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.
May 28
(10:00 am — 12:00 pm)
May 28
(10:00 am — 12:30 pm)
Jun 02
(9:30 am — 4:30 pm)
Jun 02
(10:00 am — 12:00 pm)
Jun 02
(6:30 pm — 7:15 pm)
Trainings & Workshops
Trainings & Workshops
Introduction to Literacy in the Lives of Early Learners
May 28, 2026 (10:00 am — 12:00 pm)
Format: Virtual on Zom
Topic: Participants will learn basic facts regarding the importance of literacy during the early years and its impact later in life. We will begin by understanding where children are exposed to literacy in their everyday lives and we will end with creating easy, low-cost literacy activities for early learners.
Self Care & Emotion Coaching
May 28, 2026 (10:00 am — 12:30 pm)
Format: Virtual on Zoom
Topic: During this virtual training, participants will learn strategies while framing self-care as an essential practice for working with young people.
STARS Credits: 2.5
Adult Mental Health First Aid
June 2, 2026 (9:30 am — 4:30 pm)
Format: Virtual on Zoom
Topic: Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) teaches you how to assist and support others who may be experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge.
STARS Credits: 6.5
Engaging Youth in Supported Struggle
June 2, 2026 (10:00 am — 12:00 pm)
Format: Virtual on Zoom
Topic: Participants will identify nuances for how these strategies may apply to work with the youth they work with in balanced, equitable ways.
STARS Credits: 2.5
Kick-Off - Online School-Age Basics
June 2, 2026 (6:30 pm — 7:15 pm)
Format: Virtual on Zoom
Topic: This registration is for the Kick-Off, step one, of the School Age Basics training.
STARS Credits: 30
News & stories
VIEW ALLThe 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
Spotlight: Hilltop Children’s Center’s Commitment to Continuous Growth and Improvement
School’s Out Washington (SOWA) supports youth programs on their program quality improvement journey. One program that has shown commitment to quality improvement is Hilltop Children’s Center. A longtime partner through a contract with the City of Seattle, Hilltop is an...
Continue reading
Spotlight: International Rescue Committee
Resettling one’s family in an unfamiliar country is not an easy feat. Having survived violence and persecution in their countries of origin, refugees face a plethora of new challenges when resettling in the United States—but their commitment to paving paths...
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 Spotlight: Hilltop Children’s Center’s Commitment to Continuous Growth and Improvement
School’s Out Washington (SOWA) supports youth programs on their program quality improvement journey. One program that has shown commitment to quality improvement is Hilltop Children’s Center. A longtime partner through a contract with the City of Seattle, Hilltop is an...
Continue reading Spotlight: International Rescue Committee
Resettling one’s family in an unfamiliar country is not an easy feat. Having survived violence and persecution in their countries of origin, refugees face a plethora of new challenges when resettling in the United States—but their commitment to paving paths...
Continue reading May 20
The Summer Struggle Is Daunting for Many...New Study Finds 1 in 2 Washington Children Whose Parents...
March 30
Solicitud de Calificaciones: Grupo de Revisión del...School’s Out Washington (SOWA) está buscando de 3 a 5...
February 23
Advocating at the Capitol: Recap of 2026...We know that high-quality youth development programs transform lives and...