NEWS GLEAMS | Back2School party in Be’er Sheva Park; Where to get energy and electric car discounts

Families earning up to 300% of the federal poverty level, or about $45,180 per year for an individual or $93,600 for a family of four, are eligible. The program is funded through Washington State’s general fund and offers a total of $45 million in reimbursements, making it one of the most generous programs of its kind in the country.

For details on eligibility and participating electric vehicle dealers, visit WAEVInstantRebates.org.

Homework helpers wanted to support literacy and learning among youth in Rainier Beach, South Park and High Point

The Seattle Public Library is looking for volunteers for its free tutoring service “Homework Help.”

The tutoring program has been in existence for more than 30 years and helps students in grades K-12 succeed academically. The program is offered at nine branches and is seeking volunteers, particularly at the Rainier Beach branch, as well as the South Park, High Point, Columbia and Lake City branches.

“During homework help sessions, volunteers help students with homework, play educational games, read to students, or work with them on academic worksheets,” the library said in a press release. “Volunteers work with students individually and in small groups. High school students can get help not only with academic subjects, but also with other important topics such as college essays.”

Volunteers are an important part of the program, helping students with their homework and study skills when Seattle Public Schools are in operation. The library is requesting volunteers for the school year from September 16, 2024 to June 12, 2025. Volunteer shifts typically last two hours, Monday through Thursday from 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

To apply, contact the library’s volunteer services coordinator at [email protected]. Potential volunteers must be at least 18 years old. The homework help program is now accepting applications for the upcoming school year, but volunteer applications are accepted year-round.

“Fluency in another language, particularly Amharic, Tigrinya, Somali, Oromo and Spanish, is also helpful,” the library said in a press release. “The majority of students participating in the program are youth of color, with 90% of students reporting that their parents speak a language other than English at home.”

“Volunteer tutors receive orientation and additional materials on working with youth and concepts such as social-emotional learning and growth mindset.”

Vee Hua – Translation (she/her) is a writer, filmmaker, and organizer with semi-nomadic leanings. Much of their work combines their metaphysical interests with their belief that art can positively transform the self and society. They are the Editor-in-Chief of REDEFINE, a long-time member of the Seattle Arts Commission, and a film educator at the interdisciplinary community center Northwest Film Forum, where they previously served as Executive Director and played a key role in making the space more welcoming and accessible to diverse audiences. After a recent stint as Interim Editor-in-Chief at South Seattle Emerald, they are beginning production on their feature film Reckless Spirits, a metaphysical, multilingual PoC buddy comedy. They hold a Master’s degree in Tribal Resource and Environmental Stewardship from the Department of American Indian Studies at the University of Minnesota, Duluth.

📸 Featured image: Double-Dutch jump rope, skateboarding lessons, haircuts, backpacks and school supplies were among the festivities at the Rainier Beach Action Coalition’s Back2School Bash 2023. This year, the community event will take place at Be’er Sheva Park. (Photo: Susan Fried)

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