Dr. Chappelle of DEEL announces $1.5M in Grant Funding for Cultural Education and Leadership Opportunities

By Vaughn Williams

Today, Dr. Dwane Chappelle, Director of the Seattle Department of Education and Early Learning (DEEL), arrived at the Black Media Matters Studio to discuss the department's recent announcement of up to $1.5 million in grants for historically underserved youth.

According to Dr. Chappelle, DEEL moving with advice from the Equitable Communities Initiative is committed to investing in cultural education opportunities and community-based leadership. This initiative will be funded through the Youth Leadership and Cultural Education Request for Investment (RFI). Dr. Chappelle said this investment is dedicated to serving youth who have been slighted by systemic inequities. 

According to Dr. Chapelle, this increase in funding is important because "It's culture building, affirming folks' identity, and ultimately, closing race-based opportunity gaps. And allowing certain types of programming that is culturally relevant," 

DEEL also plans to fund programs that support educator diversity through the Educator Diversity RFI. Dr. Chappelle believes that diversity is important within the classroom and especially amongst educators. 

"For Black students, if from the age of kindergarten to third grade, if a black student sees a black teacher, or teacher that looks like them, they are 13% more likely to graduate from school on time," said Dr. Chappelle.

Dr. Chappelle also mentioned that Thursday, DEEL, in partnership with Public Health – Seattle & King County, will release Health Heros, a comic book for kids and families who are vaccine-hesitant. "Ultimately, it's helping families educate their kids about vaccinations and COVID-19. We're super excited about this comic book, and we encourage all families to check it out," said Dr. Chappelle.

To be considered for funding from the Youth Leadership and Cultural Education RFI, applicants must submit their application by 3 pm on Monday, May 16th, 2022. For more information, visit DEEL Cultural Education RFI. 

For consideration for the Educator Diversity RFI, applicants must submit their application by 3 pm on Monday, May 23rd, 2022. For more information, visit Educator Diversity RFI

To see Dr. Chappelle's full interview check out the video above.