Author: School's Out Washington

Participants needed to revise DCYF’s Core Competencies

By School's Out Washington

SOWA is seeking participants for a focus group that will help with revisions for the Washington State Core Competencies for Child and Youth Development Professionals.    The goal of this project is to update the Washington State Core Competencies for Child and Youth Development Professionals so that they align to current national and state frameworks, best practices, and provider voice and expertise. We will be working with Jen Siaca Curry from Change Impact as our consultant to complete a review of national standards, synthesize input from provider focus groups, and provide summary recommendations to DCYF.   We are looking for a diverse and representative group to support this process. Focus group members would be … [ ]

2021 Bridge Conference Reflections

By School's Out Washington

This year’s Bridge Conference reminded us of the power of collective knowledge and community building. Over 500 registrants logged in for our second virtual conference and were asked to tap into their radical imaginations.  Values that guided us include Nourishment, Community, and Change.   Nourishment  This year’s theme, From Seedlings to Stardust, inspired many during our conference including our workshop facilitators, keynote speakers and storytellers. We dared to dream and to pour into continued transformation.   “The theme and values were so clear and consistent; I really do feel nourished by my time at Bridge– and supported to *act*,” said one attendee.  Cultivating Connections was also brought back as a space to digest, reflect, and simply connect like we might … [ ]

2022 Summer Program Fund RFP is now open!

By School's Out Washington

2022 Summer Program Fund School’s Out Washington (SOWA) is partnering with the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) to administer a second round of funding through the Summer Program Fund—a statewide opportunity for summer programs, serving young people ages 4-21 in Washington. Approximately $4.5M will be invested in summer programs through contracts ranging from $10,000 – $50,000 for Summer 2022. The RFP process is now open and applications are due by 11:59 PM on, Monday, December 6, 2021. Funding decisions will be made by mid-February, 2022 Nonprofit community-based organizations, including religious organizations, will be prioritized for funding. Small businesses and … [ ]

In their own words—Coach Lynda’s spotlight on Centro Rendu

By Lynda Llavore

Expanded Learning Opportunity (ELO) providers and school district personnel agree that they are Zoom fatigued, depressed, and no longer motivated to join any kind of virtual learning. Like them, Maricela Rodriguez, a Centro Rendu staff member, has been thinking of strategies to engage her young people to attend their Zoom virtual session regularly. Since Centro Rendu has a strong partnership with parents and community resources, she decided to invite parents and people from the community to co-facilitate with her.  One of her guests was Father Carlos Orozco from St. Louis Parish in Bellevue. Father Orozco is known for his collection … [ ]

How Life Enrichment Group lives up to its name

By School's Out Washington

Life Enrichment Group has been part of the Best Starts for Kids Out-of-School Time initiative since 2018. The Rainier Beach-based organization provides academic services to Black youth and youth of color, offering middle and high schoolers academic support, enrichment activities, and college and career exploration.  Every year, Life Enrichment Group (LEG) hosts a tour of historically Black colleges and universities for high school students. The pandemic meant shifting to a virtual format— and while it wasn’t the same, this strategy meant that more youth, including middle schoolers, could participate.   Saniyah, 13, narrowed down her choices and plans to go to Howard University. “My mom and I looked at the campus online, and I know what dorm I’m gonna stay in,” says Saniyah.  She … [ ]

3 things to do before the Bridge Conference

By School's Out Washington

1. Download the latest Zoom While you do not need to have a Zoom account to access Bridge, we do encourage you to download the latest version of the Zoom Client to your device. 2. Log into Sched and set up your schedule  Be sure to search your Inbox and Junk Mail folders for an email from notifications@sched.com with the subject, “You’re Invited to 2021 Bridge Conference” or “Build your schedule for 2021 Bridge Conference.” If you cannot find your invitation or if you have not yet received one, you can check out this tip from Sched on activating your account … [ ]