SYL Foundation grantee, 826 Seattle, a nonprofit writing and tutoring center, has won the prestigious 2011 National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Award. 826 Seattle Founder and Executive Director, Teri Hein, along with 826 student Meron Kasahun, accepted the award from First Lady Michelle Obama at the White House on November 2, 2011. About 500 nonprofit organizations across the country applied for the award. From that list, 50 finalists were selected and only 12 organizations received the award along with a $10,000 grant.
About the award: The National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Award is the Nation’s highest honor for out-of-school arts and humanities programs that celebrate the creativity of America’s young people, particularly those from underserved communities. This award recognizes and supports excellence in programs that open new pathways to learning, self-discovery, and achievement. For more, please visit: http://www.nahyp.org.
A Seattle Times article about 826 Seattle winning the award can be found at: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nicolebrodeur/2016713479_nicole08m.html.
SYL Foundation representatives attended a party on Saturday, November 19, 2011, to celebrate the award. Photos from the party are located in the photo gallery.
SYL Foundation is proud to support 826 Seattle with consecutive grants to operate college application personal statement writing assistance to high school seniors.