The Seattle University Youth Initiative (SUYI), an organization that focuses on helping youth in the Central District, has its hands full with projects this year.

Three large grants are being used by SUYI to improve multiple aspects of the Central District community.

SUYI will be obtaining $1 million over five years from the $10.3 million the Seattle Housing Authority received from the Choice Neighborhood grant. The money SUYI receives will go towards educational enhancement.

"In order to help improve academic and life situations, [SUYI] will be focusing on observing the academic and psycho-social indicators to see what programs are working best to help the youth that live in Yesler Terrace," said Tammy Shadair, the manager of budget and operations for SUYI.

The Fund for Engagement has a $75,000 grant that will be used to assist projects of Seattle U organizations related to SUYI that want to "improve the quality of life for youth and families residing in the SUYI target area," according to the Fund for Engagement website.

This grant is broken up into two categories.

"Fifty thousand dollars will be for implementation grants, so for projects that are ready to go that can go out and begin serving in the neighborhoods," Shadair said. "Twenty-five thousand dollars will go towards planning grants in order for departments can rethink how to do their field placement or practicum so they're connected more closely with the neighborhood."

Proposals to receive funds from the Fund for Engagement grant are still being accepted. Applications are due Feb. 8.

The $75,000 Target grant is aiding Bailey Gatzert Elementary School in many ways. The grant is helping to supply Bailey Gatzert with new computers and providing a Redhawk Reading Corps that focuses on improving literacy skills of kindergarten through third graders.

The Redhawk Reading Corps is a group of undergraduates who will be tutoring students of Bailey Gatzert in small groups and one-on-one settings.

SUYI also has other programs in place that focus on improving the reading skills of the youth in the Central District. Reading Out Loud Early (ROLE) is an outreach program geared toward helping Yesler Terrace children who are not enrolled in preschool.

"ROLE focuses on providing [youth that should be in preschool] with early education so when they are [ready to enter kindergarten], they will be prepared," Shadair said.

Staff Serving Youth is a partnership between SUYI and Mission and Ministry, where staff members can fulfill their community service benefit hours by leading reading groups for fifth graders at Bailey Gatzert.

"Last quarter, six staff members were participating in this program," Shadair said. "For winter quarter, we've expanded and there are an additional 10 staff members from across the university."

SUYI weekend immersions are another avenue for getting involved and learn more about the community around Seattle U. The winter immersion was set for Jan. 27 to 29, but had to be scaled down since only half of the spots were filled.

Nevertheless, members of SUYI hope to see the organization continue to grow and flourish, especially with student involvement.

"I'd really like it if we could get every student to participate with a community partner in some capacity, whether it be service learning or just volunteering at them," said Chris Olsen, one of the immersion leaders.

Ashley may be reached at aroe@su-spectator.com