Author: School’s Out Washington - Page 5

Homepage
/

Why BSK and the Quality Improvement Pathways Model just makes sense

Jun 07, 2023

By School's Out Washington

School’s Out Washington (SOWA) works hard as an intermediary organization to support youth development both at the institutional and local level. A large part of our work is focused in supporting youth-serving organizations across Washington state in moving through cycles of continuous program quality improvement, using the Forum for Youth Investment’s Youth Program Quality Intervention (YPQI) model. In this research-backed model, programs move through a high-touch experience of assessing their programs, setting goals, and then making intentional improvements before starting the cycle again with another assessment, which we refer to as the Assess-Plan-Improve (API) cycle. Knowing that the needs … [ ]

Check out what’s new on Elevate Washington

May 17, 2023

By Gloria Jordan

Last year, SOWA worked to enhance the Elevate Washington data platform. If you’re not already familiar, Elevate is SOWA’s youth program data system and public directory. Providers can create and manage information profiles that are searchable via the program directory. The directory is a free, statewide resource that features camps, classes, and support programs for children and young people (ages 5 to 24). Providers who join also gain early access to information about funding opportunities and other resources for expanded learning professionals from SOWA and its partners—including funding. So what’s new? A more user friendly search tool and program detail … [ ]

Best Starts for Kids’ deep dive into training series

May 03, 2023

By School's Out Washington

Best Starts for Kids (BSK) grantees had the opportunity to attend four different Youth Work Methods “Deep Dive” trainings over the past few months. The Youth Work Methods trainings are designed to give direct service staff practical skills that can be immediately implemented into programming and are directly connected to practices addressed in the Program Quality Assessment. The BSK team took the Methods training a step further by giving folks extra time to work through the content and materials and ask more questions in a more “deep dive” approach. The four trainings offered during the series were specifically chosen to … [ ]

Best Starts for Kids sees early impact in King County

Apr 05, 2023

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!

Apr 04, 2023

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

Mar 24, 2023

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.

Author: School's Out Washington