Sundborg Center for Community Engagement
ANNUAL REPORT 2023
CO
NNECTING
CAMPUS COMMUNITY AND
Since 2004
THE SUNDBORG CENTER FOR COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Pursuing Transformation
3
Our Transformative Vision
4
Transformative Leadership
5
Seattle University Youth Initiative
6
Community Engaged Learning
8
Systems Change
10
Community Profiles
12
Growth Mindset
14
Connect with Us: cce@seattleu.edu 206-296-2569 900 12th Ave, SINE 140, Seattle, WA 98122-1090 www.seattleu.edu/cce
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ABOUT THE SUNDBORG CENTER FOR COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT The Sundborg Center for Community Engagement (CCE) connects campus and community through programs and partnerships that align with Seattle University’s values and strategic goals. Inspired by the university’s Jesuit, Catholic ethos, CCE strives to lead as an anti-racist organization working toward a 2030 place-based vision that leverages the university’s resources to advance justice, remove institutional barriers and educate changemakers.
PURSUING TRANSFORMATION Dear Friends and Supporters of the Sundborg Center, Many of us have probably experienced it at some point in our lives—a dramatic shift in perspective that leads us to pursue a more compassionate and just world. Sometimes these transformational experiences occur all at once, sometimes they happen over time. My most significant experience of transformation occurred during my years as an undergraduate student when I led a mentoring program that connected my peers with elementary and middle school students. Through the experience I discovered my life’s work, which I continue to pursue today. I had been transformed. Personal transformation like what I experienced so many years ago is essential to addressing the challenges we face today, such as climate change, racial injustice and economic inequality. Yet, individual transformation alone is not enough to address these intractable issues. We must also pursue transformation of our organizations and systems. Individual, organizational, and systemic transformation is central to the Sundborg Center’s place-based 2030 vision to advance justice, remove institutional barriers and educate changemakers. This report showcases how we put this vision into action by: • Partnering with faculty to engage thousands of Seattle University students in courses that seek to understand and address Seattle’s social and environmental challenges. • Pursuing expansive educational experiences for hundreds of central Seattle Pre-K to 12th grade scholars through the Seattle University Youth Initiative. • Mobilizing dozens of campus and community partners to reimagine Seattle University’s curriculum and community impact through a major expansion of community engaged learning. • Catalyzing efforts toward systems change through partnerships with schools, community leaders, neighborhood businesses and residents. Our partnerships with people like you are what drive our success. Thank you for believing in the power of transformation through collective action. We still have so much more work to do. We appreciate the opportunity to share this journey with you. With gratitude,
Kent Koth Executive Director, Sundborg Center for Community Engagement
CCE Annual Report 2023 / 3
OUR TRANSFORMATIVE VISION By 2030, we will transform Seattle University’s relationship with central Seattle by expanding trusting partnerships and deepening learning to advance justice, remove institutional barriers and educate change makers. We will accomplish this through three primary goals:
GOAL
Seattle University Youth Initiative
#1
By 2030, Seattle University and its community partners will provide a Seattle University Youth Initiative (SUYI) pathway of support for 1,000 neighborhood youth and their families. As a result, neighborhood scholars will have an increased sense of belonging and more confidence in their ability to thrive in their academic careers. Additionally, caregivers will have a deeper sense of belonging and greater confidence in how to support the academic careers of their scholars. Finally, 40 neighborhood scholars will be pursuing their undergraduate degrees at Seattle University.
GOAL
#2
Community Engaged Learning (CEL)
GOAL
Systems Change
By 2030, all Seattle University students will have a high-quality community engaged learning experience. As a result, Seattle University students will feel better connected to the community and have an enriched SU experience. Additionally, the retention and graduation rates of Seattle University students will increase. Finally, our graduates will be even more prepared to positively contribute to the workforce and lead for a just and humane world.
#3
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By 2030, Seattle University will be a hub for campus and community leaders to incubate and implement solutions to the complex challenges facing Seattle. As a result, dozens of campus departments will work alongside local residents, institutions and organizations through long-term, reciprocal partnerships. Additionally, Seattle University’s local and national reputation for high-quality academics grounded in solving real world issues will increase.
TRANSFORMATIVE LEADERSHIP
To pursue our 2030 vision and goals requires thoughtful leaders working together as a team. We are pleased to introduce our seasoned and dedicated CCE leadership team who are serving in new roles and making big strides to pursue our vision and goals.
Emily Bergstrom, Director of Development
LaKesha Kimbrough, Senior Director Seattle University Youth Initiative
As an 80% gift—and grant—funded organization, obtaining and accelerating philanthropic support is paramount to CCE’s success. Emily shares the stories and impact of our community-connected campus with wonderful supporters who continue the tradition of giving back.
Holding and guiding the many moving parts of the Youth Initiative takes mindful presence and strategic initiative. LaKesha leads a team of dedicated CCE staff who walk alongside neighborhood scholars and families to support their journey of discovery and transformation.
Cecilia Morales, PhD, Senior Director Campus and Community Partnerships
Jaime Macadangdang, Senior Director of Operations
Creating transformative learning opportunities requires equitable partnerships and the expertise of hundreds of community leaders and faculty members. Cecilia and her team build relationships on and off campus to support sustainable courses, programs and projects that address community-identified needs and priorities.
By employing thoughtful policies, processes and tools, our finance, communication, administration and data systems can support our important work. Jaime and her team make this possible by managing the operational infrastructure of all our activities.
CCE Annual Report 2023 / 5
SEATTLE UNIVERSITY YOUTH INITIATIVE (SUYI) Since 2011, the Sundborg Center for Community Engagement has facilitated the Seattle University Youth Initiative (SUYI). Focusing on 100 square blocks in neighborhoods adjacent to campus, SUYI unites SU faculty, staff and students with youth, families, caregivers, educators and partners to co-create a “cradle to career” pathway that enhances neighborhood scholars’ academic achievement and successful pursuit of post-secondary opportunities.
SUYI’s Three Pillars SUCCESSFUL CHILDREN & YOUTH
ENGAGED CAMPUS
THRIVING COMMUNITIES
Through dozens of campus and community partnerships, SUYI provides youth and families with a pathway of support for youth to succeed in school and pursue their college and career goals.
SUYI provides the SU community— students, faculty, staff and alumni alike—with opportunities to lead a just and humane world.
SUYI’s holistic approach includes partnering with neighborhood-based organizations and community leaders to support stable affordable housing, access to health care, safe neighborhoods and living-wage jobs.
A FORMULA FOR SUCCESS IN EDUCATIONAL JUSTICE
“We have a powerful opportunity to reimagine how we accomplish education in America and how we engage with these communities in order to actually improve their learning and related opportunities. We have to remember that the answers to challenges can be found in the communities in which the challenges exist.” Dr. Richard Milner Washington Middle School scholars connect with SU student mentors at the RAMP program.
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Seattle University College of Education Boeing Distinguished Scholar and Professor of Leadership, Policy & Organizations at Vanderbilt Peabody College
RESULTS DRIVEN SUYI PROGRAMS
In 2022-2023, SUYI engaged a total of 606 neighborhood Pre-K to 12th grade scholars in academic enrichment and mentoring, in-class teaching assistance, youth leadership development, college readiness support, family engagement and preschool education. This includes 300 students at Bailey Gatzert Elementary School, 117 at Washington Middle School, 45 at Garfield High School and 135 at five early learning centers.
EARLY LEARNING AND FAMILY ENGAGEMENT
JUMPSTART
CCE’s Early Learning staff partners with families, teachers, administrators and care providers to ensure children, birth to age five, are ready to flourish in kindergarten. CCE’s Family Engagement staff works with families to foster inclusion and support so families and scholars can thrive.
The CCE Jumpstart Program recruits and trains SU students to support preschool children in underserved communities.
• CCE and Communities of Rooted Brilliance helped 36 families receive home visits to support Pre-K readiness. 89% of caregivers reported an increased frequency of engagement with their children. • Family Engagement connected with more than 300 individuals, 75 families and 20 school and communitybased organization staff.
BAILEY GATZERT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
• 41 SU students worked with 135 Pre-K scholars across five Jumpstart sites within the SUYI area. • CCE staff secured new classrooms at the Denise Louie Early Childhood Education Center and confirmed high SU student retention for the 2023-24 academic year.
41 SU
Students
WASHINGTON MIDDLE SCHOOL The Redhawk Room/RAMP at Washington Middle School (WMS) works alongside scholars and families to provide educational support both during and after school. Seattle University students offer social-emotional and academic mentoring, support teachers, build authentic relationships and promote educational justice. • The majority of Washington Middle School's RAMP scholars showed a seven-point increase in reading and a three-point increase in math on state Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) testing between fall 2022 and spring 2023 exams.
CCE’s Redhawk Academic Mentoring Programs (RAMP) at Bailey Gatzert Elementary (BGE) partners with teachers, school administrators and staff to provide students and families with academic support, social-emotional learning (SEL) and enrichment activities. A central focus of CCE’s partnership with Bailey Gatzert is supporting a positive school climate. In 2022-2023, the school experienced significant improvement in its climate indicators, including a 20% increase in families sharing that the school emphasizes college and career readiness.
CHANGE MAKERS CCE’s new cohort-based program supports the academic aspirations of a 15-20 scholar cohort among 8th to 12th graders through tutoring and mentoring connections, test preparation, personal awareness and commitment to a full tuition scholarship to SU.
275% Growth
• In 2022-2023, the program grew 275%—from eight to 30 scholars—and hosted a Change Makers Summit in May. CCE Annual Report 2023 / 7
COMMUNITY ENGAGED LEARNING ( CEL ) Seattle University has a reputation for students learning about real world issues through hundreds of community engaged learning (CEL) courses that support dozens of community organizations. Building upon this strength, the university’s strategic plan calls for a dramatic expansion of these courses that pursue deep student learning experiences and significant community impact. This year, as part of SU’s Revise & Reimagine the Curriculum initiative— Goal 1 of the Reignited Strategic Directions—CCE co-organized a working group of faculty, staff and community partners to develop recommendations for making CEL part of the education of all SU graduates. One of the working group’s recommendations is to support academic departments interested in establishing CEL as a centerpiece of their students’ academic studies. In response, CCE awarded eight $10,000 planning grants to academic departments to support their pursuit of this effort. These include:
• Art, Art History & Design and Film & Media • Biology • Communication & Media • Kinesiology • Mechanical Engineering • Nonprofit Leadership • Public Affairs • Social Work
“Research shows students who participate in community engaged learning courses report deeper learning, engagement with diverse communities and greater confidence in their skills. Ultimately, it makes the students more likely to become civically engaged.” Kent Koth, CCE Executive Director
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CCE Faculty Seminars.
In addition to the planning grants, CCE staff will support the departments and interdisciplinary collaboratives as they develop long-term reciprocal partnerships with local organizations. “Everything we do starts with listening to the community’s needs,” says Cecilia Morales, PhD, Senior Director of Campus and Community Partnerships at CCE.
In addition to the innovation arising from academic departments, more faculty are responding to the call to design and offer community engaged learning courses. Here are few examples of faculty innovation:
Casey Watkins, PhD, Kinesiology During winter quarter, Assistant Teaching Professor Casey Watkins taught KINE 3200: Exercise Programming. Partnering with Washington Middle School’s basketball teams, SU students worked to develop customized training and injury prevention exercises for players. Dr. Watkins developed this course after meeting with school representatives and noting the alignment of their goals for athletes with the learning objectives of her course. This year, Dr. Watkins is participating in CCE’s Community Engaged Learning Faculty Fellowship Program. Through a CCE grant, she will lead an effort to integrate CEL throughout the Kinesiology department’s curriculum.
Alexander Johnston, PhD, Film Production This year, Assistant Professor Alexander Johnston, taught a CEL class on filmmaking that produced promotional documentaries for local organizations like Kandelia, SCIDpda and For All. Reflecting on this course, Dr. Johnston observed “Community engaged learning offers my students a vital opportunity for professional development through real-world experience in the area of client-based media production. More importantly, it exposes them to Seattle communities beyond those found on the SU campus and offers them opportunities to experience the deep and vital work of mutual aid and the powerful role that media can play as a tool for social change.”
FACULTY CEL WORKSHOP SERIES DEBUTS SPRING 2023 In Spring 2023, CCE debuted a four-part faculty workshop series on the foundations of CEL. Each session was co-hosted by Associate Clinical Professor Rebecca McNamara, PhD (Matteo Ricci) and Senior Director of Campus and Community Partnerships Cecilia Morales, PhD (CCE). Dr. McNamara and Dr. Morales guided faculty participants through the foundational pedagogy, educating through and for critical, anti-oppressive community engagement learning, developing equitable CEL partnerships and designing effective reflection and assessment strategies with CEL in mind. • More than 25 faculty attended the series, with attendees representing 5 out of 6 schools and colleges at SU. • More than 91% of attendees said they felt the series positively impacted their ability to develop and maintain equitable partnerships that will enhance their students’ education.
CCE Annual Report 2023 / 9
SYSTEMS CHANGE
Faculty gather at LEN's Fall Quarter Fellows Workshop.
THE LEARNING FOR EQUITY NETWORK The Learning for Equity Network (LEN), launched through a partnership between the CCE and the Seattle University College of Education, is a transformative force in elementary education, advocating for culturally responsive instruction and educational justice. This partnership, comprised of College of Education faculty, Seattle Public School educators, and community partners, empowers teachers in central and south Seattle elementary schools. Their mission: addressing equitable math education issues exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. By integrating culturally responsive teaching methods and involving families in culturally aligned math activities, LEN has witnessed a remarkable transformation, increasing student engagement and comprehension. “It’s more engaging,” noted 4th-grade teacher and LEN Fellow Lologo Lologo. “Students who rarely participate in math class now have an entry point and access to math problems. My English Language Learners can communicate and feel like they belong.” LEN’s journey continues as they strive for a justice-centered approach. Their vision centers on professional development evolving into collaborative, holistic professional learning, where educators regularly reflect and analyze. This approach fosters innovation in connecting with and building upon students’ identities, experiences, cultures, and languages to enhance student learning and success. For more on LEN’s journey and impact, visit learningforequity.org.
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NEW
SUPPLIER
DIVERSIFICATION PROGRAM
The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated challenges facing central Seattle BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color)-owned businesses that were already struggling because of the rapid gentrification of neighborhoods. In response to this crisis, in 2020 Seattle University attained a grant from the JPMorgan Chase Foundation to increase the diversity of its suppliers to move toward a more sustainable, equitable and inclusive local economy. The new Supplier Diversification Program helped make possible new university policies, while pursuing campus-wide outreach, enhancing the procurement data and tracking system and supporting local small businesses to increase procurement spending with diverse business enterprises (DBEs). A university team from CCE, the Albers School of Business and Economics, the Procurement Office and the Office of Diversity and Inclusion partnered to pursue this university-wide effort. Since its inception in 2020, the program has attained promising initial results including a 400% increase in purchasing from Black-owned businesses and a 94% increase in purchasing from all DBEs. While we are excited about our progress, we have ambitious plans to further align this program with SU’s mission and its way of doing business.
200
$3.6M
$3.5M
$3.5M
DBE Categories $3.0M 150
n Black Owned Business n Indigenous Owned Business
$2.5M
n LGBTQIA+ Owned Business n Multiple Diverse Categories
$2.1M
$2.0M 100
n Other POC Owned Business $1.8M
$1.8M
$1.5M
n Service Disabled VOSB n Veteran Owned Business n Women Owned Business
$1.0M 50
$0.5M
0.0M
0
nineteeen twenty twenty 2019 2020 2021 1 twenty 2022 2 twenty 2023 3
CCE Annual Report 2023 / 11
COMMUNITY PROFILES BLACK COMMUNITY IMPACT ALLIANCE Looking to amplify and support community-led efforts, CCE is a proud partner of the Black Community Impact Alliance (BCIA). BCIA is a group of cooperating organizations serving the Black Community in WesternWashington. BCIA’s scope includes all elements impacting the well-being of the Black Community such as health, education, jobs, housing, technology, safety, art, criminal justice, economic development and the environment. Since its inception in 2014, BCIA has been an essential partner in advising and guiding the university, including the development of the Youth Initiative, community engaged learning partnerships and efforts to purchase goods and services from local Black-owned businesses. In turn, CCE and the university strive to amplify BCIA’s mission and purpose.
FREE FOOD FOR ALL Free Food For All (For All) focuses on the recovery and redistribution of food resources to reduce waste and uplift the community. This past year, CCE mobilized students enrolled in community engaged learning courses to support For All by creating short documentary films about the organization’s Free Burrito Project and supporting its marketing and communication efforts. “I really enjoy meeting students and getting to know them personally and seeing how they work together as a team,” says For All Co-Director Annalise Stelzer, “We look forward to continuing to engage with students and professors through class-based projects that will mutually benefit For All and the students on their learning journey.” In addition to benefiting SU students and For All, this partnership amplifies SU’s social and environmental justice efforts inspired by the Laudato Si’ initiative. Laudato Si’ was an encyclical from Pope Francis in 2015 to confront climate change, consumerism and social injustice.
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STUDENT PROFILES AWARD-WINNING DEDICATION
SENIOR SPOTLIGHT CCE
Christina Beavers, ’24
Isaiah Payne, ’23
Isaiah Payne’s time on the SU campus brought many opportunities for community building. A winner of the Eddie O’Brien Student-Athlete of the Year award, Isaiah majored in Business Management, participated in track and field and mentored youth at Washington Middle School through Seattle University Youth Initiative (SUYI) programs. Reflecting on his role as a mentor, Isaiah shares, “I wanted to stand out and be myself and be someone special that other people could look up to. My journey was about making sure that I impacted other people’s lives for the better.” Isaiah credits SUYI with providing a bridge for him to create community, especially as an international student. “I wouldn’t be who I am today without everyone who I’ve met … the impacts that everyone has had on me is unique in every way. My experience with the CCE has been amazing.”
Tristan Huerta, ’26
In April, students Christina Beavers and Tristan Huerta received the 2023 Washington Campus Coalition’s President’s and Chancellor’s Student Civic Leadership awards. The awards recognize outstanding student leaders at Washington Campus Coalition member campuses for their work in civic engagement and social entrepreneurship. Christina, a Psychology student who works with CCE’s Change Makers program, was recognized for her passion and work for educational justice and student-driven advocacy. Tristan, an Albers student who mentors scholars at Washington Middle School, was recognized for the immense care and diligence he brings not only to his work with youth but also to his education and passion for improving financial literacy for youth and others.
SHOWCASING STUDENT SUCCESS In the spring, CCE’s Student Showcase returned after a hiatus during the pandemic. This festive event celebrated students’ successes and accomplishments. During the showcase, dozens of students shared stories, smiles and some happy tears.
Sarah Hernandez-Torres, Gia Ledesma, LaKesha Kimbrough and SU student Sawyer Laine, ’25.
CCE Annual Report 2023 / 13
GROWTH MINDSET: ADVANCING OUR 2030 VISION We are excited to report another year of strong support from our amazing donors. Since CCE is 80% grant and gift-funded, with only 20% of its funding from Seattle University, we deeply appreciate the passionate people who support our work and believe in our mission. We are grateful to so many of our funders who give not only their financial resources but also their personal time to support programs for SU students and local scholars. As we look to the year ahead, we remain committed to fiscal prudence to ensure sustainability and high-quality programs and partnerships between our campus and communities. Thank you again to the many donors who support our work. Your partnership means the world to us. Eduardo Peñalver, Susan Yang and Jim Sinegal
“I support CCE because I admire and respect its deep connection and commitment to its own neighborhood. It is in this very neighborhood that SU works to achieve its mission to educate leaders for a just and humane world.” Maureen Lee, Seattle University supporter OUR FINANCES AT A GLANCE Here’s a look at what it takes to propel the Sundborg Center for Community Engagement.
CCE Expenses: $3.3M Operations $664,638 20%
CCE Revenue: $3.3M Seattle U Youth Initiative $1,205,038 36%
Systems Change $669,233 21% Campus and Community Partnerships $748,076 23%
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University $258,943 8% Individuals $1,948,867 59%
Government $253,206 8%
Corporations and Foundations $835,971 25%
2023 CCE STAFF RA
D U AT I N
G Janae Theodore, ’23
2022 – 2023 Professional Staff
Professional Staff Sabrina Alex, ’21 Nakiya Baker, ’19 Hayley Beaver, ’21 Emily Bergstrom Michelle Cruver Sarah Hernandez-Torres, ’21 LaKesha Kimbrough Kent Koth Gia Ledesma Robin Lesh Jaime Macadangdang Cecilia Morales Aileah Slepski Makaelah Smith, ’18 Nicholas Stubbs Lauren Thurlow, ’18, ’21 Lupita Torrez Dale Yee Post-Graduate Shinnyo-En Fellow
G
CCE STUDENT STAFF
Sundborg Center Advisory Board Members Evelyn Allen Rod Brandon James Bush Dwane Chappelle Val Gorder Rodney Hines Jaime Lee Isabel Muñoz-Colón Eduardo Peñalver Susan Yang Fund Development Advisors Carol Ann Barnickol, ’64 Gretchen Brennan Sean Brennan Laury Bryant Val Gorder Maureen Lee Katie Renschler, ’96 Ruth Tressel
GRADUATING CENTER STAFF Janae Theodore, ’23 In June, CCE bid farewell to dozens of graduating students who contributed to connecting SU to our local community. One of these students, Janae Theodore, served as a CCE Student Office Assistant during all four years of her undergraduate studies in the College of Nursing. From welcoming guests, to assisting with financial tracking, to helping CCE connect with students during COVID, to supporting CCE’s move into the new Sinegal building, Janae has been an instrumental part of the CCE team. As she heads into Oncology Nursing at Virginia Mason Medical Center, Janae expresses gratitude for her time on the CCE team. “The CCE staff always cheered me on and supported my goals, but more importantly, cared for me as a person, beyond a student employee.”
Gelsey Bell Manipon, ’22 Graduate Assistant Britta McClure, ’24 CCE Annual Report 2023 / 15
SUNDBORG CENTER FOR COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT