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National Youth Development Foundational Practices Credential

SOWA is seeking 20 youth providers to participate in a youth development credentialing pilot launched by the National AfterSchool Association. The pilot includes a stipend, group and individual coaching sessions, and more! Apply by November 30, 2026.

National Youth Development Foundational Practices Credential

SOWA is seeking 20 youth providers to participate in a youth development credentialing pilot launched by the National AfterSchool Association. The pilot includes a stipend, group and individual coaching sessions, and more! Apply by November 30, 2026.

Register for a YDST Regional Meeting Near You

Join us in Tacoma (11/16) and Everett (12/1) to get updates about the upcoming 2027 Legislative Session, discuss implications of the Meta settlement, connect with peers in the field, learn about the YDST and our goals, and share your input!

Register for a YDST Regional Meeting Near You

Join us in Tacoma (11/16) and Everett (12/1) to get updates about the upcoming 2027 Legislative Session, discuss implications of the Meta settlement, connect with peers in the field, learn about the YDST and our goals, and share your input!

Nourishing Our Ecosystem: 2025 Annual Report

Read our 2025 Annual Report to learn more about how we furthered our commitment to supporting youth development providers and programs in 2025.

Nourishing Our Ecosystem: 2025 Annual Report

Read our 2025 Annual Report to learn more about how we furthered our commitment to supporting youth development providers and programs in 2025.

Training Calendar

Explore our training and workshop calendar for upcoming opportunities to connect, network, and learn alongside peer youth providers.

Training Calendar

Explore our training and workshop calendar for upcoming opportunities to connect, network, and learn alongside peer youth providers.

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What We Do

We support the people and organizations who empower youth through expanded learning. School’s Out Washington is working to ensure equitable access to high-quality, youth development programs across Washington state—especially for low-income youth and youth of color. Through advocacy, professional learning, and grants we have created a foundation of support and expertise that enables and enriches the critical work of youth-serving organizations.

Oct 08 — Nov 19

Nov 13

(10:00 am — 11:00 am)

Nov 16

(10:00 am — 12:00 pm)

Nov 17

(10:00 am — 12:00 pm)

Nov 19

(10:00 am — 12:30 pm)

Trainings & Workshops

Trainings & Workshops

Online School-Age Basics

October 8, 2026 — November 19, 2026

Format: SOWA Online Learning Library

Topic: Registration for this session will give you access to the online chapters, the live, virtual Kick-Off, and multiple dates to attend the Closing Reflection through the 360Learning platform.

STARS Credits: 30

Facilitator Community of Practice

November 13, 2026 (10:00 am — 11:00 am)

Format: Zoom

Topic: This community of practice is a collaborative space to explore the art of using quotes and metaphors to connect complex ideas with personal experiences.

STARS Credits: 1

Pierce County Youth Development Strategy Table Gathering

November 16, 2026 (10:00 am — 12:00 pm)

Format: Asia Pacific Cultural Center, Tacoma

Topic: We will spend this time sharing updates about advocacy and the 2027 legislative session, discussing the implications of the Meta settlement announced in August, and connecting on opportunities for collaboration.

Mindsets Matter

November 17, 2026 (10:00 am — 12:00 pm)

Format: Zoom

Topic: In this dynamic workshop we will explore three different mindsets – Fixed, Growth and Benefit. We will uncover ways in which these mindsets may have shown up in our cultural upbringing to the present day, and how these frameworks show up in your program.

STARS Credits: 2

Fostering Teamwork

November 19, 2026 (10:00 am — 12:30 pm)

Format: Zoom

Topic: Participants in this workshop will learn and apply group norm building and facilitation techniques. Time will be spent applying and scaffolding techniques to support young people in managing their communication styles and applying reframing conflict skills.

STARS Credits: 2.5

Trainings & Workshops

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News & stories

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National AfterSchool Association Launches National Youth Development Credential Pilot

August 17, 2026

By NAA

The National AfterSchool Association (NAA) is launching the implementation pilot for the National Youth Development Foundational Practices Credential, an important milestone in a multi-year national effort to strengthen and recognize the youth development workforce. The pilot will expand access to...

Continue reading
male presenting youth and female presenting mentor talking

The Summer Struggle Is Daunting for Many Washington Families

May 20, 2026

New Study Finds 1 in 2 Washington Children Whose Parents Want Summer Learning Programs for Them Are Missing Out, Most Often Because of Cost Washington, D.C. – Many more Washington parents want their children in a structured summer program than...

Continue reading
Adult with about 5 kids in the forest observing things in nature.

Investing in Rural Youth: The Impact of School-Community Partnerships

February 09, 2026

Corey Belser knows firsthand how activities outside of the classroom can open doors of possibility for young people. His career as a professional basketball player and coach took him around the world—but he never forgot his roots: Spanaway, Washington, where...

Continue reading

Spotlight: Dylan Jude Harrell Community Center

February 09, 2026

In 2021, Claire Bruncke helped found the Dylan Jude Harrell Community Center (DJHCC) to address a severe lack of access to afterschool programs in her rural community of Pacific County, Washington. The DJHCC has since become a key touchpoint for...

Continue reading

National AfterSchool Association Launches National Youth Development Credential Pilot

August 17, 2026

By NAA

The National AfterSchool Association (NAA) is launching the implementation pilot for the National Youth Development Foundational Practices Credential, an important milestone in a multi-year national effort to strengthen and recognize the youth development workforce. The pilot will expand access to...

Continue reading
male presenting youth and female presenting mentor talking

The Summer Struggle Is Daunting for Many Washington Families

May 20, 2026

New Study Finds 1 in 2 Washington Children Whose Parents Want Summer Learning Programs for Them Are Missing Out, Most Often Because of Cost Washington, D.C. – Many more Washington parents want their children in a structured summer program than...

Continue reading
Adult with about 5 kids in the forest observing things in nature.

Investing in Rural Youth: The Impact of School-Community Partnerships

February 09, 2026

Corey Belser knows firsthand how activities outside of the classroom can open doors of possibility for young people. His career as a professional basketball player and coach took him around the world—but he never forgot his roots: Spanaway, Washington, where...

Continue reading

Spotlight: Dylan Jude Harrell Community Center

February 09, 2026

In 2021, Claire Bruncke helped found the Dylan Jude Harrell Community Center (DJHCC) to address a severe lack of access to afterschool programs in her rural community of Pacific County, Washington. The DJHCC has since become a key touchpoint for...

Continue reading

News & Updates

October 07

We’re Hiring! Refugee School Impact Program Manager

Refugee School Impact Program Manager OverviewFor three decades, School’s Out...

September 11

We’re Hiring! Program Quality Coach

OverviewFor three decades, School’s Out Washington (SOWA) has served a...

August 17

National AfterSchool Association Launches National Youth Development...

By NAA

The National AfterSchool Association (NAA) is launching the implementation pilot...

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