview.

Who can apply and for how much money:

Approximately $3 million is available for summer programming that occurs between late June and the end of August in 2024, 2025, and 2026. Only community-based organizations (CBOs) and city agencies are eligible to apply for funding.  

DEEL intends to fund a maximum of 18 proposals from a diverse group of applicants with awards between $30,000 - $80,000 per year for a maximum of $90,000 - $240,000 for three (3) years. Successful applicants will receive 3 years of funding for summer programming. Summer programs must take place for at least four (4) consecutive weeks and no longer than eight (8) weeks between late June and end of August, each year of this RFI, for at least twenty (20) hours per week. 

Types of programs that can be funded:

DEEL is prioritizing programs that serve students furthest away from educational justice and those most in need of additional support. Applicants are encouraged to coordinate with schools in their community on program design and recruitment.  Applicants may submit proposals for summer programming in one of three areas:   

• Academic Learning providing additional academic instruction, accelerated learning, or cross-curricular/project-based learning supporting academic outcomes in one or more content areas.
• 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 and post-secondary planning, project-based learning, career fairs, site visits, 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 high quality 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. Program proposals must be at least $30,000 - $80,000 per year for a maximum of $90,000 - $240,000 for three (3) years. If desired, organizations operating multiple programs may submit more than one proposal.   

Timeline*:

To be considered for funding, eligible applicants must submit an RFI application by 11:59 pm, Wednesday, March 20, 2024. DEEL will notify successful applicants by Friday, April 12, 2024.  

*Dates subject to change.

How to Apply:

Important Update: Change in Application Process – from email submission to online application portal 

There is a significant change in the DEEL RFI application process: applications may ONLY be submitted to DEEL by using Submittable, an online application portal.  

All applicants must complete the online application via Submittable using the Online Application Link below.  

• New users will be required to create a free Submittable account.

• The application portal allows users to save progress on their draft applications prior to submitting. Incomplete or late applications will not be accepted after the deadline. The portal automatically closes on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, by 11:59 pm.

• Applicants can expect to receive a confirmation email from Submittable after the application is submitted.

• Submittable works best on Google Chrome, Firefox, and Safari. Internet Explorer is not supported.

Click on the links below to learn more about the application process and access the online application portal in addition to information and resources that will assist you in completing your application.  

All materials and updates to the RFI are available on DEEL’s Funding Opportunities webpage. DEEL will not provide individual notice of changes, and applicants are responsible for regularly checking the webpage for any updates, clarifications, or amendments. DEEL will not provide individual notice of changes, and applicants are responsible for regularly checking the webpage for any updates, clarifications, or amendments.

How to submit questions:

For Technical Questions related to using Submittable: 

• Check the Submitter Resource Center  
• Send questions to Submittable Customer Support and by email to deelfunding@seattle.gov with the Subject line: Submittable Question Summer Learning Program RFI.

For Questions related to the Summer Learning Program RFI: 

• Submit questions about this RFI via email to DEELFunding@seattle.gov and include “Question Summer Learning Program RFI” in the subject line. Please allow three (3) business days for answers to submitted questions.