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2021 Bridge Conference

Jul 01, 2021

For our second virtual conference, we will come together to celebrate, influence, and learn in community with the expanded learning field on October 26-29, 2021. Join us for a Systems Leaders Pre-Conference, inspiring keynote speakers, up to 28 workshops to choose from, and unique opportunities to connect with your peers from across Washington State and beyond. About our 2021 theme Across time and cultures, humans have found comfort, guidance, and knowledge amongst the stars. Before we had the technology to tell us what was out there, we were grounded and deeply connected to this unknown we reached for it. The … [ ]

Best Starts for Kids  renewal  headed to the August 2021  ballot in King County! 

May 12, 2021

By School's Out Washington

Holistic community support for youth and families. This is the overarching purpose of King County’s Best Starts for Kids Initiative. As we’ve seen with the inaugural Best Starts Out-of-School Time grant—led by School’s Out Washington—increasing the availability of high-quality, culturally relevant youth programs means that our region’s kids grow academically, socially, and emotionally. And this August, voters will have the opportunity to ensure that life-changing youth programs stay strong. With the support of King County voters, we’ve provided funding, coaching, program quality support, and capacity building for more than three years to 35 organizations and partnerships. SOWA focused on two important models for this … [ ]

Welcome to the team, Sevan!

May 05, 2021

We are thrilled to welcome Sevan Bussell to our team as the new Spokane coach-trainer. Sevan (they/them) has been a youth worker for the last eight years, and a public speaker/workshop facilitator for the last twelve years. Their passion is creating and supporting accessible and equitable spaces for people to learn and thrive. They really enjoy creating educational opportunities for all ages and developmental levels of people. When not working they are spending time with their wife, dog, and cats. They enjoy sewing clothing and quilting as well as assorted other crafts. They enjoy tending their house plants as well … [ ]

Educators, school staff, youth development, and child care providers now eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine

Mar 17, 2021

By SOWA

President Biden recently announced a directive that all states prioritize vaccinations of teachers and childcare workers, with a goal for all school staff and childcare workers

Students get an up close look into the judicial system

Mar 03, 2021

By Brianna Kirschenbaum

Originally created for teachers, Judges in the Classroom is now open to youth development programs. Created by The Washington Courts, Case Method Institute, and Harvard Business School Professor David Moss this program provides up-to-date, free, curriculum-aligned, K-12 lesson plans for judges to present at your site any time during the year (currently through Zoom). The lessons are interactive and provide students with a unique opportunity to learn first-hand about the legal and judicial systems as well as the basic concept of fairness. Lesson plans and supporting materials are free and are easily accessible to download. High-quality civic education is crucial in equipping youth with the knowledge necessary for meaningful community … [ ]

King County Best Starts for Kids quality out-of-school time initiative extended for fourth year

Jan 21, 2021

By School's Out Washington

The Out-of-School Time Initiative, a part of King County Best Starts for Kids, began in 2018 and was slated to provide youth program providers with funding and quality improvement support through 2020. The initiative is designed to increase access to high quality and culturally relevant summer and afterschool programming for elementary and middle school youth. In total, $8.3 million was distributed to 12 People-of-Color-Led organizations and 7 Place-Based Partnerships (representing 26 organizations). The cohort represents dynamic, engaging youth development work and has fostered a richer landscape of services across King County In January of last year, the SOWA Best Starts team was gearing up to enter the final assessment season, collecting data on programs’ gains, and planning to close out the inaugural cycle with a bang. When COVID hit, communities across the county (and the world) scrambled to support each … [ ]