SOUTHEAST SEATTLE EDUCATION COALITION
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Mission Statement
SESEC's mission is to convene and resource communities of color to advocate for an equitable education system.
About This Cause
Advocates for Justice in Education SESEC is a coalition of more than 50 community-based organizations, schools and parents/caregivers working together to advocate for educational justice in Southeast Seattle. We believe that a just and equitable education system will only be achieved through a collective voice – one that centers BIPOC communities and those who are most often missing from these conversations. SESEC was founded in 2012 in response to a study showing Southeast Seattle schools’ low performance. Not willing to let students miss the opportunities they deserve, SESEC members fight everyday for equitable educational policies for our children, families, and the Southeast Seattle community. SESEC's focus is laser-sharp, concentrated within the boundaries of Southeast Seattle, encompassing Rainier Valley and Beacon Hill. This region stands out as one of Seattle's most diverse, both economically and culturally, with a population of 104,344 residents, 61% of whom identify as non-white. The median income ranges from $74,985 to $94,790, yet a significant portion of families, between 7% and 15.5%, live below the Federal Poverty Level. Immigrant and refugee communities thrive here, comprising 32% of the population, with 35% of residents speaking a language other than English. Sadly, Southeast Seattle's schools face numerous challenges, evident in low test scores and graduation rates. Nearly half of Seattle's Title I (high-poverty) schools reside in this area, with a staggering 82% of schools being Title I. Additionally, while representing only 21% of all schools in the district, Southeast Seattle schools account for 55% of schools with Free and Reduced Lunch rates and have significantly higher English Language Learner rates compared to the district average. Our coalition, composed of representatives from various community sectors, works collaboratively to promote educational equity and secure additional resources for Southeast Seattle. We concentrate on early childhood and K-12 education, fostering relationships, and advocating for changes that advance the needs of students of color. However, SESEC cannot accomplish this alone. True progress requires the collective efforts of entire communities. Many underrepresented communities in Southeast Seattle lack the resources and expertise to advocate effectively for necessary changes. Without broad community advocacy, the status quo persists, perpetuating racialized achievement and opportunity gaps. SESEC strives to bridge this gap by bringing together community leaders, parents, educators, and scholars from diverse backgrounds. Our coalition centers on fostering solidarity and co-designing transformative pathways toward community-defined well-being and educational justice. Our programs aim to empower and engage community voices, develop leadership skills, and promote advocacy among members, including: Monthly coalition meetings to foster collaboration and dialogue on policy and funding issues within Seattle Public Schools. The Seeking Educational Equity and Diversity (SEED) Project, which examines root causes of inequality and fosters equity in workplaces and classrooms. Advocacy and Policy Cohorts (APC) to demystify educational policies and develop leadership skills among community leaders and parents. Data Cohorts Project workshops on data literacy and policy advocacy. The Youth Participatory Grantmaking Project, empowering high school students in community grant-making. The Family Navigators Project, supporting families in navigating their roles as stakeholders in school and neighborhood transformation. SESEC's role as the fiscal sponsor for the Southeast Seattle Schools Fundraising Alliance, working on equitable fundraising for Title I schools. Through these initiatives, SESEC has cultivated trust and relationships within Southeast Seattle, positioning us as catalysts for change. We believe that by empowering families as leaders and navigators, we can effect meaningful progress towards educational equity and justice in our schools and communities.