Air Sensor Loan Programs | US EPA
EPA has established air sensor loan programs independently and through collaborations with libraries, tribes, museums, and others to enable the public to learn about air quality in their communities. These programs bring air sensor technology to the public for supplemental monitoring and educational purposes.
Each loan program listed here was developed independently. Therefore, the goals, structure, eligibility, and equipment available from each program are different. The programs were funded and started at different points in time so some programs may be more mature than others. The summaries below briefly describe each program, provide information about their current loan status, and provide a point of contact for additional information.
In addition, known air sensor loan programs available through other government and nonprofit organizations are listed as a courtesy to help the public connect to these resources. If you have an air sensor loan program that you would like added to this list, please use the “Contact Us” link at the bottom of the page.
The following resources may also be useful for starting and supporting sensor loan programs:
- Best Practices Guide for Starting an Air Sensor Loan Program: This guide, formatted as presentation slides, summarizes lessons learned from the pilot air sensor loan programs and tips for starting a loan program.
: This guide, formatted as presentation slides, summarizes lessons learned from the pilot air sensor loan programs and tips for starting a loan program.
- EPA Tools and Resources Webinar: This webinar discusses some of the successes, resources created, and lessons learned from pilot air sensor loan programs (recording is approximately 45 minutes). Webinar slides are also available.
: This webinar discusses some of the successes, resources created, and lessons learned from pilot air sensor loan programs (recording is approximately 45 minutes). Webinar slides are also available.
- Educational Resources: A webpage featuring complementary educational resources including lesson plans, a resource guide, frequently asked questions, and background material about air quality and air sensors.
: A webpage featuring complementary educational resources including lesson plans, a resource guide, frequently asked questions, and background material about air quality and air sensors.
Disclaimer: Mention of trade names or commercial products does not constitute US EPA endorsement or recommendation for use. As a reminder, air sensors are not appropriate for regulatory monitoring applications.
Note: Some programs offer sensors that measure different sizes of particulate matter. Research has shown that, many air sensors do not reliably measure particles with diameters generally less than 10 micrometers (PM10), despite claiming to do so. This is largely because particles with diameters larger than 2.5 micrometers are not measured. These sensors are denoted with a ‘*’ below.
Information on this page was last updated on November 14, 2022. Please see contacts listed for each loan program to get more recent updates.
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Find an Air Sensor Loan Program
EPA has ten regional offices, each of which is responsible for different states and, in some cases, territories. To find information about loan programs available in your Region, select your state or territory from the list or click on the map below.
Loan programs may only be available within select states or cities.
EPA Region 1
Loan Program for State and Tribal Partners
Description: This loan program is based out of the EPA Region 1 Laboratory Services and Applied Science Division (LSASD) in North Chelmsford, MA. The goal of the program is to provide state and tribal partners with the opportunity to use air sensors to investigate ambient air quality issues in their communities. Examples of projects include monitoring for localized particulate matter (PM) concentrations in areas affected by wood smoke as well as monitoring local air quality in areas with environmental justice concerns and vulnerable populations that are sensitive to air pollution. The data gathered by this program are for informational purposes to state, tribal, and federal air regulators, and are not used in the regulatory process.
Equipment available for loan:
-
PurpleAir PA-II-SD*
–
stationary sensor that measures fine particulate matter (PM2.5); for outdoor and indoor use; plug-in powered; data available locally on the microSD card or connected to WiFi for private or public data streaming.
-
2B Technologies Model 202
–
Federal equivalent method (FEM) instrument designed to enable accurate and precise measurements of ozone, ranging from low ppb (precision of ~1.5 ppb) up to 250,000 ppb (0-250 ppm) based on the well-established technique of absorption of ultraviolet light at 254 nm. The 2B ozone monitor is easy to use, portable, and powered by 12-volt DC current. The monitor stores one-minute ozone data for up to 14 days without the need to manually download the data.
Eligibility: New England state agencies (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont) and tribes may request loans to supplement existing outdoor, ambient air monitoring networks. In the future, the loan program may expand to community groups or schools.
Training: There is a PurpleAir standard operating procedure (SOP) available for distribution by EPA Region 1 that serves as an operating manual. EPA Region 1 staff are available for assistance with any issues that may arise. Loanees need to notify Region 1 staff of any issues, as this equipment is EPA-owned. Staff will work with PurpleAir or any other relevant parties to ensure issues are addressed.
Additional information: There is a formal application process to participate in this loan program. A request form will need to be filled out detailing the project request, length of loan, and other information.
Contacts:
- Tyler Way (
) or (617) 918-1753
- Alysha Murphy (
) or (617) 918-8381
Indoor Air Sensor Loan Program
Description: The Indoor Air Sensor Loan Program provides educational opportunities for individuals or groups interested in collecting indoor particulate matter (PM) measurements, with a specific focus on providing sensors in areas of historically high asthma rates. This sensor loan program empowers students, educators, community groups, and other organizations with knowledge about lower cost and portable sensor technologies and may drive positive change to improve public health through better understanding of indoor air quality. The information gathered by this program is educational and not regulatory.
Equipment available for loan:
-
PurpleAir PA-II-SD*
– stationary sensor that measures fine particulate matter (PM2.5); for outdoor and indoor use; plug-in powered; data available locally on the microSD card or connected to WiFi for private or public data streaming.
Eligibility: States, tribes, community groups, schools, and other organizations throughout Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Maine who are interested in learning more about their indoor air quality and how their actions affect PM concentrations.
Training: There is a PurpleAir standard operating procedure (SOP) available for distribution by EPA Region 1 that serves as an operating manual. EPA Region 1 staff are available for assistance with any issues that may arise. Loanees need to notify Region 1 staff of any issues as this equipment is EPA-owned. Staff will work with PurpleAir or any other relevant parties to ensure issues are addressed.
Additional information: There is a formal application process to participate in this loan program. A request form will need to be filled out detailing the project request, length of loan, and other information.
Contacts:
- Madeline Isenberg ([email protected]) or (617) 918-1271
- Eugene Benoit ([email protected]) or (617) 918-1639
- Patrick Bird ([email protected]) or (617) 918-1287
EPA Region 2
Portable Air Monitoring Loan Program for State, Local, and Indian Nations
Description: This loan program in EPA’s Region 2 Office is designed to provide portable air monitoring equipment for use for responding to informational monitoring requests relating to air quality in New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, and eight Indian Nations.
Equipment available for loan: A specific list of equipment will be available when the loan program launches in 2023. The loan equipment will include:
-
Air monitoring equipment
-
Meteorological equipment
-
Solar panels and batteries
Eligibility: Professional state, local, or Indian Nation air quality staff members in New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, and eight Indian Nations.
Training: The equipment can only be used by state, local, or Indian Nation air quality staff trained in Quality Assurance Project Plans (QAPP), standard operating procedures (SOPs), and data collection methods. EPA Region 2’s air monitoring team will work with interested state, local, or Indian Nation air quality staff to determine when, where, and which air monitoring device would best meet their specific need.
Additional information: More information to follow. Anticipated program launch in spring 2023.
Contact:
- Sarah Pender (
) or (212) 637-3367
Air Sensor Loan Program for Participatory Scientists
Description: EPA’s Region 2 Office has portable particulate matter (PM) sensors available for loan to the public. This loan program will help the public gain knowledge and improve public health by collecting their own local air quality data. This loan program is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be used for regulatory purposes.
Equipment available for loan:
-
PurpleAir
PA-II-SD*
–
stationary sensor that measures fine particulate matter (PM2.5); for outdoor and indoor use; plug-in powered; data available locally on the microSD card or connected to WiFi for private or public data streaming.
-
PurpleAir
PA-I-Indoor* – stationary sensor that measures PM2.5; for indoor use; plug-in powered.
Eligibility: Individuals, community groups, schools, and other interested organizations in New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, and eight Indian Nations.
Training: A Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the PurpleAir sensor will be included with the loan. The SOP serves as an operating manual that includes instructions for installing, connecting, and troubleshooting the sensors. EPA Region 2 staff are available for assistance with issues that may arise.
Additional information: The program is anticipated to launch in 2023. The cost of shipping to users is covered. Users are responsible for the cost of return shipping or delivery to the EPA Region 2 office after the loan is complete.
Contact:
- Rachael Leta-Graham (
)
EPA Region 3
Sensor Loan Program for State, Local, Tribal, and Community Use in the Mid-Atlantic
Description: EPA’s Region 3 office in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, will have portable sensors available for loan to the public. This program will assist community groups, educators, state agencies, local agencies, and tribes with conducting small-scale localized air monitoring projects. The purpose of this program is to inform communities about local impacts by utilizing air quality sensors to gather informational data, conduct research, and supplement the community scale monitoring capability of state, local, and tribal air monitoring agencies, support the continued operations and maintenance of EPA’s mission, and to have equipment to loan that will inform communities of local impacts.
Equipment available for loan:
-
PurpleAir PA-II-SD*
–
stationary sensor that measures
fine particulate matter (PM2.5)
; for outdoor and indoor use; plug-in powered; data available locally on the microSD card or connected to WiFi for private or public data streaming.
-
Cairsens
–
stationary sensor that measures nitrogen dioxide (NO
2
), sulfur dioxide (SO
2
), or non-methane volatile organic compounds (nmVOC); for outdoor and indoor use; plug-in powered.
Eligibility: State agencies, local agencies, tribes, community groups, schools, and other interested organizations in Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, District of Columbia, Virginia, and West Virginia.
Training: No additional training is provided at this time.
Additional information: EPA Region 3 is in the process of procuring equipment. The start date of this program has yet to be determined.
Contacts:
- Lori Hyden ([email protected]) or (215) 814-2113
- Meighan Long ([email protected]) or (215) 814-2140
EPA Region 4
Air Sensor Loan Program for Particulate Matter
Description: EPA’s Region 4 office, in Atlanta, Georgia, will have portable particulate matter (PM) sensors for loan to the public. This program is currently under development in collaboration with pilot partners. The loan program empowers the public to gain knowledge to drive positive change and improve public health by collecting non-regulatory outdoor air quality data. The program will also increase publicly available PM data and help characterize near-source emissions in Region 4 communities.
Equipment available for loan:
-
PurpleAir PA-II-SD*
–
stationary sensor that measures
fine particulate matter (PM2.5)
; for outdoor and indoor use; plug-in powered; data available locally on the microSD card or connected to WiFi for private or public data streaming.
Eligibility: Individuals, community groups, schools, and other interested organizations in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.
Training: Virtual or in person training in sensor operation and care, data collection, and safety is required. Example standard operating procedures (SOPs) will be provided. EPA Region 4 staff are available to provide assistance and ideas to help get you started.
Additional information: Anticipated program launch in fall 2022. The cost of shipping equipment to users is covered. Users are responsible for the cost of return shipping or delivery to the EPA Region 4 laboratory office in Athens, Georgia. Access to WiFi or a cellular hotspot is highly recommended. Sensors can be borrowed for up to one year.
Contacts:
- Ryan Brown (
) or (
404) 562-9147
- Daniel Garver (
) or (
404) 562-9839
EPA Region 5
Air Sensor Loan Program for the Midwest and Upper Midwest States
Description: EPA’s Region 5 Office, in Chicago, Illinois, has portable particulate matter (PM) sensors available for loan to the public. The loan program empowers the public to gain knowledge to drive positive change and improve public health by collecting outdoor and indoor air quality data.
Equipment available for loan:
-
AirBeam2*
–
portable sensor that measures
fine particulate matter (PM2.5)
, temperature, and relative humidity; for outdoor and indoor use; battery powered; requires Bluetooth connection to a cell phone and AirCasting app.
-
Dylos DC1700
– portable sensor that measures PM; for outdoor and indoor use; battery or plug-in powered.
-
Speck 2.0
– stationary sensor that measures PM and relative humidity; for indoor use; plug-in powered.
-
PurpleAir PA-II-SD*
– stationary sensor that measures PM2.5; for outdoor and indoor use; plug-in powered; data available locally on the microSD card or connected to WiFi for private or public data streaming.
Eligibility: Individuals, community groups, schools, and other interested organizations in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin.
Training: Training materials regarding sensor operations and care, data collection, and safety will be provided. EPA Region 5 staff are available to provide assistance and ideas to help get you started.
Additional information: Cost of shipping to users is covered. Users are responsible for the cost of return shipping or delivery to the EPA Region 5 Office in Chicago, Illinois after the loan is complete. Sensors can be borrowed for up to one month.
Contact:
- Rachel Kirpes (
) or (312) 886-0221
Air Sensor Loan Programs for Remote/Rural Locations and an Arboretum
Description: Participating pilot library systems servicing remote and/or rural locations were not easily connected with educational tools that focus on air quality and air pollutants. This sensor loan program supports small and mid-size library systems and an arboretum in the western Great Lakes region to help raise awareness of air quality and provide access to educational resources and air sensors. An alternative loan program through a Midwest arboretum recognizes the importance vegetation has on air quality and how air pollution impacts vegetation.
Equipment available for loan:
-
AirBeam2
– portable sensor that measures
fine particulate matter (PM2.5)
, temperature, and relative humidity; for outdoor and indoor use; battery powered; requires Bluetooth connection to a cell phone and AirCasting app.
-
PurpleAir PA-II-SD*
– stationary sensor that measures PM2.5; for outdoor and indoor use; plug-in powered; data available locally on the microSD card or connected to WiFi for private or public data streaming.
Eligibility: Users of the libraries and arboretum that are participating in this loan program.
-
Bayliss Public Library/Superior District Library, Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan
-
Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library, Evansville, Indiana
-
L’Anse Area School/Public Library, L’Anse, Michigan (fall 2022)
-
Pontiac Public Library, Pontiac, Illinois (fall 2022)
-
Robert R. Jones Public Library, Coal Valley, Illinois (fall 2022)
-
Arrowhead Library System, supporting 27 northeastern Minnesota communities (fall 2022)
-
Ashtabula County Libraries, five community libraries in northeast Ohio (Conneaut, Kingsville, Andover, Ashtabula & Jefferson) (fall 2022)
-
L.E. Philips Memorial Public Library, Eau Claire, Wisconsin (fall 2022)
-
Morton Arboretum, Lisle, Illinois
Training: Provided by staff at participating libraries and arboretum.
Additional Information: Some programs are anticipated to launch in fall 2022 as indicated above.
Contact:
- Sheila Batka (
) or (312) 866-6053
EPA Region 6
Community Outreach Sensor Loan Program
Description: The goal of EPA Region 6’s loan program is to support community outreach programs interested in local air monitoring using air sensors. The loan program will be headquartered out of the EPA Region 6 Office in Dallas, Texas. The Air Monitoring and Grants (ARPM) section quality assurance (QA) program will loan sensors out to qualified programs that meet appropriate sensor loan project criteria and QA documentation.
Equipment available for loan:
-
PurpleAir PA-II-SD*
– stationary sensor that measures fine particulate matter (PM2.5); for outdoor and indoor use; plug-in powered; data available locally on the microSD card or connected to WiFi for private or public data streaming.
-
Aeroqual Ozone Sensors
–
portable ozone sensor that provides
measurement of ground-level ozone pollution in real-time.
Eligibility: Individuals, community groups, schools, and other interested organizations in Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, and 66 tribal nations. Loan criteria include a complete workplan describing the project background, duration/timeline, community needs, goals/objectives/outcomes, impact, sampling methods and quality assurance measures. Requirements are detailed on the Air Sensor Loan application sheet.
Training: Interested users are encouraged to review information available on the EPA Air Sensor Toolbox.
Region 6 staff will provide guidance to programs that wish to develop a sensor loan project upon request. Each project will need a project plan, a site-specific data quality assurance project plan (QAPP), and acknowledgement of the basic training material. All project criteria and guidance links will be provided on the sensor loan application form.
Additional information: Applicants will be responsible for providing WiFi and power for the sensors. Anticipated program launch is December 2022.
Contacts:
EPA Region 7
Region 7 Sensor Loan Program
Description: The EPA Region 7 Air Sensor Loan Program is designed to make easy-to-use portable air sensor equipment available for loan to the public. Sensors can be used indoors and/or outdoors for the basic screening of air quality concerns for community groups (participatory monitoring) and tribes in Region 7 (Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, Missouri) with a focus on areas with environmental justice (EJ) concerns.
Equipment available for loan:
- PurpleAir PA-II-Flex*
–stationary sensor that measures real-time fine particulate matter (PM2.5); for outdoor and indoor use; plug-in powered; data available locally on the microSD card or connected to WiFi for private or public data streaming.
Eligibility: State, tribal, or local air monitoring agencies and private organizations (community groups, not for profit, etc.) in Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, and Missouri.
Training: Hands-on/virtual (project proposals must be approved)
Additional information: To be determined.
Contacts:
EPA Region 8
Region 8 Sensor Loan Program
Description: The EPA Region 8 Sensor Loan Program has a variety of sensors available for loan to individuals, tribes, and anyone whose air quality concerns have not been addressed previously. Region 8 covers Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming – a vast area with many remote locations. Sensors can fill in the gaps where air monitors do not currently exist.
Equipment available for loan:
A mixture of sensors and near-federal equivalent method (FEM) instruments are available for loan including:
-
PurpleAir PA-II-SD*
– stationary sensor that measures fine particulate matter (PM2.5); for outdoor and indoor use; plug-in powered; data available locally on the microSD card or connected to WiFi for private or public data streaming.
-
PocketLab –
portable sensor that measures carbon monoxide (CO), ozone (O3), and PM2.5; for outdoor and indoor use; not waterproof; battery powered.
-
Aeroqual S-500 –
portable sensor that measures O3, PM2.5, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs); for outdoor and indoor use; not waterproof; battery powered.
-
Personal Ozone Monitor (POM) –
portable sensor that measures O3; for outdoor and indoor use; not waterproof; battery powered.
-
Thingy AQ –
stationary sensor that measures CO, carbon dioxide (CO2), PM2.5, and VOCs; for outdoor and indoor use; adaptable for plug-in or solar power.
-
E-BAM –
a near-federal equivalent method (FEM) instrument that measures PM2.5; for outdoor use; adaptable for plug-in or solar power.
Eligibility: The program is available to individuals and communities in Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, Wyoming, and 28 tribal nations whose air quality concerns may not have been addressed already. In addition, the PocketLab sensors are a great resource for teachers interested in giving lessons on air quality.
Training: The Region 8 Sensor Loan Project team are available to assist with training or assistance as needed. There are resources available such as Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for each sensor and the EPA Air Sensor Toolbox. Any training would be conducted virtually.
Additional Information: The estimated launch date for the sensor loan program is mid to end fall 2022.
Contact:
- Josh Rickard ([email protected]) or (303) 312-6460
EPA Region 9
Los Angeles Public Library Air Sensor Loan Program
Participants in the Los Angeles Public Library Program.
Description: Air quality in the Los Angeles area has improved over the last four decades, but the area still struggles with air pollution. One common pollutant of concern is fine particulate matter (PM2.5), which contributes to lung and heart problems such as asthma, and cardiovascular disease. Older adults, children, and people with chronic lung and heart disease are more at risk.
Air sensors measuring PM2.5 will be available at select branches of the Los Angeles Public Library for free checkout, similar to checking out a book. The Los Angeles Public Library system is one of the largest in the country with 72 branches serving four million residents. The sensor loan program, initially funded in 2019, will help the public learn more about air quality in their communities and take actions to protect their health and the environment. Library staff will host classes and workshops for participants on how to use the air sensors and how to understand the data collected.
Equipment available for loan:
-
AirBeam2*
– portable sensor that measures fine particulate matter (PM2.5), temperature, and relative humidity; for outdoor and indoor use; battery powered; requires Bluetooth connection to a cell phone and AirCasting app
(Android phone included).
Eligibility: Los Angeles Public Library patrons.
Training: Provided by Los Angeles Public Library staff.
Additional information: Learn more about the program on the Los Angeles Public Library Website
Contact:
- Ryder Freed (
) or (
415) 972-3267
EPA Region 10
Portable Air Monitoring Device Loan Program for Tribes
Description: This loan program in EPA’s Region 10 Office is designed to provide portable monitoring equipment for indoor or outdoor use for the initial investigation of a complaint or concern relating to air quality in tribal lands located in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. Tribes can use portable air devices to monitor air quality and particulate matter (PM) levels in elevated air pollution areas or during increased smoke seasons (e.g., summer wildfire or winter wood smoke season).
Equipment available for loan:
-
PurpleAir PA-II-SD*
– stationary sensor that measures fine particulate matter (PM2.5); for outdoor and indoor use; plug-in powered; data available locally on the microSD card or connected to WiFi for private or public data streaming.
-
Handheld Gas Monitor
– measures hydrogen sulfide (H
2
S), sulfur dioxide (SO
2
), nitrogen dioxide (NO
2
), ammonia (NH
3
), carbon monoxide (CO), and VOCs.
-
Handheld Particulate Monitor
– measures PM, CO, and carbon dioxide (CO
2
).
-
Colorimetric Tubes
– measures specific toxic and combustible substances.
-
Handheld Weather Monitor
– measures temperature, humidity, wind speed, wind direction, and other weather parameters.
Eligibility: Professional tribal air quality staff members in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington.
Training: The equipment can only be used by tribal air staff trained in the Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP), standard operating procedures (SOPs), and data collection methods. EPA’s tribal air team will work with interested tribal air staff to determine when, where, and which air monitoring device would best meet their specific need.
Additional Information: Additional information on the loan program for Region 10 Tribes
Contact:
- India J. Young (
) or (206) 553-1219.
Air Sensor Loan Programs in Tribal Communities
Description: This loan program in EPA’s Region 10 Office is designed to provide the public within and near tribal reservations access to air sensors and air quality data during periods of increased smoke (e.g., wildfire season, outdoor burning periods, residential wood heating season). The sensors will allow for increased spatial coverage of real-time air quality information. Educational materials based on the air sensor used in this program will be available to help increase community understanding of air quality and local sources of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution.
Equipment available for loan:
-
PurpleAir PA-II-SD*
– stationary sensor that measures PM2.5; for outdoor and indoor use; plug-in powered; data available locally on the microSD card or connected to WiFi for private or public data streaming.
Eligibility: Residents within and near tribal reservations in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. The three tribal groups participating in this loan program are:
-
Nez Perce Tribe
-
Heritage University
–
located on the Yakama Reservation
-
The Institute of Tribal Environmental Professionals (ITEP)
Training: Provided by tribal partners.
Contact:
- India J. Young (
) or (206) 553-1219
Expanded R10 Sensor Loan Programs to Rural Areas
Description: This new loan program in EPA’s Region 10 Office is designed to provide the public in rural areas access to air sensors and air quality data during periods of increased smoke (e.g., wildfire season, outdoor burning periods, residential wood heating season). The sensors will allow for increased spatial coverage of real-time air quality information. Educational materials based on the air sensors used in this program will be available to help increase community understanding of air quality and local sources of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution. EPA’s Air Quality Flag Program flag kits are also available as part of the educational package for interested partners.
Equipment available for loan:
-
PurpleAir PA-II-SD*
– stationary sensor that measures PM2.5; for outdoor and indoor use; plug-in powered; data available locally on the microSD card or connected to WiFi for private or public data streaming.
Eligibility: Organizations and individuals in rural areas of Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and 271 Tribal Nations, with a focus on schools, libraries, and other community locations.
Training: Provided by EPA and loan program partners.
Additional information: Loan programs were launched in 2022.
Contact:
- India Young (
) or (206) 553-1219
- Will Wallace (
) or (206) 553-2495
Other R10 Loan Programs
Organization: Puget Sound Clean Air Agency
-
Air Sensor Lending Program (Seattle, WA)
