Best Starts for Kids’ deep dive into training series
READ MOREWe are proud to present our 2023-2026 strategic plan, which has been deeply informed by School’s Out Washington’s community and...
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Investing in Rural Youth: The Impact of School-Community Partnerships
Corey Belser knows firsthand how activities outside of the classroom can open doors of possibility for young people. His career...
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Spotlight: Hilltop Children’s Center’s Commitment to Continuous Growth and Improvement
School’s Out Washington (SOWA) supports youth programs on their program quality improvement journey. One program that has shown commitment to...
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Advocating at the Capitol: Recap of 2026 Advocacy Day
We know that high-quality youth development programs transform lives and build stronger communities—but Washington still hasn’t caught up with the...
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Spotlight: International Rescue Committee
Resettling one’s family in an unfamiliar country is not an easy feat. Having survived violence and persecution in their countries...
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School’s Out Washington’s annual Bridge Conference is a two-day convening focused professional growth, celebration, and advocacy within and for Washington state’s youth development field and communities.
Greater Tacoma Convention Center
Tacoma, WA
This year’s theme, The Art of Being Water, invites us to embrace the power of adaptability, resilience, connection, and collective flow. Like water, we learn to move with purpose — reshaping our path, filling spaces with possibility, and finding ways forward where none seemed possible. This theme calls on the expanded learning field to remain grounded while fluid, balancing action with reflection and honoring both movement and stillness.
The Art of Being Water reflects the strength of an interconnected youth development ecosystem. When young people, families, providers, educators, and communities move in alignment, ideas ripple outward, barriers begin to soften, and new opportunities emerge. Together, we create environments that are responsive, inclusive, and rooted in shared growth.
As we gather, this theme encourages us to listen deeply, collaborate boldly, and design with intention. It is an invitation to explore how we adapt to evolving needs, strengthen cross-sector partnerships, and cultivate systems that allow all young people to thrive — while also making space to be present.
The Bridge Conference is the only conference in Washington state that brings together the full spectrum of youth development professionals—grassroots program staff, organizational leaders, advocates, community members, and funders. Over two days, we come together to form meaningful connections and gain knowledge to enhance our collective impact. Each year, the conference serves over 500 attendees and intentionally centers and empowers diverse Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) voices throughout the event, from planning to implementation. This past year, 64% of attendees identified as BIPOC, representing a wide range of urban, suburban, and rural programs from 16 counties across Washington.
