Our Origins

Jan Link, Founder and Director of Academic Link Outreach, has put into practice this maxim for more than 50 years. Her passion for the academic success of students is unparalleled. After 36 years of service in public schools as a teacher, curriculum director, elementary and secondary principal, Jan knew that her vision to provide continued academic support for students was as strong as ever.

Instead of retiring she opened an academic support and enrichment center in Kirkland. Two decades later, Academic Link Outreach continues to provide one-on-one academic support and enrichment services as well as branching into school with Learning Labs. It was the experiences at Academic Link that motivated Jan to establish the non-profit, Academic Link Outreach, in 2006, to provide more children additional academic support through development and implementation of sustainable programs and materials.

Jan continues to serve students of Washington with her creativity, commitment and intense passion of academic success for all children. She lives by the motto:

"Give a man a fish and he has food for a day; teach him how to fish and he has food for a lifetime".