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.
Jul 16 — Aug 20
Aug 13
(10:00 am — 12:00 pm)
Aug 14
(10:00 am — 11:00 am)
Aug 18
(9:30 am — 3:00 pm)
Aug 31
(9:00 am — 3:30 pm)
Trainings & Workshops
Trainings & Workshops
Online School-Age Basics
July 16, 2026 — August 20, 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. Completion deadline: October 1, 2026
STARS Credits: 30
Canva 101: Tips, Tricks, & Tutorials
August 13, 2026 (10:00 am — 12:00 pm)
Format: This workshop will take place virtually, over Zoom.
Topic: If you’re interested in maximizing Canva to make flyers, social media posts, website graphics, or other visuals, this workshop is for you.
STARS Credits: 2
Facilitator Community of Practice
August 14, 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
Youth Mental Health First Aid
August 18, 2026 (9:30 am — 3:00 pm)
Format: Zoom
Topic: Youth Mental Health First Aid is designed to teach parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, school staff, neighbors, health and human services workers, and other caring citizens how to help a young pereson who is experiencing a mental health or addictions challenge or is in crisis.
STARS Credits: 6.5
Tri-Cities Regional Symposium
August 31, 2026 (9:00 am — 3:30 pm)
Format: Boys & Girls Club - Pasco Clubhouse, Pasco
Topic: Join School's Out Washington for a day of learning, collaboration, and growth tailored to the strengths and needs of youth providers based in the Central and Eastern Washington region.
STARS Credits: up to 4
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 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...
June 09
Building Crucial Connections through ConveningsConvening with peers in the youth development field is one of the many benefits grantees in...