Michelle Obama Hearts 826 Seattle

The First Lady of the United States isn't just on a quest against childhood obesity--she's also a big fan of educating kids and closing the achievement gap. Today, she gave props to a local organization that does just that. 826 Seattle, our city's only non-profit dedicated to tutoring and improving the writing skills of young people, has received the 2011 National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Award. Hooray!

826, which started in San Francisco, is a nationwide tutoring and educational program, which operates behind "front" businesses, like spy and pirate supply stores. Or, in Seattle's case, behind Greenwood Space Travel Supply Company in North Seattle. Depending chiefly on volunteer tutors and donations from community members, the tutoring center offers free drop-in after-school help with science, math, reading, and writing, as well as workshops and events for kids.

826 Seattle's founder, Teri Hein, was at the White House today to accept the award, alongside Meron Kasahun, a student from Ballard High School who acts as a Youth Mentor at the tutoring center. The White House selected 826 Seattle and 11 other educational organizations out of a pool of 470 nominees.

Hooray, for 826 Seattle!