In 2018, SOWA implemented the first round of Best Starts for Kids (BSK) funding and support known as the Best Starts for Kids Out-of-School Time Initiative. We partnered with 32 organizations that provide access to consistent, high-quality, and culturally relevant summer and afterschool programming, infusing more than $12 million to underserved communities across King County.
Grantees more than doubled the number of youth served to reach over 2,100 in their BSK Out-of-School Time programming in Fall 2021, according to Public Profit’s final evaluation. Some grantees dramatically expanded the number of youth they were able to serve, and other grantees created brand new programs. The accomplishments and challenges of the BSK Out-of-School Time greatly influenced the implementation of the BSK Expanded Learning Initiative starting in 2022 to 2025.
“It has been an honor to serve, support and partner with BSK Out-of-School Time grantees over the last four and half years,” said Omana Imani, King County Expanded Learning Systems Director. “I have learned so much from this powerful community of providers working tirelessly to authentically meet the needs of youth and families and I am humbled to have had the opportunity to support them. The successes and lessons of the last several years have intentionally informed this model moving forward and I am deeply grateful for everyone who has participated in this experience.”
Below are some accomplishments and highlights from each 2018-2021 BSK Out-of-School Time Grantee. View the full-sized version here.
