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.
Aug 20 — Nov 12
Sep 30
(10:00 am — 12:00 pm)
Oct 01
(10:00 am — 12:00 pm)
Oct 06
(9:30 am — 3:30 pm)
Oct 06 — Oct 20
Trainings & Workshops
Trainings & Workshops
Online School-Age Basics
August 20, 2026 — November 12, 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.
Infusing SEL into the Culture of your Program
September 30, 2026 (10:00 am — 12:00 pm)
Format: Zoom
Topic: Participants will define Social Emotional Learning, introduce the CASEL framework and explore our program day, focusing on where SEL skills already are, and where they can be strengthened. You will leave with resources to further the work and take what you've learned back into program.
STARS Credits: 2
Activities With Intention
October 1, 2026 (10:00 am — 12:00 pm)
Format: Zoom
Topic: In this workshop, we will learn how to transform everyday games and activities into opportunities for intentional skill building.
STARS Credits: 2
Youth Mental Health First Aid
October 6, 2026 (9:30 am — 3:30 pm)
Format: Zoom, self-paced prework
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
Elevating Youth Voice (Supervisors)
October 6, 2026 — October 20, 2026
Format: SOWA Online Learning Library
Topic: Participants will explore concepts of adultism, how youth voice supports identity development, agency and belonging, as well as exploring strategies to engage meaningful feedback and reflection with youth.
STARS Credits: 2
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 September 11
We’re Hiring! Program Quality CoachOverviewFor three decades, School’s Out Washington (SOWA) has served a...
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...