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.
Aug 20 — Nov 12
Sep 09
(10:00 am — 12:30 pm)
Sep 10
(10:00 am — 12:30 pm)
Sep 11
(10:00 am — 11:00 am)
Sep 15 — Sep 29
Trainings & Workshops
Trainings & Workshops
Online School-Age Basics
August 20, 2026 — November 12, 2026
Format: SOWA Online Learning Library
Topic: This registration is for the fully online School Age Basics training. 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.
Navigating Escalating Behaviors
September 9, 2026 (10:00 am — 12:30 pm)
Format: Zoom
Topic: In this workshop, participants will understand how outside factors impact youth behavior, understand levels of escalation and gain strategies for intervention, and understand best practices for creating a responsive and emotionally safe environment.
STARS Credits: 2.5
Emotion Coaching
September 10, 2026 (10:00 am — 12:30 pm)
Format: Zoom
Topic: This workshop focuses on strategies that help practitioners integrate emotion management skills and practices into their programs and in the ways, they interact with youth.
STARS Credits: 2.5
Facilitator Community of Practice
September 11, 2026 (10:00 am — 11:00 am)
Format: Zoom
Topic: SOWA's Facilitator Community of Practice is a welcoming monthly space for trainers and facilitators at all levels within youth development to share ideas, learn from one another, and explore practical strategies and tools.
STARS Credits: 1
Welcoming and Engaging Youth and Groups (Staff)
September 15, 2026 — September 29, 2026
Format: SOWA Online Learning Library
Topic: In this Learning Path we will explore how to create a safe and inclusive learning environment for youth. We will dive into the essential skills of using a warm welcome, greeting youth, asking open-ended questions, creating community agreements and group check-ins.
STARS Credits: 2
News & stories
VIEW ALLNational AfterSchool Association Launches National Youth Development Credential Pilot
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
The Summer Struggle Is Daunting for Many Washington Families
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
Investing in Rural Youth: The Impact of School-Community Partnerships
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
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
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 The Summer Struggle Is Daunting for Many Washington Families
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 Investing in Rural Youth: The Impact of School-Community Partnerships
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
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 August 17
National AfterSchool Association Launches National Youth Development...The National AfterSchool Association (NAA) is launching the implementation pilot...
July 29
We’re Hiring: BSK Grants & Evaluation ManagerOverviewFor three decades, School’s Out Washington (SOWA) has served a...
July 06
Introducing Bridge Conference Keynote speaker Sangita KumarDuring these uncertain, dangerous times, we find strength in connection and community. With...