| Founder(s) | Eric Adler Rajiv Vinnakota |
|---|---|
| Type | Private foundation (IRS status): 501(c)(3) |
| Founded | 1997 |
| Location | Washington, D.C., United States |
| Key people | Pyper Davis, Cheye Calvo, Jason Friedman |
| Mission | Education, Charter schools, Boarding schools |
| Method | Public-Private Funding |
| Website | www.seedfoundation.com |
The SEED Foundation also often referred to as the SEED Schools, is a private foundation, established in 1997 to provide boarding school educational opportunities to underserved students.[1][2]
In 2002, the school received a $100,000 grant from Oprah Winfrey's Angel Network for the construction of new dormitory facilities.[3] In 2010, the SEED schools were featured on 60 Minutes[4] and the Washington D.C. school is featured in the 2010 documentary film Waiting for "Superman".[5]
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The SEED schools are boarding schools serving disadvantaged students located in Washington, D.C., and Maryland. The schools integrate "a rigorous academic program with a nurturing boarding program, which teaches life skills and provides a safe and secure environment."[6] The students live in campus dormitories during the week in order to provide students with a uniform residential experience.[7]
The SEED School in Washington, D.C., opened in 1998, has an enrollment of 320 students from sixth through twelfth grades. The school serves students from across Washington, D.C. The majority of SEED students live in the Southeast, Washington, D.C. neighborhood.
The D.C. school has been called successful with "91 percent of ninth graders go on to graduate and 96 percent of graduating seniors are accepted to four-year colleges". The SEED school in Washington D.C. was visited by U.S president Barack Obama in April 2009, where the president also hosted a bill signing ceremony to enact a national service act.[8] The school was also visited by Charles, Prince of Wales and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall.[9]
The SEED School of Maryland, opened in August 2008, draws students from across the state. The school currently has an enrollment of 308 students from sixth through ninth grades. The school's enrollment will ultimately expand to 400 students serving grades sixth through twelfth.[10]
SEED has announced plans to expand with additional schools in other U.S. cities.[11]
Lad Lake met with SEED Foundation officials when they were planning their own charter school.[12]