The Seattle Public Schools African American Male Achievement (AAMA) program is among the schools, districts and education programs across the country being awarded grants by Players Coalition for the 2020-2021 school year.
The nonprofit, founded by NFL players Anquan Boldin and Malcolm Jenkins, is donating $10,000 to AAMA, and $350,000 in funds nationwide, to help educators meet the continued needs of their students, even while facing greater challenges and financial strain related to COVID-19.
“Players Coalition’s continued investment in AAMA helps support the brilliance and excellence of Black boys and teens in Seattle Public Schools,” said Dr. Mia Williams, Chief of the Office of African American Male Achievement. “This latest grant will boost key initiatives that center and elevate the voice of our Black boys and teens as decision makers in transforming our school system.”
According to Williams, the Players Coalition grant funds will be used to provide extended learning time for individuals, and COVID-safe tutoring for African American Male students to supplement distance learning and bridge gaps, including for students who have limited to no access to vital learning technology at home.
“A lack of access to computers and internet serve as a barrier to learning to young people hungry for an education,” says Players Coalition Task Force member and former Seattle Seahawks player Doug Baldwin. “Disproportionately, the students most impacted are students of color.”
This year’s grant recipients are part of a larger, years-long initiative from the Players Coalition. Since 2019, the PC Charitable Foundation has awarded more than $675,000 in grant funds to schools throughout the country to address the digital divide by ensuring internet connectivity and access to STEAM education programming and technology.
