The Chief Sealth International High School PTSA has achieved national recognition, being awarded a National PTA Youth Engagement Capacity Building Grant. The organization is one of just 20 high school PTSAs selected nationwide for the grant, and notably, is the only recipient in Washington State. The award is part of the National PTA’s $1 million investment aimed at strengthening student voice, leadership, and engagement across the country.
Chief Sealth was recognized specifically for its commitment to equity-driven, student-led programming that removes barriers to participation and prepares students for postsecondary success.
The grant, which can provide up to $5,000, supports the immediate launch of a Student Leadership & Scholarship Initiative. This new program is co-designed with students and the school’s College & Career Center. The initiative includes key features such as stipend-supported student leadership roles and the establishment of a Scholarship & Leadership Club.
The core purpose of the initiative is to expand access to scholarships, leadership development, and college readiness resources, while elevating student voice in PTSA decision-making.
Maria Doucettperry, PTSA Scholarship Chair at Chief Sealth International High School, noted that the program is a direct response to student needs. “Our students told us they want more than one-time workshops. They want meaningful roles, real responsibility, and opportunities that fit their lives,” Doucettperry stated. She added that the grant allows the PTSA to “value students’ time, remove financial barriers,” and prepare young people not just for college, but also for leadership and civic engagement.
Implementation of the initiative is already underway, with student recruitment and leadership onboarding beginning immediately and slated to continue into January 2026.
The Youth Engagement Capacity Building (YECB) Grant is designed specifically for high school-affiliated PTAs/PTSAs to support youth-led or youth-centered projects that build organizational capacity and mission-aligned engagement. This focus aligns with the National PTA’s broader 2021–2026 Strategic Plan, which emphasizes empowering youth voices and strengthening PTA organizations. By investing in such youth-led initiatives, PTAs aim to encourage student leadership and civic engagement, build community-centered projects, and strengthen their role as a hub for collaboration between students, families, and schools
