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.
Oct 08 — Nov 19
Oct 20
(10:00 am — 11:00 am)
Oct 21
(10:00 am — 12:00 pm)
Oct 22
(10:00 am — 12:00 pm)
Oct 29
(9:30 am — 12:30 pm)
Trainings & Workshops
Trainings & Workshops
Online School-Age Basics
October 8, 2026 — November 19, 2026
Format: SOWA Online Learning Library
Topic: 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.
STARS Credits: 30
Creating Equitable Spaces for Transgender Youth
October 20, 2026 (10:00 am — 11:00 am)
Format: Zoom
Topic: In the live virtual workshop, we’ll explore new ways to create welcoming environments for trans youth; as well as consider the unique supports they need to thrive in your program.
STARS Credits: 2
Lesson Planning: Making Fun of Learning
October 21, 2026 (10:00 am — 12:00 pm)
Format: Zoom
Topic: We invite you to put the celebration back into youth programming. As thoughtful guides, we look for ways to craft learning objectives that inspire young people to feel proud, connected, celebrated for what they’ve learned.
STARS Credits: 2
Support Youth Mental Health: Signs, Symptoms, Self-Care, Become a Trusted Adult
October 22, 2026 (10:00 am — 12:00 pm)
Format: Zoom
Topic: Participants will explore the signs and symptoms of youth depression and suicide, learn how to respond to youth with empathy and confidence, and understand their role as a trusted adult in the community.
STARS Credits: 2
SEL PQA Basics (Day 1)
October 29, 2026 (9:30 am — 12:30 pm)
Format: Zoom
Topic: The SEL PQA (Social & Emotional Learning Program Quality Assessment) Basics: Prepares participants to conduct program self-assessment, and is the first step in becoming an External Assessor in the SEL PQA.
STARS Credits: 6
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 October 07
We’re Hiring! Refugee School Impact Program ManagerRefugee School Impact Program Manager OverviewFor three decades, School’s Out...
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...