Language Academy raising funds to stay open

By Geeky Swedes · May 12th, 2009 · Comments

The Seattle Language Academy has been hit hard by the sluggish economy. After 14 years, the academy at 126 NW Canal Street may have to close. In a campaign that started two weeks ago, they’re trying to raise $125,000 in order to stay open beyond this quarter. In a letter to former students and supporters, Executive Director Marc Mariani writes, “It may be that SLA will have to close definitively. But we remain hopeful that, with a tremendous show of support from our students and friends and the community at large, we can weather the storm and set the school on a path towards a better and more stable future.” As of today, SLA has raised $35,000, which Mariani says is extremely encouraging. Mariani hopes to know their fate by the end of May, in time for them to hold summer classes.

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I'm a former Seattle Language Academy student who volunteered with SLA's campaign and am happy to say SLA has made its fund raising goal and is now working on a new strategic plan.
Oui oui, the teachers were excellent, and I wanted to support my teacher, not necessarily the organization. When I volunteered, my teacher was so happy -- which meant a lot to me and convinced me that SLA was a worthwhile organization to support. Obviously other people felt like I did, because they donated the time and money that enabled SLA to meet its goal. And many of us volunteers have stayed on to try to make sure SLA picks up enrollment and survives well into the future, becoming sustainable while retaining its fine teachers. I think Seattle Language Academy is an asset to Fremont and to Seattle, and I'm happy that it's going to stick around. Try out the classes there and see what you think!

oui oui

I suggest that potential donors research this organization before giving.
I suggest that the SLA is suffering more from poor strategic planning than from a sluggish economy.