Youth Development Advocacy Week

Now is the time to showcase Youth Development to policymakers! In partnership with the Youth Development Strategy Table, we’ll be meeting youth, providers, and other stakeholders to educate and advocate for our legislative priorities from February 6 – 10.  Here’s how you can participate.  Before Advocacy Week (January 11 – February 2): During Advocacy Week (February 6 – 10): Please reach out to David Beard with any questions or concerns. Youth make Washington better and it’s time for the state to support youth development!

Winter Workshop: The Journey Continues

The Out of School and Summer Learning Network, in partnership with School’s Out Washington welcomes you back from winter break by offering a refresher on YPQ Methods and mental health workshops as recommended by youth-serving partners! On February 3, you’ll have a chance to refresh on some best-known practices, connect with peers, co-learn with partners, and get reading for some great youth programming. In this workshop, participants will:

Conversación, Cuentos y Cultura

Conversación, Cuentos y Cultura School’s Out Washington (SOWA) is launching a series of sessions in Spanish that invite all who have an interest to share virtual space on various challenging or emerging topics that affect the children and young people with whom we work. We would love your virtual presence! Each session is gently guided by Maria Pia Johnson Barreto, SOWA’s Learning & Design Manager, and Clara Rosebrock, SOWA’s Learning & Design Coordinator. We will host this open space via Zoom during each season of the year: Fall: December 08 , 2022 10 AM -11:30 AM Winter: February 28, 2023 … [ ]

Lights on Afterschool 2022

Every year, Lights On Afterschool highlights amazing expanded learning opportunities all over the nation! Programs invite families, schools, policymakers, the media, and others to see the important work happening after school to engage youth and improve academic and social-emotional learning outcomes. We have a goal of getting as many Washington programs registered as possible to show our state’s leadership when it comes to providing quality expanded learning opportunities afterschool and during the summer.  That’s why we need your help! You can plan an in-person or online event at your site. Go to the Afterschool Alliance website for a comprehensive list … [ ]

Best Starts for Kids Virtual Open House

Interested in being part of the next iteration of Best Starts for Kids? Check out their upcoming virtual open house on Wednesday, January 12, 2022 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Stay up-do-date by subscribing the Best Starts blog. Learn more about School’s Out Washington work on the 2018 – 2021 Out-of-School Time grant. Best Starts for Kids will host a virtual open house for existing and prospective community partners to learn more about the opportunities for funding in the first quarter of 2022. Way back in 2017, Best Start for Kids headed out on the road to spread the word about … [ ]

Lights on Afterschool 2021

We are looking forward to celebrating Expanded Learning Opportunities and their important role in the lives of children, families, and communities. Expanded Learning Opportunities support students in so many ways by offering opportunities to learn and discover new skills. This was especially true throughout the COVID-19 pandemic in ensuring youth had a safe and productive place to be while schools were closed. This year we will be hosting our Lights on Afterschool event on October 28th at the 2021 Bridge Conference. Organizations can host their own event as well–online or in-person! It’s important to show policymakers, school districts, and other partners … [ ]