RFQ: Youth Development Program Quality Coach

Request for QualificationsSchool’s Out Washington (SOWA) is seeking an independent contractor to provide relationship based, culturally responsive, in-person and virtual coaching to assigned youth development and afterschool programs for the purpose of enhancing the quality of services and positive youth outcomes in the state of Washington. Using the Youth Program Quality Improvement Model (which is based on the assess-plan-improve sequence), coaches work with programs to incorporate self-and external program assessments, actionable improvement plans, and professional learning supports to drive improvement.  Reports to: Coaching Services Manager Location: This is a remote position that does require regular independent travel to and between youth … [ ]

Hiring Announcement: Program Quality Cohort Manager

Overview:For three decades, School’s Out Washington (SOWA) has served a critical role to advance equitable expanded learning ecosystems in Washington state. We work to ensure high-quality afterschool and summer programs are available so all of Washington’s youth—but especially low-income youth and youth of color—can have the opportunities they deserve to thrive. SOWA is dedicated to building responsive community systems to support quality afterschool, youth development and summer programs for Washington’s children and youth ages 5 through young adulthood.   Position Summary:The Program Quality Cohort Manager works to strengthen youth development and expanded learning opportunities in local communities by engaging them in … [ ]

Bridge Conference 2024 Highlights—Moments to Movements

We were proud to witness our theme of “Moments to Movements” in action as both a foundation for the conference and an invitation to imagine more expansive movements rooted in the moments that change us bit by bit every day—and how we can utilize these invaluable moments with youth to foster long-lasting positive change.

Hiring Announcement: Policy and Advocacy Director

Overview:For over 30 years, SOWA has been supporting an equitable ecosystem of expanded learning programs for Washington’s youth by helping after-school, summer, and child care programs become more robust and accessible. Anchored in collaboration, we secure funding, advocate for the youth development sector, and provide tools and trainings to professionals who work with young people, ages 5 to 24. Our efforts benefit communities throughout the state by prioritizing youth most impacted by systemic inequity. Position Summary:The Policy and Advocacy Director is a key leadership position at School’s Out Washington focused on driving policy change so that all Washington’s children and … [ ]

We’re Hiring! Training Services Manager

Overview:For three decades, School’s Out Washington (SOWA) has served a critical role to advance equitable expanded learning ecosystems in Washington state. We work to ensure high-quality afterschool and summer programs are available so all of Washington’s youth—and especially low-income youth and youth of color—can have the opportunities they deserve to thrive. SOWA is dedicated to building responsive community systems to support quality afterschool, youth development and summer programs for Washington’s children and youth ages 5 through young adulthood. Position Description:The Training Services Manager will ensure the delivery of responsive, relevant, accessible, and high-quality training supports for youth development and expanded … [ ]

Meet 2024 Bridge Conference closing plenary speaker: Luis Ortega

Luis Ortega Luis (he/they) is a multidisciplinary storyteller, educator, facilitator, narrative strategist, and the founder and director at Storytellers for Change. Over the last 16 years, Luis has worked with youth, educators, and cross-sector leaders to harness the power of narrative to co-imagine, craft, and share stories to build an equitable world. His research and consulting work focuses on asset-based storytelling, racial equity, narrative change, healing, culturally responsive education, leadership, and organizational development. His work, writing, and projects have been featured at the Harvard DACA Seminar, HBO’s “Where Do You Exist?” podcast, the Kauffman Foundation’s Disruptor Speaker Series, the Seattle … [ ]