by Jessica Werner
YDEKC is thrilled to have received a continuation grant from Amazon for $50,000 to support YDEKC’s operations in support of Thriving Leaders, Thriving Organizations and Thriving Youth! This is our second grant from Amazon.
Amazon shares in YDEKC’s belief that young people deserve a rich eco-system of support around them to enable them on their chosen paths. YDEKC, and our Members, work towards increased access and opportunity to support thriving Black, Indigenous, and Youth of Color. Improved access to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) programming continues to be an emphasis for many of our Members. Amazon is investing in policy and practice to increase access to Computer Science education in the community – most recently through advocacy for a $3M Budget Proviso for the Seattle Colleges, which Amazon matched. This investment will help to support the implementation of SB5401 for Computer Science bachelor’s degrees offered at Community and Technical Colleges. This education pathway will be a critical opportunity for many young people who are finding inspiration, passion, and skills through STEM programming offered by local community-based organizations.
YDEKC’s more than 100 member organizations are well-positioned to supplement young people’s experiences in the K-12 system. Youth Development organizations are often better able than schools to provide culturally relevant programs that support their development through expanded learning programs focused on STEM, arts, other interest areas, mentoring, college access programs, and more. YDEKC helps our members focus on their well-being and skill-building to better support young people.
We are grateful to Amazon, and particularly to Taylor Hoang, for investing in YDEKC so that we can support thriving leaders, thriving organizations, and thriving youth!