Within Seattle Public Schools, we are currently facing an issue in our schools that has been largely overlooked by students, teachers, executives, and parents alike. The Highly Capable Cohort, more commonly known as the HCC Program, acts as a form of modern segregation. Its roots are linked to preventing white flight from the district back in the mid to late 1900s when desegregation policies in the district like busing emerged. Nowadays, White students make up 45.6% of the district and 63.2% are considered eligible for HCC, while Black students make up 15% of the district and only 1.8% are considered eligible for HCC. Additionally, the standardized tests that students must take to be admitted to the HCC program were proven to cater to wealthy students who had access to resources their underprivileged counterparts did  not. According to the South Seattle Emerald, "Courses and practice tests available for students to prepare are expensive and not accessible to those who are unable to afford them, creating a biased admission process in favor of affluent students".  

However, solutions are always present. First, acknowledging that there actually is a problem and spreading awareness is key. If nobody is aware of a problem, then it cannot be solved. As part of a research project for one of my classes, I discovered an interesting program present in the West African country of Liberia. They have what are called 'model schools' that help prepare students for the workforce shortly after their equivalent of high school and are focused on collaboration and technology. 

Now, where do Seattle and Liberia meet? My vision is to improve the situation in Seattle by taking the best parts of HCC and combining them with the best parts of the Liberian model school system, possibly with in-school enrichment classes focused on technology and preparing students to enter the workforce. This way, students will be prepared for a life that maybe doesn't involve college, and gifted students will still receive the support they need. My goal is to make the program available to everyone and eliminate entry testing to slowly phase into an opt-in program. The main focus is to make the program accessible to all, no matter their socioeconomic status. Since I am just one person, I cannot complete all of this on my own, so I urge you to sign this petition, share it, and even take further steps using my website (linked below) as a guide.
 

liberiatoseattle.weebly.com