Seattle's schools are changing — here's who's behind it

2025 marks the 30th anniversary of the Alliance for Education, Seattle's local education foundation.

The story: Since 1995, the Alliance for Education has partnered with Seattle Public Schools, uniting community leadership and private resources to support students, families and educators.

• What began as a collaboration between three education-focused organizations has grown into a driving force for equity, investing in both funding and impactful programming to strengthen Seattle's public schools.
• Guided by a mission to advance educational justice and racial equity, the Alliance works to ensure that every student feels a sense of belonging, receives a high-quality education, and reaches their full potential.

Why it's important: Seattle's public education system yields some of the most positive outcomes in the nation, yet it still grapples with systemic inequities that disproportionately affect students of color and those experiencing poverty.

• By breaking down barriers and creating pathways to success, the Alliance has shaped countless futures and strengthened Seattle's public education system.

How it's done: Unlike many local education foundations around the country, the Alliance for Education is more than a fundraising arm. It is a strategic partner driving long-term impact.

• As a convener and connector, the Alliance channels financial resources, educator recruitment and training, classroom materials and community support directly into Seattle's public schools.
• "That kind of support is not accidental or happenstance, it was intentionally and strategically designed in 1995 to be a powerful vehicle for change to invest in and support our city's public schools and continues to be a strong agent of positive change today," said Jon Bridge, one of the Alliance for Education's founding board members and past chairs.

The impact: The Alliance for Education has raised and invested $200 million in Seattle students and families, and supported programs, including…

• The Seattle Teacher Residency, which has recruited and prepared 265 educators to teach in Seattle Public Schools' Title I schools.
• The Right Now Needs Fund, which distributed $6 million the past five years to students and families to cover basic needs, including clothing, food and school supplies so they can focus on learning in the classroom.
• The Office of African American Male Achievement (AAMA), which launched with support from Alliance-raised funds. AAMA cultivates the strengths of Black boys and teens, drives systemic change in the district, equips staff with professional development and provides students with targeted resources and programming.

• Educator and School Awards, which recognizes and honors Seattle Public Schools principals and school staff who are advancing racial equity with three different awards and grants each year.

In other words: The Alliance for Education has been a catalyst for progress, helping nurture Seattle Public Schools into a vibrant system of opportunity and equity.

Looking ahead: Now more than ever, public education needs community members from all sectors. Supporting students today means investing in the future of Seattle and democracy itself.

• "Seattle Public Schools' advancement in equity leads the way, ahead of nearly every other urban school district from coast to coast," says Dr. Brent Jones, Seattle Public Schools superintendent. "The Alliance is a proven, essential partner as we garner community buy-in for the successes of our district."

Get involved: Help the Alliance for Education build a brighter future for Seattle's students by making a donation or attending the Pearl Gala, Auction + After Party on April 25.

Explore the Alliance for Education's impact.