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.
May 05
(10:00 am — 4:30 pm)
May 06
(10:00 am — 11:30 am)
May 08
(10:00 am — 11:00 am)
May 12 — May 27
May 12 — May 27
Trainings & Workshops
Trainings & Workshops
Youth Mental Health First Aid
May 5, 2026 (10:00 am — 4:30 pm)
Format: Virtually on Zoom
Topic: The course introduces common mental health challenges for youth, reviews typical adolescent development, and teaches a 5-step action plan for how to help young people in both crisis and non-crisis situations.
STARS Credits: 6.5
Supporting Afghan Newcomer Youth
May 6, 2026 (10:00 am — 11:30 am)
Format: Virtual on Zoom
Topic: The purpose of the training is to support educators, school administrators, and after school program staff in learning about the needs of newcomer youth through the unique lens of the Afghan experience.
Facilitator Community of Practice
May 8, 2026 (10:00 am — 11:00 am)
Format: Virtual on Zoom
Topic: SOWA's Facilitator Community of Practice is a welcoming monthly space for trainers and facilitators at all levels within youth development to share ideas, learn from one another, and explore practical strategies and tools.
STARS Credits: 1
Creating Equitable Spaces for Autistic Youth (Staff)
May 12, 2026 — May 27, 2026
Format: SOWA Online Learning Library
Topic: Join us in this workshop as we work towards creating inclusive, empowering, and equitable spaces for autistic youth.
STARS Credits: 3
Creating Equitable Spaces for Autistic Youth (Supervisors)
May 12, 2026 — May 27, 2026
Format: SOWA Online Learning Library
Topic: Join us in this workshop as we work towards creating inclusive, empowering, and equitable spaces for autistic youth.
STARS Credits: 3
News & stories
VIEW ALLLights On Afterschool in Washington
Read more about Lights On Afterschool events held in Washington in 2025, including 5 events sponsored by SOWA.
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
Spotlight: Hilltop Children’s Center’s Commitment to Continuous Growth and Improvement
School’s Out Washington (SOWA) supports youth programs on their program quality improvement journey. One program that has shown commitment to quality improvement is Hilltop Children’s Center. A longtime partner through a contract with the City of Seattle, Hilltop is an...
Continue reading
Spotlight: International Rescue Committee
Resettling one’s family in an unfamiliar country is not an easy feat. Having survived violence and persecution in their countries of origin, refugees face a plethora of new challenges when resettling in the United States—but their commitment to paving paths...
Continue reading
Lights On Afterschool in Washington
Read more about Lights On Afterschool events held in Washington in 2025, including 5 events sponsored by SOWA.
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 Spotlight: Hilltop Children’s Center’s Commitment to Continuous Growth and Improvement
School’s Out Washington (SOWA) supports youth programs on their program quality improvement journey. One program that has shown commitment to quality improvement is Hilltop Children’s Center. A longtime partner through a contract with the City of Seattle, Hilltop is an...
Continue reading Spotlight: International Rescue Committee
Resettling one’s family in an unfamiliar country is not an easy feat. Having survived violence and persecution in their countries of origin, refugees face a plethora of new challenges when resettling in the United States—but their commitment to paving paths...
Continue reading March 30
Solicitud de Calificaciones: Grupo de Revisión del...School’s Out Washington (SOWA) está buscando de 3 a 5...
February 23
Advocating at the Capitol: Recap of 2026...We know that high-quality youth development programs transform lives and...
February 09
Investing in Rural Youth: The Impact of...Corey Belser knows firsthand how activities outside of the classroom...