Author: School's Out Washington

Get to know our Spokane County Program Quality Manager, Benny Baird.

By School's Out Washington

Meet our Spokane County Program Quality Manager, Benny Baird. Since 2004, Benny has been passionate about serving young people in rural communities and believes that all youth should have access to high quality outdoor experiences. Our organization is thrilled to have him on our team as we continue to grow our work across the state.  Please share your journey into youth development Long story alert! As a kid growing up in Spokane I attended tons of different programs, camps, and enrichment opportunities in the area. I attended art programs at the museum, recreation programs at the local parks, writing camps … [ ]

Path & Purpose—Salish School of Spokane 

By School's Out Washington

In our 2021 Annual Report, Path & Purpose, we explore how through shared vision and purpose, connection, community, and persistence, our partners are creating equitable pathways for thriving youth across this beautiful state. Read the full report here. The mission of the Salish School of Spokane (SSOS) is “dynamic Salish language revitalization powering cultural renewal and building a stronger, healthier community.”  Of the 29 Salish languages of the Pacific Northwest, 16 no longer have surviving first-language speakers. SSOS offers invaluable Salish language immersion childcare and elementary school for Native American families in the greater Spokane area, working to preserve and … [ ]

Path & Purpose—Foundation for Academic Endeavors

By School's Out Washington

In our 2021 Annual Report, Path & Purpose, we explore how through shared vision and purpose, connection, community, and persistence, our partners are creating equitable pathways for thriving youth across this beautiful state. Read the full report here. The Foundation for Academic Endeavors (FAE) is located in the Skagit Valley. Many kids in FAE’s programs are from low-income and Latinx families; many are English language learners. The organization offers continuous opportunities for youth and families to participate in their work. Tutoring, summer learning, and much more is available for youth in preschool to 8th grade; older youth are welcomed back … [ ]

Path & Purpose—Foundation For Youth Resiliency & Engagement

By School's Out Washington

In our 2021 Annual Report, Path & Purpose, we explore how through shared vision and purpose, connection, community, and persistence, our partners are creating equitable pathways for thriving youth across this beautiful state. Read the full report here. Foundation For Youth Resiliency & Engagement (FYRE)’s mission is “to advocate for equitable opportunities that allow all youth to thrive.”  FYRE is located in Omak, a rural and under-resourced community in north-central Washington. Its residents are very diverse due to the local agricultural industry and much of their county being located on the reservation of the Colville Confederated Tribes. Before FYRE opened … [ ]

Path & Purpose—Asian Pacific Cultural Center

By School's Out Washington

In our 2021 Annual Report, Path & Purpose, we explore how through shared vision and purpose, connection, community, and persistence, our partners are creating equitable pathways for thriving youth across this beautiful state. Read the full report here. The Asian Pacific Cultural Center’s mission is “to bridge communities and generations through art, culture, education and business.” Executive Director Faaluaina (Lua) Pritchard shares her insight into the work of the organization.   “Teaming up together (with school districts) makes the difference. That’s what’s fantastic about our work. We are making a difference. The Tacoma School District graduation rate was low until … [ ]

Path & Purpose—Supporting Young Refugees Through Partnerships

By School's Out Washington

In our 2021 Annual Report, Path & Purpose, we explore how through shared vision and purpose, connection, community, and persistence, our partners are creating equitable pathways for thriving youth across this beautiful state. Read the full report here. Since 2007, SOWA has fostered partnerships between community and schools to support refugee students. Through the federally funded Refugee School Impact Program, SOWA connects school districts, afterschool programs, and community organizations to serve young refugees and their families. We provide funding to every partnership to support their refugee programs, in addition to technical assistance, training, program development support, and much more.   What … [ ]