Author: gloria

Request for Proposal—Data Consultant

Organizational Overview School’s Out Washington (SOWA) is a nonprofit intermediary working to ensure equitable access to high-quality, expanded learning programs in all Washington communities—especially for low-income youth and youth of color. We do this through advocacy and systems building. Specifically, we provide direct services (assessment, training and professional learning) to youth-serving organizations and individuals. Scope of Work We are seeking an individual or firm to provide data consulting services for Elevate Washington, a proprietary member data system and public-facing youth program directory. It was created to enable SOWA and its partners to understand the expanded learning and youth development program … [ ]

We Build. We Rise. We Soar. Best Starts for Kids Summit kicks off!

We Build. We Rise. We Soar. The King County Best Starts for Kids Summit delivers four days of learning, sharing, and celebrating. In his opening remarks, King County Executive Dow Constantine pointed to the Out-of-School Time strategy as an example of the success of the overall initiative.   Between 2018 and 2020, OST cohort members have:  Delivered more than 130,000 hours of out-of-school time programming  Seen more than 11,000 enrollments  The week features trainings and panels from organizations from across the many Best Starts strategies and also boasts out-of-school time grantees.  Highlights: STEMPaths Innovation Network has invited their student leaders to demonstrate the engineering design process and to help attendees empower girls to … [ ]

5 reasons why working with young people is the best

Our providers and partner organizations support some of the most brilliant young people in Washington. Lex Gavin explains why working with young people is the best They are our future. People say it all the time, but it’s true! Youth have always been at the forefront of social change and pushing for a better world. They’re also my teachers and help me break out of the cynicism of focusing on whether something is impossible and instead strive relentlessly towards justice. It’s a reciprocal relationship. I don’t take for granted the opportunity to build a strong foundation in a young person’s … [ ]

$9.4 million awarded to 421 youth development organizations across Washington state

By Adriana Zazula

On November 5, $9.4 million was awarded to 421 youth development organizations. Awards were distributed across all areas of the state with a focus on organizations most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and which support priority populations (BIPOC, LGBTQ, migrant/immigrant, youth with disabilities and youth in poverty, among others).  Awards range from $10,000 to $50,000 and will be distributed between mid-November and December 15, 2020.  About the Fund The Washington Youth Development Nonprofit Relief Fund wasmade possible by the CARES Act(Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act)and is being implemented by the Washington State Department of Commerce and School’s Out Washington.  This one-time investment addresses the financial … [ ]

East African Community Services creates by-and-for summer fun

When I ask Fardowsa Ali, the Program Director for East African Community Services (EACS), what kids are most excited about this summer, she pauses. “Well, everything! They get to design it. When the program starts, we survey the kids to determine what they want to do.” This summer, kids are going to places like the Microsoft campus, Cougar Mountain, the Pacific Science Center, and the Woodland Park Zoo for field trips. They’re also having field days in the park and learning from the community partners that drop in to their program space in Seattle’s NewHolly Housing Community. Fellow Best Starts for Kids Out-of-School-Time grantee Geeking … [ ]