Why Now?

Literacy rates, school attendance, and access to safe, enriching activities remain critical challenges for youth in the Greater Seattle area: 1 in 3 fourth grade students read below grade level and those reading below grade level are FOUR times more likely to drop out of high school.

Here’s why your support matters:

95% of participants say SCORES has helped them gain self-confidence.

96% of participants try to avoid missing school just to attend SCORES programming.

89% of parents report their child is reading more at home.

93% of coaches see healthier behaviors and activities among students.

Together, we can disrupt cycles of at-risk behaviors, increase academic success, and build brighter futures for South Seattle youth.

Your Impact

Every dollar raised will support:

Expanding programs to reach 20 more schools across South King County

Providing soccer gear & equipment to every Poet-Athlete

Writing materials & journals to every Poet-Athlete

Service-learning school projects

Increasing girls’ participation in athletics

Enhancing coach training in leadership, social-emotional learning, and gender inclusivity on the field

About America SCORES Seattle

America SCORES began in 1994 when teacher Julie Kennedy combined her passions for soccer and poetry to provide safe after-school activities in Washington, D.C. The model quickly spread, and by 2002, Seattle SCORES was established. Today, over 400 youth in Seattle and 25,000 across North America benefit from our programs annually.

SOCCER builds teamwork, sportsmanship, and discipline, creating lifelong communities.

POETRY encourages creative expression and emotional health, empowering youth to champion their communities.

SERVICE LEARNING fosters compassion, social responsibility, and leadership through community projects.

POET-ATHLETE is someone who nurtures their mind, body, and community through poetry, soccer, and service.

SCORES provides safe spaces for children to find their voice, empowering them to grow into a physically and emotionally healthy adult. To learn more about what we do, visit our website at www.seattlescores.org

Hear from Our Poet-Athletes

Watch the video below to hear how poet-athletes benefit from SCORES in their own words.

2026 Annual Auction