Whatcom View: Closing opportunity gap with unique partnership

Take one minute right now to reflect on how after-school programs or similar activities may have helped to shape your life or your child’s life. Now keep that picture in mind as I share with you a window in to our creative, first-time, three-way partnership to provide crucial after school programs for those who need it most right here in Bellingham.

The partnership focuses on closing the opportunity gap through extended day programming. Children attending Title I (low income) schools in Bellingham will now have greater access to after-school enrichment programs. About four years ago, Bellingham School District and the Woodring College of Education at Western Washington University brought together educators and community agencies to discuss the possibility of creating a collective impact partnership. The intent of this partnership was to find ways to better serve all school children in the Bellingham community.