Author: School's Out Washington

Best Starts for Kids sees early impact in King County

By School's Out Washington

The Best Starts for Kids (BSK) Expanded Learning initiative is underway! School’s Out Washington has received our first round of data from grantees. We’re excited to share the impact of this investment so far, alongside what we’re hearing from their perspectives in the field.   After contracts were signed in July and August 2022, the 56 Expanded Learning grantees focused on launching programming, navigating new partnerships, new sites, and/or new curriculum in addition to diving into the Youth Program Quality Initiative.   Despite the busy start to the school year, the BSK Expanded Learning cohort reached 3,848 youth from July-December 2022, with … [ ]

Action alert: Funding earmarked for youth development is in jeopardy!

For several years, OSPI has channeled federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds to youth development through the Afterschool, Summer Program Fund, and Community-Based Organization (CBO) grants. Currently, more than 130 nonprofits and public agencies utilize this funding for afterschool and summer programs, mentoring, wrap-around services, and more.    Last week we learned that the  legislature is proposing to fund additional CBO and afterschool programs using these same ESSER funds.  However, these ESSER dollars have already been obligated by OSPI and are currently in contracts. This includes many youth development providers that received funding through the Community-Based Organization (CBO) … [ ]

TAM educators discuss what accessible art means to them and their community

By School's Out Washington

The Tacoma Art Museum (TAM)’ s mission is to “transform our communities by sharing art that inspires broader perspectives and cultivates a compassionate future.” TAM aligns with their mission for both young people and their families through after school and community-centered programs. A group of Museum Educators share their stories from the community and their passion for accessible art for all.

Vamos Outdoors Project is creating space for belonging

By Adriana Zazula

Whatcom and Skagit counties are known for their rich agriculture and breathtaking views of the North Cascades. However, access to its dense nature is often limited to those with the means to get outside. Starting in 2018, the  Vamos Outdoors Project began their mission of “building community through connection to the land and access to the outdoors.” What, on the surface, appears to be a traditional sports program is also deeply committed to addressing the mental health and resource needs of migrant youth and their families.  “All the programs, outdoor and in the classroom, are working towards the goal of … [ ]

2023 legislative session update: A setback and forward momentum

By Gloria Jordan

2023 legislative session update: A setback and forward momentum Our two bills (Senate Bill 5601 and House Bill 1386) passed out of their policy committees but did not receive a vote in their respective budget committees. In addition to $50M in grants for program providers, our ask included small but critical, state infrastructure investment to help the field deepen and sustain equitable outcomes for our youth. While we experienced overwhelming engagement from both lawmakers and community advocates, we now understand that budget constraints stemming from a decrease in state revenue collections resulted in the end of our bills this session. … [ ]

Relationships are key with ALL IN Mentoring

By Adriana Zazula

According to a recent study by Afterschool Alliance, 80% of Washington parents agree that afterschool programs help young people to build positive relationships with caring adults and mentors. In the Renton Highlands,  ALL IN Mentoring is doing their part to provide those meaningful opportunities with their mission to, “develop middle and high school aged youth holistically and see them thrive and bring change to our neighborhoods.”  ALL IN programming includes an afterschool drop-in time for youth alongside mentoring opportunities. Executive Director,  Lovell Davis, has been active in this work for over seven years. The organization relocated at the beginning of … [ ]