United Way of King County is deeply concerned about recent federal government cuts to education, particularly in the wake of the recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling that the White House could move forward with laying off more than 1,300 staff at the U.S. Education Department. 

Education is one of the pillars of United Way’s work.  From our ParentChild+ program for early learners to the afterschool programs offered by the United Way-funded Racial Equity Coalition to our Bridge to Finish program that helps college students graduate, we are committed to fostering pathways for learning from preschool to post-secondary education. 

The Supreme Court ruling follows executive orders that have targeted funding to after-school programs, K-12 education, and colleges and Universities. United Way believes that the Supreme Court’s decision may have a negative impact on education in our country for years to come. 

“This decision is devastating,” said Joy Sebe, United Way director of education strategies. “The Department of Education supports over 7 million students with disabilities, tens of millions of low-income families via financial assistance programs, awards over $120 billion a year in federal student aid to over 13 million students, and distributes $100 billion in funding to schools, making up 11% of all school funding nationwide. The states cannot step in to fill those gaps. Without a strong education system, our nation’s economic stability will suffer.” 

United Way believes that education is a gateway out of poverty, but the odds are often stacked against students—especially students of color—from the start. We believe that income, ZIP code, and race shouldn’t influence success in school. But right now, they do. With our community-wide network of education programs, we aim to challenge the barriers created by systemic racism and set students up for educational success. 

Our work includes advocacy for programs like High School Reengagement and the Racial Equity Coalition to create communities of belonging for youth. From celebrating cultural identity to providing after-school programs that address the uniqueness and challenges of being a student of color, our investments in our community partners allow them to support youth in earning a high school credential and planning for their future.  

“We have invested in community-based organizations via the Racial Equity Coalition that help students of color connect and thrive in school,” Sebe said. “The education system was already underfunded and not effectively serving English language learners, students with disabilities, and low-income students. The coalition members have been filling these gaps by helping families access services in school. Now, more than ever, we must invest in education and our students and our communities so they can survive these attacks on their civil rights.”