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.
Like seeds taking root, young people will grow and flourish. Each of us has a role in nurturing that potential. When we come together, our collective efforts shape the landscape, transforming communities from the ground up—from grassroots programs to systemic change. Individually, we are strong. Together, we are unstoppable.
This year’s theme, Together We Rise, emphasizes collective resilience, empowerment, replenishment, and shared success. It underscores that individual growth and wellbeing are intertwined with the strength and support of the community.
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 the course of 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, 70% of attendees identified as BIPOC, representing a wide range of urban, suburban, and rural programs from 16 counties across Washington.
Join us for an enriching event featuring engaging conference sessions, powerful keynote speakers, valuable networking opportunities, and moments that will inspire and propel our collective work forward.
Location: Meydenbauer Center
Dates: October 27 and 28, 2025
Thank you to our 2024 sponsors:
