Author: School's Out Washington

What goalsetting means for Best Starts for Kids 2.0

By School's Out Washington

The Best Starts for Kids Expanded Learning Initiative (BSK) grantees welcomed the new year by reflecting on their experiences in 2022 and setting some resolutions for program quality improvement in 2023.   Following a Fall season filled with onboarding and learning more about Youth Program Quality Initiative, grantees kicked off 2023 with a training called Planning with Data. In this training they closely reviewed their assessment data for the first time and began to make plans for a cycle of continuous program quality improvement.  Grantees were guided into the work of identifying some places where they wanted to improve their … [ ]

Coyote and the expansion of curiosity, creativity, and collaboration

By School's Out Washington

The ability to express oneself as a young person is a valuable tool for growth and healing. Coyote’s mission is to, “spark creativity in young people, putting tools in their hands to build skills and forge their futures.” Jess  Schwab, Communications Director at Coyote, and Alex Peterson, Program & Engagement Manager, shared their insight into the organization’s impact so far and the exciting future ahead.  Can you expand on the organization’s vision of “An equitable world powered by curiosity, creativity, and collaboration.” How does that play out in Coyote’s approach to programming and community engagement? Coyote’s model is unique in Seattle … [ ]

Youth Development Advocacy Week

By School's Out Washington

Now is the time to showcase Youth Development to policymakers! In partnership with the Youth Development Strategy Table, we’ll be meeting youth, providers, and other stakeholders to educate and advocate for our legislative priorities from February 6 – 10.  Here’s how you can participate.  Before Advocacy Week (January 11 – February 2): During Advocacy Week (February 6 – 10): Please reach out to David Beard with any questions or concerns. Youth make Washington better and it’s time for the state to support youth development!

Winter Workshop: The Journey Continues

By School's Out Washington

The Out of School and Summer Learning Network, in partnership with School’s Out Washington welcomes you back from winter break by offering a refresher on YPQ Methods and mental health workshops as recommended by youth-serving partners! On February 3, you’ll have a chance to refresh on some best-known practices, connect with peers, co-learn with partners, and get reading for some great youth programming. In this workshop, participants will:

Pierce County Out-of-Schooltime Leader to Join SOWA 

By School's Out Washington

School’s Out Washington (SOWA) is thrilled to announce that Fahren Johnson will be joining SOWA as the new Strategy & Partnerships Director. Her first day in the new role will be January 3, 2023. This new senior leadership position is responsible for leading SOWA’s policy and systems-level efforts to advance equity for youth of color and youth in poverty through an equitable and high-quality expanded learning ecosystem in Washington state. In this role, Fahren will oversee strategic partnerships with SOWA’s state agency partners, lead SOWA’s expanded learning system-building strategy, and oversee SOWA’s Policy and Advocacy team working to strengthen our … [ ]

Conversación, Cuentos y Cultura

By School's Out Washington

Conversación, Cuentos y Cultura School’s Out Washington (SOWA) is launching a series of sessions in Spanish that invite all who have an interest to share virtual space on various challenging or emerging topics that affect the children and young people with whom we work. We would love your virtual presence! Each session is gently guided by Maria Pia Johnson Barreto, SOWA’s Learning & Design Manager, and Clara Rosebrock, SOWA’s Learning & Design Coordinator. We will host this open space via Zoom during each season of the year: Fall: December 08 , 2022 10 AM -11:30 AM Winter: February 28, 2023 … [ ]