PHOTO: Fahren Johnson, GTCF Program Manager, with Expanded Learning Coordinators




Students at 12 Tacoma elementary schools will have access to new expanded learning opportunities on their campuses this school year thanks to a unique Whole Child partnership between Tacoma Public Schools, Greater Tacoma Community Foundation, and many local youth-serving organizations.      

Five local organizations received grants to hire Expanded Learning Coordinators for on-site work at the 12 elementary schools.  The Coordinators will serve as liaisons between schools and the on-site expanded learning program providers, managing logistics, sharing data, and connecting students to learning opportunities.   

Students at these schools will be able to select from a range of programs including visual and performing arts, dance, coding, STEM, and sports. Opportunities for mentorship and academic support will be available as well. 

 
 
PHOTO: Diversity of Tacoma Chalk Art Contest via Friends of the Foss 

A desire to activate the Thea Foss Waterway by creating events and experiences that focus on diversity, inclusion and youth led GTCF Spark Grant recipients Amber Monson and Ian Wilkinson to develop the Diversity of Tacoma Chalk Art Contest.  

Coupled with the Waterway's Summer Concert Series, the art contest is bringing a new energy and vitality to an area that has traditionally been seen as exclusive to boaters.  



PHOTO: Members of the Youth Philanthropy Board

Greater Tacoma Community Foundation's Youth Philanthropy Board (YPB) awards grants annually to quality programs and organizations that provide youth opportunities to learn, engage, and lead. This year, 11 local organizations received funding.
The YPB believes self-esteem, empowerment, and healthy choices are vital elements for youth because these are critical in helping youth navigate complex transitions to adulthood, career, and life success. Programs receiving grants support these skills, create opportunities for youth to have leadership roles within programming, and value youth voice and youth feedback by developing a platform where program structure and activities are influenced by youth.
PHOTO: Adrea Levere , President, Prosperity Now via South Sound Business, at GTCF's offices

East Tacoma celebrated the opening of a new bank in the Salishan neighborhood last month. In partnership with Tacoma Housing Authority, the new branch of Heritage Bank will offer a Children's Savings Account program. Andrea Levere, president of Prosperity Now, joined community leaders at GTCF's offices on opening day to share national context for the innovative program.
 
South Sound Business reporter Zoe Branch attended the meeting at GTCF's offices. In the article linked below, Zoe wrote, "Research shows that low-income children with savings accounts starting at a young age are three times more likely to go to college and four times more likely to graduate. In Salishan, one of the lowest income neighborhoods in America, 65.8% of the children live below the federal poverty line.  The Children's Savings Account program for Salishan children will provide seed money to start accounts and match contributions for families. The accounts provided through Heritage Bank can ideally help them learn positive money habits early in life, which can make a huge impact down the road."

PHOTO: In Our Backyard - A Community Conversation on Homelessness, Patty Ramos Photography


Every month, GTCF talks with organizers of events posted on our  Community Calendar to find out what happened and what they learned. 
In this edition, Roni Chelben - City of Tacoma Artist in Residence shares about her experience putting together  In Our Backyard, a traveling series of community events that utilizes various arts and participatory experiences to bring people together for a conversation about homelessness. 
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