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 … [ ]

A Time to Give: SOWA’s Year-End Showcase

As we wrap up another whirlwind of a year, School’s Out Washington is grateful for all we’ve been able to accomplish. We hope our community will join us in support and celebration as we reach even higher to support expanded learning programs.   Join us!   Fill your heart with Community Spotlights. Each story shares the real, on-the-ground impact expanded learning programs play in the lives of young people across the state.   Learn and celebrate SOWA’s unique role and what we’ve brought to the field this year, including:   Make a donation! Some of our most critical work—like advocating for more funds for … [ ]

2022 Bridge Conference Reflections

Conferences are a time to learn, reconnect, and dream a little bigger. At this year’s Bridge Conference, there was an undeniable hum of excitement in the air. We were back together, in-person, after two years of connecting virtually. Youth development leaders, community workers and organizers traveled from across the state and beyond to hear from one another. Lines formed at registration as early as 7:30 AM and groups gathered with their pastries and coffee waiting for the first plenary to begin. Tanaya Winder grounded the crowd of over 530 in intentionality and the hard work of the “heartwork.” From there … [ ]

The Youth Development Strategy Table invites you to Regional Networking Meetings

This Fall the Youth Development Strategy Table (YDST) will be traveling around the state to hear from providers and stakeholders what their needs are to support youth and strategize how to increase state investments for the youth development field. The YDST is currently working on legislative priorities including the creation of a state agency home for the youth development field, long-term funding, and funding for programs. Join us to learn more about the priorities, add your input, and network with other youth development providers and stakeholders. We hope to see you there! City & Region Event Location Date & Time … [ ]

Graduate Tacoma and the spirit of collaboration.

Graduate Tacoma is a community-wide movement of more than 350 cross-sector partners across the full education ecosystem. The Foundation for Tacoma Students (FFTS) plays a unique role in building and strengthening the community-wide movement to help every child achieve success from cradle to college and career. “The most unique thing we see [in Tacoma] is the spirit of collaboration. How do we make sure that students have access to all of our programs or how do we make sure folks know what kinds of programs we have and fill gaps where we know there aren’t enough programs? That spirit of … [ ]

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 … [ ]