Nominate a Seattle Public Schools principal, educator, counselor or staff member that is advancing racial equity and educational justice for an award of up to $30,000 before the deadline of midnight on Friday, March 14, 2025.
The Alliance for Education, the local education fund for the Seattle Public School district, is marking 30 years of partnership and progress, having invested over $200M in students and families since 1995. To celebrate this milestone, the Alliance is awarding two $30,000 grants to exceptional principals and multiple $3,000 grants to dedicated educators, counselors, and staff members working to advance racial equity and educational justice in Seattle Public Schools.
With a total of over $90,000 in grants, these prestigious awards recognize the outstanding efforts of Seattle Public Schools staff who create inclusive and thriving learning environments for all students. The awards include:
- The Thomas B. Foster Award for Excellence – Two principals who have committed 3+ years to their schools will each receive a $30,000 grant and a surprise celebration. The award commemorates Thomas B. Foster, a prominent Seattle attorney who displayed a strong personal commitment to public education.
- The Philip B. Swain Excellence in Education Award – 8 teachers, counselors, or staff members working in grades 6-12 at a Title I school will receive $3,000 grants each. The award honors Mr. Philip B. Swain, a former teacher who was a passionate advocate for public education throughout his life.
- The Adrienne Weaver Science Teaching Award – Three science educators teaching grades K-8 at a Title I school will each be awarded $3,000 grants each. The award honors Ms. Adrienne Weaver, a former educator who had a love for teaching, science and a belief in hands-on learning.
“As we celebrate 30 years of impact, these $30,000 and $3,000 awards serve as a powerful recognition of the educators and leaders who make a difference every day for students,” says Yonas Fikak, Vice President of Impact at the Alliance for Education. “This funding directly supports those who go above and beyond to advance racial equity and educational justice in their classrooms and schools.”
For 30 years, these endowed and community-driven awards have provided school staff with additional funding beyond the traditional school budget, recognizing excellence and enhancing student support. Awardees are selected with an emphasis on community nominations, alongside a process that considers school-level data.
“Coming from a family of immigrants and many siblings, I know the hard work of equity and justice can’t be done alone. And so, to me, this award really shows that our Rising Star team comes together with teacher efficacy as we work on behalf of families and students,” says Huyen Lam, Principal at Rising Star Elementary School and 2024 Foster Award winner.
Award winners will be announced later this spring and recognized at the Alliance for Education Pearl Gala, Auction + After Party on Saturday, April 26, 2025.
Nominations are now open! Community members are encouraged to submit nominations for principals, educators, counselors, and school staff before the deadline of midnight on Friday, March 14, 2025.
About The Alliance for Education
The Alliance for Education is an independent, local education fund that has worked in partnership with Seattle Public Schools since 1995 to address crucial challenges facing Seattle students, families and educators. Our mission is to support excellence in education by advancing educational justice and racial equity for students in Seattle Public Schools. Our work is collaborative as we seek to address systemic inequities in public schools and create a more equitable and just education system that allows all Seattle students to thrive.