The HRS Learning Center is proud of the strides we've made over the past year in growing our programs and strategic partnerships. This work has allowed us to dive into new educational circles and serve new communities, fueling our unwavering commitment to equity and access for all students. We are continuously working to create a premier learning resource hub for students with language-based learning differences and their families.

We're excited to introduce the College & Career Readiness Program, the first offering from the Learning Center's Next Steps Initiative. This program is designed to prepare students with learning differences for success in college and the workplace. Through tailored workshops, one-on-one coaching, and practical experiences, students will develop essential skills in areas such as college applications, study strategies, time management, career exploration, and workplace readiness. Our mission is to empower students to confidently transition from high school to higher education and beyond, ensuring they have the tools and support to thrive in any environment.

During its first year, the program is open to 9th and 10th grade students. 

Learn more and register here.

The Learning Center is excited to announce the rollout of the Parents of Adolescents and Teens (PAT) program, a new initiative designed to support families navigating the unique challenges of raising older children. This program will provide parents with valuable resources, including expert-led workshops, webinars, and discussion groups focused on understanding adolescent development, fostering effective communication, and addressing common issues such as peer pressure, academic stress, and social media influence. By participating in the PAT program, parents will gain practical strategies and insights to help them better support their teens during this critical stage of development, strengthening family relationships and enhancing their child’s overall well-being.

Learn more and register here. 

Hamlin Robinson School is committed to fostering equity in education through the power of literacy. In our pursuit of equity and access, the HRS Community Library opened in 2024 to be an inclusive space where diversity is celebrated and every student feels valued and empowered. The library offers books, digital tools, and technologies, specifically curated to support literacy needs for students in the Rainier Valley, especially students with language-based learning differences. Learn more here.

This past year, HRS received a community grant from Pitch Your Peers (Seattle) to support our new Early Screening Program (ESP), launching in September 2024. Through the HRS Learning Center, we will offer FREE literacy screening services to King County students in grades 2-5. ESP, the flagship initiative of our Literacy Link program, addresses the urgent need for early identification of language-based learning differences beyond the state-required K-2 screenings in Washington public schools. By providing these screenings and actionable reports for parents, students are more likely to receive timely intervention, learning support, and accommodations.

Literacy Link is a comprehensive community education program designed to support students, parents, and educators. For parents, Literacy Link will offer resources such as webinars on topics like building advocacy skills and supporting students’ at-home learning, as well as additional educational content. Literacy Link will also provide teacher workshops, training sessions, and consulting services to local and regional school districts, focusing on improving infrastructure and instructional support for literacy programs.

The grant also includes funding for educator workshops, where HRS faculty will share their expertise on language-based learning differences and literacy screenings. Educators will be able to attend these workshops at no charge during the first year, ensuring widespread access to these valuable resources.

To learn more about the Literacy Link Program, click here.

On July 23, high school participants in the Amazon Career Quest Externship program visited the HRS Learning Center for a free coding day camp for HRS students in Levels 4, 5, and 6.

The Career Quest Externship program brings career-connected computer science experiences to underserved and underrepresented high school students across Seattle. Participants take part in a series of interactive workshops on computer science, product development, and tech careers. During their visit to the HRS Learning Center, they brought the knowledge and skills they have learned in the program to HRS students. 

It was wonderful to partner with SPS and Amazon for this special experience — we look forward to future collaborations! 

Approximately 200 students attended HRS Summer Academy this year! Each year, the Summer Academy offers a three-and-a-half week Slingerland® morning class in July, available to students from the Seattle region (regardless of where they attend school). The Slingerland summer program provides community access to students who need the type of literacy instruction that the specially-trained faculty at HRS can offer. In addition to morning classes, students can also stay for a fun afternoon enrichment camp. 

It was another wonderful session at Summer Academy — we are proud to provide this unique summer experience to families who need it.

The HRS Learning Center is continuing to expand its offerings to improve educational experiences for both students and parents. We are introducing new programs and resources designed to support diverse learning needs and foster academic growth. By providing comprehensive support and engagement opportunities, we aim to enhance the educational journey for our entire community.

For more information on our exciting programs, new initiatives, and upcoming events this fall, please visit the Learning Center website. We look forward to sharing these opportunities with you and your community!