Downtown Everett's Schack Art Center will expand art classes, internships, and mentoring for teens in the juvenile justice system after receiving $515,000 from Allen Family Philanthropies, the charitable arm of Jody Allen and the late Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen.

The grant comes from a $5 million statewide investment in creative youth development programs. Ten organizations across Washington received funding when the Allen foundation announced recipients in late June 2026, according to reporting by the Snohomish County Tribune. The Schack has not yet announced a timeline for rolling out expanded programming.

The money will bolster three Schack programs aimed at young people: Art Alternatives, which brings weekly hands-on art lessons to youth at the Denney Juvenile Justice Center; Teen Nights, held every third Thursday of the month since 2012; and Teen Glassblowing classes open to the general teenage community.

Art Alternatives has roots stretching back more than three decades. The Schack launched the program in 1991, with weekly classes beginning in 1993, according to the center's own timeline. Instructor Henri Wilson has led it since its founding. In 2006, the program expanded to serve youth in PASS (Program Alternative to Secured Sentencing), and in 2015 it added classes for homeless youth through Cocoon House.

Snohomish County lists Art Alternatives as part of its STEP (Teen Evening Program) for all court-involved youth. The Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families featured artwork from the program in its 2025 "Raise the Age" report to the Partnership Council on Juvenile Justice.

"We see every day how art can build confidence, create connection, and improve quality of life," Executive Director Raedle Alburn said in an Allen foundation write-up accompanying the June 2026 grant announcement. "These programs are essential because they give young people the support, skills, and sense of belonging they need to thrive."

Alburn, who succeeded longtime director Judy Tuohy in April 2026, previously served as the Schack's development and education director. Spokesman Aaron Scheckler said the funding reflects confidence that creative expression can build leadership and long-term community ties for young people statewide.

The Schack Art Center, at 2921 Hoyt Ave., is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.