Youth Development Credential

School’s Out Washington is seeking 20 youth providers from across the state to participate in a youth development credentialing pilot! Launched by the National AfterSchool Association (NAA), the National Youth Development Foundational Practices Credential is the first national credential built specifically for the youth development field.

The anticipated timeline is January 2027-June 2027. SOWA is prioritizing providers who haven’t had the opportunity to pursue higher education and providers who identify as Black, Indigenous, and/or People of Color.

Participants will receive:

• $200 stipend
• 4 90-minute group coaching sessions during the pilot
• 6 hours of individual coaching during the pilot
• A baseline assessment using Weikart’s YPQA Tool
• Membership to the National AfterSchool Association

Application Deadline: November 30

Credential Design

The full credential comprises four micro-credentials:

1. Creating an Inclusive, Supportive Learning Climate: Practitioner builds safe and welcoming spaces where all youth feel respected, valued, and included. The practitioner connects learning experiences to the youth’s personal lives, interests, and community, helping them see themselves as capable learners.
2. Facilitating Purposeful Learning: The practitioner designs and delivers activities with clear goals, accurate content, and meaningful application.
3. Establishing Effective Learning Environments: The practitioner organizes space, materials, and time for safe, engaging, and flexible learning, and maintains contingency plans for smooth facilitation.
4. Centering Youth Voice and Choice: The practitioner ensures that all youth have opportunities to share ideas, make decisions, and participate fully in all aspects of activities.

Benefits of Professional Credentialing

The Foundational Practices Credential creates a shared national approach to recognizing the practices that drive positive youth development and strengthens the use of trusted observation tools and professional learning systems.

For Practitioners

The credential will:

• Build core competencies
• Provide professional recognition
• Enhance career mobility
• Boost confidence and effectiveness
• Support equity and growth
• Offer accessible and flexible pathways

For Youth Development Employers

The credential will:

• Support hiring staff who can “do the work”
• Improve program quality
• Support workforce retention
• Build career pathways
• Enhance organizational reputation
• Be flexible and scalable

For the Youth Development Field

The credential is designed to:

• Establish a common standard
• Elevate professionalism
• Improve program quality system-wide
• Support workforce development
• Advance equity
• Strengthen advocacy and funding
• Foster collaboration

Learn more about the credential and pilot here.