The Convening Seattle Community Luncheon is a timely gathering centered on one idea: when we stay the course and work together, lasting change is possible in our public schools.
The Alliance for Education invites you to this year’s Convening Seattle Community Luncheon, a timely gathering centered on one idea: when we stay the course and work together, lasting change is possible. The event is set for Wednesday, September 17, 2025 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Hyatt Regency Seattle (808 Howell St, Seattle, WA 98101).
Each year, the event raises critical funds to support the Alliance and Seattle Public Schools while fostering dialogue around some of the most pressing issues facing public education. In a time of shifting funding, growing uncertainty, and urgent need, our community must double down and stand united.
The public is invited to attend and should register ahead of time to reserve a seat. Registration will close Friday, September 5, 2025.
This year’s event will spotlight real-time bright spots from students and a principal in Seattle Public Schools—initiatives stewarded by the Alliance and fueled by community collaboration, philanthropic investment, and system-level innovation. Inspired by TED Talks and designed for dialogue, the program features short, bold presentations highlighting initiatives and pressing topics from the student perspective.
- Antonia Gray, Principal at John Stanford International School, spotlighting recruiting and retaining diverse teachers
- Camden Clayton, student at Mercer International Middle School, spotlighting racial discrimination and overcoming this oppression in school
- Shea Lawson, student at Mercer International Middle School, spotlighting rights and accessibility for students with disabilities
- Sam Pederson-Spaulding, student at Franklin High School, spotlighting support for trans and queer youth
Each of these topics reflects what becomes possible when funders, district leaders and educators align to create sustainable, student-centered impact. The event centers around four themes: collective impact, racial equity, strategic alignment and educational justice.
The welcome reception will include interactive opportunities for community connection and providing feedback on the Alliance’s new strategic plan.
The Alliance for Education was founded in 1995 to rally community and philanthropic support for Seattle Public Schools, serving as a bridge between local partners and the district. Now more than ever, this collaboration is critical. It’s essential to stay grounded in our values and recognize the positive impact they create in our Seattle community and schools.
All are welcome to join in person for lunch, learning and conversation in support of the Alliance’s work on behalf of Seattle Public Schools. Tickets may be purchased ahead of the event for $30 a seat. Registration closes on Friday, September 5, 2025.
The Alliance thanks presenting sponsor Amazon in making this event low cost and accessible for the public, alongside other partners Alaska Airlines, Microsoft, Olympic Hot Tubs, The Seattle Times, Boeing, Gates Foundation, Nordstrom, BECU, Ben Bridge Jewelers, Gesa Credit Union, Kaiser Permanente, Providence Swedish, Raikes Foundation, RBC Wealth Management, Rivera Communications, Renton Technical College, Seattle Children’s, Seattle Department of Education & Early Learning, Southeast Seattle Education Coalition, Speak With Purpose and Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle. These organizations exemplify how public and private partners aligning together can help make an excellent and equitable school system possible.
About the Alliance for Education
For 30 years, the Alliance for Education has worked in partnership with Seattle Public Schools to address crucial challenges facing students, families and educators. Our mission is to support excellence in education by advancing educational justice and racial equity for students in Seattle Public Schools. Our work is collaborative as we seek to address systemic inequities in public schools and create a more equitable and just education system that allows all Seattle students to thrive.