On January 21, 2026, School’s Out Washington (SOWA) and the Youth Development Strategy Table (YDST) hosted a virtual Legislative Kick-Off to highlight the coalition’s 2026 legislative priorities and share ways the community can support and advocate for the youth development field across Washington.
Centering young people in this work was a highlight of the event. Two youth speakers shared powerful stories about how youth development programs have shaped their lives. Both speakers served on SOWA’s Youth Advisory Subcommittee, a group of 10 passionate young people who worked together in the fall and summer of 2025 to complete a policy project with guidance and support from the YDST coalition and SOWA team.
One of the youth speakers, Lexi, shared how participating in youth development programs like DECA and HOSA have helped shape her goals for the future. Through DECA, where she serves as a team leader, Lexi has developed skills such as interviewing, time management, and pitching sales ideas. Through HOSA, she has learned lifesaving skills like CPR and gained knowledge that will support her future career as a healthcare professional.
Lexi explained that these opportunities have changed significantly following an 86% cut to program funding in 2025. With less funding, costs such as field trip fees are no longer covered, creating barriers for students and limiting access to critical learning experiences. “Youth development programs help prepare well-rounded humans physically and are mentally stimulating for young people,” Lexi said. “It would be detrimental to take away funding. If you want to prepare future leaders, you have to start now.”
We also heard from Gabriel, another member of SOWA’s Youth Advocacy Subcommittee who spoke about how his youth development experiences—including learning robotics, traveling to Spain for two weeks as a Compassion Scholar, and volunteering with Just One—have had a significant positive impact on his life.
Hearing directly from young people about the real-life impacts of funding loss was a powerful reminder of why this work matters. This year, in partnership with SOWA and the YDST, Senator Krishnadasan introduced Senate Bill 5992. This bill proposes the creation of a centralized fund for future investments in positive youth development programming, increasing fiscal transparency and visibility for the sector.
Creating the fund, even if it is initially small and/or mostly containing private funding, establishes a formal state intention to invest in youth development for the first time, and a transparent place in the state budget for youth development investments.
There was a strong community turnout in support of SB 5992 during the bill’s policy hearing on January 21, including seventeen people who submitted verbal testimony, eight of which were youth. 161 people also noted their support for the bill by signing in PRO.
“We had two young people in Yakima testify virtually. I have a photo of Senator Wellman smiling,” Teddy Eddy from Justice For Girls reflected during the kick-off event. “Legislators really listen to young people and their stories, and we see them light up. It was a wonderful day.”
Senator Krishnadasan, the bill’s champion, also joined the virtual kick-off. She shared that her passion for youth development began while volunteering at her children’s schools as a parent. “I quickly realized I wanted to advocate for all 3,000 students,” she said. She emphasized her strong belief in the power and impact of youth development work.
Our Legislative Kick-Off was a great success, but the work is not done. We invite you to join us in Olympia for Advocacy Day on Monday, February 16 from 9:00 AM-4:00 PM. This event will include opportunities to meet with legislators and discuss the importance of investing in youth development. No prior experience is needed! We will provide training to set everyone up for success. Breakfast and lunch will be provided. Register for Advocacy Day today and stand with us in support of Washington’s youth.