SPS Program Overview

In January 2000, the University of Washington/Office of Educational Partnerships and Learning Technologies launched a program to place a college student in each of Seattle's 97 public schools. These students contract with the schools to work approximately 10 hours per week from the start date through June of that academic year. During the pilot, seven schools were enrolled in the program. For autumn 2000, twenty-three schools participated and by spring 2001 we were serving approximately thirty schools. 100% of the schools and 75% of the students involved in the program during the 99/00 year renewed with the program for 00/01 (the remaining students graduated). The program continues to grow, with new schools being partnered with new students all the time.

Mission

• Provide K-12 schools with network support and computer consulting at an affordable cost (roughly $6,000 per technologist, per school, for one academic year);
• Create opportunities for college students to develop computing, networking, and consulting skills through practical experience;
• Help teachers incorporate technology into curricula for all K-12 students.