Speak With Purpose- SWP

Speak With Purpose- SWP Speak With Purpose is the only public speaking program incorporated into classroom learning throughout King County.

Speak With Purpose (SWP)

Mission: Public speaking empowers youth to boldly speak their truth. Vision: Every voice, silent in the back of a classroom, rises to lead at the front! At Speak With Purpose (SWP), we believe in transforming education through the power of student voice and creativity. As the only youth public speaking program integrated into classroom learning, SWP uniquely blends arts e

ducation with student advocacy to develop independent learners who own their narratives and identities. Our culturally responsive, project-based curriculum pairs diverse educators with classroom teachers to meet the unique needs of each student. This collaboration reimagines classroom learning by fostering agency, collectivism, and voice—essential elements to cultivating brilliance, imagination, and leadership in young people. Why this matters:

In an era where youth voices are often overshadowed, programs like SWP empower students to speak up, shape their futures, and challenge dominant narratives. By integrating public speaking with performing arts, writing, and presentation skills, we equip students—particularly in grades 4 and up—with tools to advocate for themselves, share their stories, and lead with purpose. Our focus areas:

Public Speaking: Bridging oratory skills with performing arts and storytelling. Student Advocacy: Building self-empowerment through counter-storytelling and narrative creation. Cultural Relevance: Prioritizing culturally specific and responsive teaching methods. Equity in Learning: Addressing the systemic need for arts integration and student voice in education. At SWP, we’re not just teaching public speaking; we’re fostering leaders, storytellers, and changemakers who are ready to shape a more inclusive and equitable world. Together, we can amplify the brilliance of every student. Let’s connect and collaborate to build pathways for tomorrow’s leaders.

Shea is a Speak With Purpose scholar who will one day become a preschool teacher — and what an honor it was to witness h...
05/12/2026

Shea is a Speak With Purpose scholar who will one day become a preschool teacher — and what an honor it was to witness her present her original speech at the University of Washington EduTalk, addressed to the President, about the importance of supporting scholars with disabilities and ensuring their rights, opportunities, and voices are never diminished or taken away.

I am ALWAYS inspired by Shea’s strength, her courage, and the fearless way she chooses to move through the world. She does not just enter a room — she shifts it. She reminds all of us what leadership truly looks like.

And to her incredible mother, Vanessa, and the entire family — thank you. Thank you for constantly amplifying Shea’s voice, protecting her dreams, and helping the world see her brilliance and power. Thank you for teaching me what it truly means to support ALL scholars and embrace their unique superpowers.

Shea, Speak With Purpose is deeply invested in your success, your future, and your ability to lead. The world needs your voice, your compassion, and your courage.

And listen closely…

I will always adhere to the call and be your biggest advocate (alongside your family), because you were BORN to lead.

https://www.seattleschools.org/news/sps-shout-outs-may/

These photos really depict the energy that was felt during our inaugural Purpose in Bloom Gala🌸Again, huge thank you to ...
05/09/2026

These photos really depict the energy that was felt during our inaugural Purpose in Bloom Gala🌸

Again, huge thank you to our fertilizer, our community. Thank you for always nurturing our vision and most importantly our scholars. 🥹

Photo credit 📸: .naga.photo

05/04/2026

Yesterday Speak With Purpose BLOOMED🌸

Our inaugural Purpose in Bloom Gala was everything we intended and more. We raised paddles, raised money, & raised our youth’s voices!

Thank you to our community and supporters for showing up and showing out. Our scholars bloom because of your fertilizer and nutrients you add to this work. 🤍

Stay tuned for more photos and videos from this memorable evening🥹

04/29/2026

Let the countdown begin for RISING VOICES🤩 We are officially 45 days out from our 12th annual oratory showcase and we are toooo excited!

Our Speakers Bureau scholars gathered on Saturday for their monthly sessions to work on their stage presence and prepping for that Rising Voices stage. 🎤

This year Rising Voices is taking place on June 13th at the Museum of Flight ✈️

Stay tuned for a link to reserve your seat — this is what we prepare all year for and our scholars are ready to take flight!

We are celebrating our AANHPI scholars at this heritage month celebration at the Seattle Center this Saturday 🤩We have t...
04/29/2026

We are celebrating our AANHPI scholars at this heritage month celebration at the Seattle Center this Saturday 🤩

We have three amazing scholars speaking out about bullying, gun violence, and crime! They mean business and you do not want to miss it.

FREE Entry this Saturday‼️

We are still not over this amazing moment with 🥹🎻Here are some photos of our scholars rocking the stage📸Photo credit: J...
04/21/2026

We are still not over this amazing moment with 🥹🎻

Here are some photos of our scholars rocking the stage📸

Photo credit: James Holt/ Seattle Symphony

Calling all SWP Alumni ✍🏽🔥Applications are now open for the Youth Poetry Fellowship—a FREE opportunity for writers ages ...
04/17/2026

Calling all SWP Alumni ✍🏽🔥
Applications are now open for the Youth Poetry Fellowship—a FREE opportunity for writers ages 14–19 to grow their voice, build community, and dive deeper into their craft.

Led by mentors Amy Hirayama and Clara Olivo, fellows will meet in person on Saturdays (Sept–Dec 2026) for generative writing, powerful discussions, and creative exploration. Plus—think live reading opportunities, access to Seattle Arts & Lectures events, and the chance to perform on SAL stages 👀

Applications due April 30th. Don’t miss this.
Tap in + apply now!

04/14/2026

🥹 Who’s chopping onions?! Our scholars performing their piece to A Change Gonna Come with the Seattle Symphony🎻

So proud of the work these scholars put in to make this performance possible. It’s because of youth like this that a change will come and our future is bright 🙂‍↔️

Thank you for all that you! 🤍

04/14/2026

Spend the day with SWP Staff & Scholars! Our scholars performed their original pieces to a rendition of A Change Gonna Come by Sam Cooke with the Seattle Symphony🎻

🤍 We pride ourselves on a work hard play hard mentality and this video truly showcases that spirit.

Our scholars were a part of an incredible line up for the Community Stages Fund Showcase and their performance was nothing short of AMAZING!

Address

Seattle, WA

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+12066599720

Website

https://linktr.ee/speakwithpurpose?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=b2f00685-a

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