Category: Stories

“I did not expect to cry.” – King County youth workers feel the love at closing celebration

By School's Out Washington

The Best Starts for Kids Out-of-School Time initiative continues to adapt to meet the needs of our region’s young people and has once again been extended. Current grant recipients will receive funding from January to June 2022, as gap coverage until the next round of Best Starts funding becomes available for application. “Wait, is this the first time we’re meeting in person?” “Look how long your hair is!” “The last time I saw you was literally years ago at this point…” “Wow, you’re so much taller than I expected!” Best Starts for Kids Out-of-School Time cohort members were gathering to … [ ]

Community of dream makers

By School's Out Washington

An end of the year message from our CEO, Elizabeth Whitford. As we come to the end of another unprecedented year, I am proud of how School’s Out Washington has been able to support and strengthen expanded learning staff and programs. Communities across the state looked to SOWA to drive equitable funding, accessible professional learning, and supports to help them bring high quality, life-changing programs to young people. Modeling humanness and responsiveness, our incredible staff answered that call when the field needed us most. Below are just some highlights of what we were able to make happen together. Reasons to … [ ]

Best starts and best practices—how 2020 highlighted the importance of out-of-school time

In February 2020, the Best Starts for Kids Out-of-School Time Initiative (BSK OST) was heading into its final year of implementation. Then COVID hit, and communities across King County (and the world) were left scrambling to support each other through unimaginable challenges. Youth development workers navigated alarming funding cuts, rapidly changing safety protocols, school closures and the creation of virtual learning strategies, and the profound trauma their youth, families, and staff teams experience. A spotlight is now on the unique and vital role our field plays within the landscape of our communities—it’s never been more apparent how much our work … [ ]

2021 Bridge Conference Reflections

By School's Out Washington

This year’s Bridge Conference reminded us of the power of collective knowledge and community building. Over 500 registrants logged in for our second virtual conference and were asked to tap into their radical imaginations.  Values that guided us include Nourishment, Community, and Change.   Nourishment  This year’s theme, From Seedlings to Stardust, inspired many during our conference including our workshop facilitators, keynote speakers and storytellers. We dared to dream and to pour into continued transformation.   “The theme and values were so clear and consistent; I really do feel nourished by my time at Bridge– and supported to *act*,” said one attendee.  Cultivating Connections was also brought back as a space to digest, reflect, and simply connect like we might … [ ]

In their own words—Coach Lynda’s spotlight on Centro Rendu

By Lynda Llavore

Expanded Learning Opportunity (ELO) providers and school district personnel agree that they are Zoom fatigued, depressed, and no longer motivated to join any kind of virtual learning. Like them, Maricela Rodriguez, a Centro Rendu staff member, has been thinking of strategies to engage her young people to attend their Zoom virtual session regularly. Since Centro Rendu has a strong partnership with parents and community resources, she decided to invite parents and people from the community to co-facilitate with her.  One of her guests was Father Carlos Orozco from St. Louis Parish in Bellevue. Father Orozco is known for his collection … [ ]

How Life Enrichment Group lives up to its name

By School's Out Washington

Life Enrichment Group has been part of the Best Starts for Kids Out-of-School Time initiative since 2018. The Rainier Beach-based organization provides academic services to Black youth and youth of color, offering middle and high schoolers academic support, enrichment activities, and college and career exploration.  Every year, Life Enrichment Group (LEG) hosts a tour of historically Black colleges and universities for high school students. The pandemic meant shifting to a virtual format— and while it wasn’t the same, this strategy meant that more youth, including middle schoolers, could participate.   Saniyah, 13, narrowed down her choices and plans to go to Howard University. “My mom and I looked at the campus online, and I know what dorm I’m gonna stay in,” says Saniyah.  She … [ ]