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Strengthening Programs. Empowering Youth.

Who We Are

We are the expert and backbone organization strengthening programs that serve Washington's children and youth outside the traditional school day.

Whom We Serve

We support youth-serving professionals and programs, helping them provide high-quality services that give youth opportunities they deserve to succeed.

Our Vision

We are working towards a Washington where all young people have opportunities to thrive and reach their full potential, regardless of race or income.

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Our Four-Pronged Approach

Quality & Training

We have led the process of building a quality improvement system for expanded learning programs. We also offer a wide array of training options from workshops to our annual Bridge Conference.

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Policy & Advocacy

We mobilize and create a unified voice for expanded learning, promoting policies to ensure equitable opportunities for children and youth to quality afterschool and summer programs.

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Grants to Programs

Through Feed Your Brain and the Refugee School Impact Grant (RSIG), we provide resources to expanded learning programs and communities. We also provide guidance in seeking additional funding support.

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Racial Equity

Our programs and initiatives reflect our core belief that access to high-quality expanded learning opportunities is essential for closing the opportunity gap and challenging inequity.

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Our Impact

“Being recognized as a professional and somebody that’s making a difference in kids’ lives isn’t something that we in the afterschool field have always felt. For our staff, working with School’s Out and really starting to feel like that professional through their training opportunities, coaching, and support has been incredible.”

- Brianna Jackson, Executive Director, Launch in Seattle

“(A Feed Your Brain Grant from SOWA) was the spark that lit a huge positive fire in our community. It gave the Y the ability to provide the first summer meals and activities program in the county.”

- Erica Delma, Director of Development and Community Engagement, Jefferson County YMCA

“I can’t say enough that I really like being a part of what SOWA is doing in terms of other trainings and legislative efforts. I’m trying harder now to keep my foot in the bigger picture.”

- Krista Bouchey, Executive Director, The Funhouse Commons on Orcas Island

In 2018 Alone...

> 2,445 Adults

We trained more than 2,445 adults in WA who work with children and youth.

> 668 Programs

More than 668 expanded learning programs across Washington used our services.

$3.2M Awarded

We disbursed 40 grants totaling more than $3 million, impacting 8,827 young people.

> 91,040 Youth

All of our projects combined impacted more than 91,040 youth in Washington.

How You Can Get Involved

Become a Donor

Our success depends on the support of donors like you. Contact us to learn more about funding opportunities, or simply make a donation.

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Become an ELO Network Member

The ELO Network supports and promotes policies that increase access to high-quality expanded learning opportunities for youth in Washington.

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Get Our Newsletter

Our monthly newsletter includes the latest news on the expanded learning field, upcoming workshops and trainings, and funding opportunities for programs.

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Youth Program Registry

The Washington Youth Program Registry is a free tool and comprehensive database to support Expanded Learning Opportunities, youth development professionals, and quality information for Washington State.

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