What We Do
We support the people and organizations who empower youth through expanded learning. School’s Out Washington is working to ensure equitable access to high-quality, youth development programs across Washington state—especially for low-income youth and youth of color. Through advocacy, professional learning, and grants we have created a foundation of support and expertise that enables and enriches the critical work of youth-serving organizations.
Jul 16 — Aug 20
Aug 18
(9:30 am — 3:00 pm)
Aug 21
(9:30 am — 11:30 am)
Aug 27
(10:00 am — 12:00 pm)
Aug 31
(9:00 am — 3:30 pm)
Trainings & Workshops
Trainings & Workshops
Online School-Age Basics
July 16, 2026 — August 20, 2026
Format: SOWA Online Learning Library
Topic: This registration is for the fully online School Age Basics training. Registration for this session will give you access to the online chapters, the live, virtual Kick-Off, and multiple dates to attend the Closing Reflection through the 360Learning platform. Completion deadline: October 1, 2026
STARS Credits: 30
Youth Mental Health First Aid
August 18, 2026 (9:30 am — 3:00 pm)
Format: Zoom
Topic: Youth Mental Health First Aid is designed to teach parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, school staff, neighbors, health and human services workers, and other caring citizens how to help a young pereson who is experiencing a mental health or addictions challenge or is in crisis.
STARS Credits: 6.5
A Relational Approach to Behavior Management
August 21, 2026 (9:30 am — 11:30 am)
Format: Spokane Public Library - Shadle Park, Spokane
Topic: This interactive workshop emphasizes the crucial role of understanding the roots of behavior. We will do so by exploring the personal issues young people are facing, the internal experiences of adults, and the impact of the learning environment.
STARS Credits: 2
Educación sobre la depresión es prevenció: habilidades para apoyar a los jóvenes
August 27, 2026 (10:00 am — 12:00 pm)
Format: Zoom
Topic: Los participantes explorarán cómo la educación sobre la depresión puede servir como un enfoque preventivo para la prevención del suicidio, y que a la vez fomenta una cultura de empatía, concienciación y búsqueda de ayuda dentro de sus organizaciones.
STARS Credits: 2
Tri-Cities Regional Symposium
August 31, 2026 (9:00 am — 3:30 pm)
Format: Boys & Girls Club - Pasco Clubhouse, Pasco
Topic: Join School's Out Washington for a day of learning, collaboration, and growth tailored to the strengths and needs of youth providers based in the Central and Eastern Washington region.
STARS Credits: up to 4
News & stories
VIEW ALLNational AfterSchool Association Launches National Youth Development Credential Pilot
The National AfterSchool Association (NAA) is launching the implementation pilot for the National Youth Development Foundational Practices Credential, an important milestone in a multi-year national effort to strengthen and recognize the youth development workforce. The pilot will expand access to...
Continue reading
The Summer Struggle Is Daunting for Many Washington Families
New Study Finds 1 in 2 Washington Children Whose Parents Want Summer Learning Programs for Them Are Missing Out, Most Often Because of Cost Washington, D.C. – Many more Washington parents want their children in a structured summer program than...
Continue reading
Investing in Rural Youth: The Impact of School-Community Partnerships
Corey Belser knows firsthand how activities outside of the classroom can open doors of possibility for young people. His career as a professional basketball player and coach took him around the world—but he never forgot his roots: Spanaway, Washington, where...
Continue reading
Spotlight: Dylan Jude Harrell Community Center
In 2021, Claire Bruncke helped found the Dylan Jude Harrell Community Center (DJHCC) to address a severe lack of access to afterschool programs in her rural community of Pacific County, Washington. The DJHCC has since become a key touchpoint for...
Continue reading
National AfterSchool Association Launches National Youth Development Credential Pilot
The National AfterSchool Association (NAA) is launching the implementation pilot for the National Youth Development Foundational Practices Credential, an important milestone in a multi-year national effort to strengthen and recognize the youth development workforce. The pilot will expand access to...
Continue reading The Summer Struggle Is Daunting for Many Washington Families
New Study Finds 1 in 2 Washington Children Whose Parents Want Summer Learning Programs for Them Are Missing Out, Most Often Because of Cost Washington, D.C. – Many more Washington parents want their children in a structured summer program than...
Continue reading Investing in Rural Youth: The Impact of School-Community Partnerships
Corey Belser knows firsthand how activities outside of the classroom can open doors of possibility for young people. His career as a professional basketball player and coach took him around the world—but he never forgot his roots: Spanaway, Washington, where...
Continue reading Spotlight: Dylan Jude Harrell Community Center
In 2021, Claire Bruncke helped found the Dylan Jude Harrell Community Center (DJHCC) to address a severe lack of access to afterschool programs in her rural community of Pacific County, Washington. The DJHCC has since become a key touchpoint for...
Continue reading August 17
National AfterSchool Association Launches National Youth Development...The National AfterSchool Association (NAA) is launching the implementation pilot...
July 29
We’re Hiring: BSK Grants & Evaluation ManagerOverviewFor three decades, School’s Out Washington (SOWA) has served a...
July 06
Introducing Bridge Conference Keynote speaker Sangita KumarDuring these uncertain, dangerous times, we find strength in connection and community. With...