We are proud to have served over 4,000 7th and 8th graders in King County during the Academy’s run.  The stories about how Seattle Center Academy positively impacted young people, and all those who participated in its operation, are plentiful.  However, producing the Academy each year is a major undertaking and has increasingly presented significant challenges, including:

• Difficulty recruiting students (reduced access to schools, fewer applications, etc.),
• Fewer available volunteers and work study students,
• Increased costs for all program aspects, and
• Decreased Seattle Center budget allocation with less funding from grantors and donors.

Discontinuing the Seattle Center Academy now allows us to bring the curtain down on a high note.  Please know that the Seattle Center remains committed to serving youth through high-quality programs and will continue to do so in a variety of other ways.

“Thank you” seems an insufficient expression of our deep appreciation to the multitude of people involved in making this program a success: staff, donors, artists, partner organizations, parents, volunteers, schools, educators, mentors, community advocates, vendors… the list is endless.  You have made an indelible mark on us and on the lives of many deserving young people.

Robert Nellams  Director Seattle Center	Tracy Robinson Executive Director Seattle Center Fund
John Merner Director Seattle Center Productions	Julia Colson Managing Artistic Director Seattle Center Academy