Seattle University Youth Initiative

The Seattle University Youth Initiative (SUYI) unites the university and our local community. Launched in 2011, SUYI unites the university with the City of Seattle, the Seattle Housing Authority, Seattle Public Schools, dozens of community-based organizations, and hundreds of residents to create a “cradle to career” pathway of support for children and their families living in a two-square mile neighborhood adjacent to campus.

Three Pillars of SUYI

Female Scholar laughing blue hijab male mentor red lanyard

Successful Children and Youth

Through campus and community partnerships, SUYI provides youth and families a pathway of support for youth to succeed in school and pursue their college and career goals. When families are engaged in their child’s school experiences, children often show improved performance in all grade levels regardless of a family’s background or socioeconomic status.

WMS High Five Event 2023

Engaged Campus

SUYI provides the Seattle University community — students, faculty, staff and alumni alike — with opportunities to lead a just and humane world. Through community engaged learning (CEL) opportunities, Seattle U students are introduced to the world around them, working in partnership and walking beside the community who are our neighbors. The process that makes CEL possible is also transformative for Seattle U faculty and staff.

Yesler Tour 2021

Thriving Communities

Seattle University is nestled in the midst of historic and dynamic neighborhoods, each of which has tremendous leaders who make Seattle a wonderful place to live, learn and serve. SUYI's holistic approach includes partnering with community-based organizations and community leaders to support stable and affordable housing, access to health care, safe neighborhoods and living-wage jobs.

SUYI Working Group

A working group comprised of local residents, education connectors, scholars, Seattle University faculty and staff gathered in 2023-24 to examine the current journey of the SUYI cradle to career pathway, generating ideas and goals for the future of SUYI. In support of pathways forward and a revised strategic plan, the working group debuted their recommendations at A Journey With SUYI event in April 2024.

Identify the look, feel and components of an educational pathway of support for Seattle University Youth Initiative (SUYI) scholars and families.

Possible Indicators:

  • Make transition support available (e.g., explore, identify, and share additional supports at different educational stages)
  • Identify point people for families to reach out to who are equipped to support family engagement

Define and describe the purpose of each SUYI partnership.

Possible Indicators:

  • Create a list of partner attributes to include (at least):
    o Partner name
    o Partner location
    o Organization name
    o How the partnership aligns with CCE mission and Youth Initiative goals

Define and measure the meaning of "success" for SUYI scholars and families.

Possible Indicators:

  • Use a survey tool and/or other feedback to measure key growth points related to:
    o Social-emotional development
    o College and career readiness
    o Academic development
    o Other as determined by Youth Initiative team, caregivers and scholars

Plan, implement and share with vested partners (e.g., families and community organizations) how SUYI intends to use feedback and other data.

Possible Indicator:

  • Feedback is made available internally and externally for the Youth Initiative's vested partners

Describe how SUYI is strengthening the connection between campus and the community.

Possible Indicators:

  • Include Youth Initiative Program and Site Managers to intentionally strengthen the connection between campus and community
  • Program and Site Managers work with Senior Directors of the Youth Initiative and Campus and Community Partnerships to establish protocol that enhances the community engaged learning experience for Seattle University students and SUYI programs

Since the inception of the Youth Initiative, Seattle University has pursued a collective impact strategy with dozens of community partners that is leading to positive results:

  • Advocating for early learning
  • Expanding after school and summer learning
  • Supporting classroom learning
  • Mobilizing mentors
  • Fostering family/caretaker engagement
  • Strengthening access to higher education