At Neighborhood House, we see every day how investments in education create opportunities for young people and families. The City of Seattle’s Families, Education, Preschool, and Promise (FEPP) Levy makes those investments possible — supporting children and teens through programs we operate, like ParentChild+, and through opportunities across the city.
Now, with the renewal of the Levy (Proposition 1) on the ballot, Seattle voters have the chance to continue and expand this vital work.
What is the FEPP Levy?
Originally approved in 2018, the FEPP Levy funds education programs from preschool through postsecondary, with a focus on equity. It supports Black, Indigenous, immigrant, refugee, and low-income youth who face barriers to opportunity.
The Levy funds:
- Early learning and childcare to ensure children are kindergarten-ready
- K–12 academic, health, and mental health services that help students succeed in school
- Seattle Promise, providing free community college tuition, coaching, and career support for Seattle Public Schools graduates
The new renewal expands this work by adding:
- 800 new childcare slots (serving 1,400 children each year)
- 600 more preschool seats for a total of 3,100 annually
- Support for 5,000 childcare workers to help retain qualified teachers
- Ongoing academic and health care supports in K–12, including 29 School-Based Health Centers
By providing these opportunities, the Levy ensures that every student has the chance to succeed, regardless of background or income.
Stories of Impact
A Parent’s Persistence
When one mother saw how much her first child gained from our ParentChild+ program — confidence, curiosity, and a love of learning — she was determined to enroll her second child, who was showing signs of developmental delay. After many calls and follow-ups, her persistence paid off: her family rejoined the program and is now receiving the support they need to thrive.
A Family Finds Stability
When a refugee family from Afghanistan faced eviction after falling behind on rent, our Housing Advocacy team stepped in. Within days, they worked with the landlord to prevent the eviction and keep the family safely housed. That stability allowed the parents to focus on work and their children’s education — a reminder that when families are secure, kids can learn and grow.
These stories show the real-world impact of the Levy: opening doors, supporting families, and creating pathways for success.
The Bigger Picture
Investing in youth through programs like FEPP doesn’t just help individual students — it strengthens entire communities. Neighborhood House sees firsthand how Levy-supported programs reduce barriers, improve educational outcomes, and give young people the confidence and tools to achieve their goals.
As Shak, Director of Youth & Family Services, explains, FEPP funding has also played a vital role in supporting Neighborhood House’s youth development programs:
“Neighborhood House’s afterschool program, STUDIO, was supported by FEPP Levy funds from 2020 to 2021 through the Opportunity & Access strategy — a citywide effort focused on middle- and high-school students. This initiative emphasized 21st-century skill building, college and career readiness, and helping students stay engaged during school breaks.
We were one of 14 partner agencies — half led by leaders of color, with 80% BIPOC staff — working toward this shared mission. FEPP funds covered about 30% of our program’s operating costs, helping us continue our work in the High Point community, where 40 youth participated in mentoring, STEM learning, and social-emotional support.
These funds also made it possible to offer family engagement activities that connected youth and their elders, strengthening relationships across generations.”
You can learn more about this citywide collaboration at the Opportunity & Access page.
Learn More & Get Involved
To learn more about the FEPP Levy and the opportunities it funds, visit the City of Seattle’s FEPP Levy page.
Neighborhood House is proud to see our youth thrive through these programs and encourages families, community members, and supporters to explore the Levy’s impact and opportunities.