Category: Action Alert & Policy Updates

Action alert: Funding earmarked for youth development is in jeopardy!

For several years, OSPI has channeled federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds to youth development through the Afterschool, Summer Program Fund, and Community-Based Organization (CBO) grants. Currently, more than 130 nonprofits and public agencies utilize this funding for afterschool and summer programs, mentoring, wrap-around services, and more.    Last week we learned that the  legislature is proposing to fund additional CBO and afterschool programs using these same ESSER funds.  However, these ESSER dollars have already been obligated by OSPI and are currently in contracts. This includes many youth development providers that received funding through the Community-Based Organization (CBO) … [ ]

2023 legislative session update: A setback and forward momentum

By Gloria Jordan

Our two bills (Senate Bill 5601 and House Bill 1386) passed out of their policy committees, but did not receive a vote in their respective budget committees. In addition to $50M in grants for program providers, our ask included small, but critical, state infrastructure investment to help the field deepen and sustain equitable outcomes for our youth. While we experienced  overwhelming engagement from both lawmakers and community advocates, we now understand that budget constraints stemming from a decrease in state revenue collections resulted in the end of our bills this session. So what do we take away from this? Our strength … [ ]