NEWS GLEAMS | Back2School Bash in Be'er Sheva Park; Where to Find Energy and EV Rebates

A roundup of news and announcements we don't want to get lost in the fast-churning news cycle.

by Vee Hua 華婷婷

21st Annual Back2School Bash to Be Held at Be'er Sheva Park Aug. 24

The Rainier Beach Action Coalition (RBAC) and a number of community partners will put on the 21st annual Back2School Bash on Aug. 24 at Be'er Sheva Park, where community organizations will be handing out resources for school-aged students.

Over the last two decades, the annual summer event has become one of Rainier Beach's signature seasonal celebrations of community as it heralds the coming school year.

Expect free backpacks and school supplies, haircuts, braiding, beauticians, nail techs, food, entertainment, kids' activities, and neighborhood resource groups. Guest speaker and youth musician Skye-Dior will also be present.

The event will take place at Be'er Sheva Park (8650 55th Ave. S., Seattle), and pre-registration is encouraged to help shorten your wait in line.⁠ A number of opportunities to vend, donate, and sponsor are available to help make the event a success. Contact Info@RBActionCoalition.org for more information.

Washington Rebates Offer Credits for Energy Bills and Electric Vehicles

Washington Families Clean Energy Credits

The Washington State Department of Commerce has recently announced a $200 energy bill credit through the Washington Families Clean Energy Credits grant program. Approximately 675,000 households are potentially eligible; utility customers who already receive bill assistance are automatically enrolled to receive the credit. Additional customers who meet the eligibility requirements can also apply online. All utilities credits must be distributed by Sept. 15, and the credits are funded by the national Climate Commitment Act (CCA).

Electric Vehicle (EV) Instant Rebate Program

A new Washington State Electric Vehicle (EV) Instant Rebate Program offers up to $9,000 to lease an EV or $5,000 to purchase a new or used EV. The rebate is presently valid for seven models that are focused on United States-based vehicle manufacturers.

Qualifying families include those who earn up to 300% of the federal poverty level, around $45,180 annually for an individual or $93,600 for a family of four. The program is funded by Washington State's general fund and totals $45 million in overall rebates, making it one of the most generous of such programs in the country.

Details about eligibility and participating EV dealerships can be seen at WAEVInstantRebates.org.

Homework Volunteers Needed to Support Youth Literacy and Learning in Rainier Beach, South Park, High Point

The Seattle Public Library is seeking volunteers to join in its free after-school tutoring service, Homework Help.

The tutoring program has been in existence for more than 30 years helping students K—12 succeed academically. The program is offered at nine branches, and is looking for volunteers, especially at the Rainier Beach Branch as well as the South Park, High Point, Columbia, and Lake City branches.

"During Homework Help sessions, volunteers help students with homework, play learning games, read to students or work with them on academic worksheets," a Library press release said. "Volunteers work with students individually and in small groups. High school students can get help with not just academic subjects but with other priorities such as college essays."

Volunteers are a critical part of the program helping students with their homework assignments and learning skills when Seattle's public schools are in session. The Library asks for a volunteer commitment for the school year, Sept. 16, 2024, through June 12, 2025. Volunteer shifts are generally two hours, Monday through Thursday from 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

To apply, contact The Library's Volunteer Services coordinator at Volunteer@SPL.org. Prospective volunteers must be 18 or older. The Homework Help program is seeking applications now for the coming school year, but volunteer applications are accepted throughout the year.

"Having competence in another language, especially Amharic, Tigrinya, Somali, Oromo, and Spanish, is also helpful," a Library press release said. "The majority of students served by the program are youth of color, with 90% of students reporting their parents speaking a language other than English at home.

"Volunteer tutors receive an orientation and additional materials about working with youth and concepts such as social-emotional learning and growth mindset."

📸 Featured Image: Double-Dutch jump rope, skateboarding lessons, haircuts, backpacks, and school supplies were among the festivities at 2023's Rainier Beach Action Coalition's Back2School Bash. This year, the community event will be held at Be'er Sheva Park. (Photo: Susan Fried)

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