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.
Trainings & Workshops
Apr 30
(10:00 am — 1:00 pm)
May 02
(12:30 pm — 2:00 pm)
May 09
(10:00 am — 12:00 pm)
May 16
(10:00 am — 12:00 pm)
May 21
(10:00 am — 12:30 pm)
SEL PQA Basics
April 30, 2024 (10:00 am — 1:00 pm)
Instructor: Carlee Hoover, SOWA Training Services Manager
Format: virtual
Topic: Prepares participants to conduct program self-assessment, and is the first step in becoming an External Assessor in the SEL PQA.
STARS Credits: 6
Unpacking Trauma & Practical Guidance with an Intersectional Frame
May 2, 2024 (12:30 pm — 2:00 pm)
Instructor: Ivania Delgado
Format: Virtual
Topic: We’ll explore the basic concepts of trauma, its various facets, and its impacts on individuals.
STARS Credits: 1.5
Question, Persuade, Refer
May 9, 2024 (10:00 am — 12:00 pm)
Instructor: Dr. Ashley Hall, Assistant Professor at WSU
Format: Virtual
Topic: QPR stands for Question, Persuade, and Refer — the 3 simple steps anyone can learn to help save a life from suicide.
STARS Credits: 2
Ask, Listen, Encourage
May 16, 2024 (10:00 am — 12:00 pm)
Instructor: Carlee Hoover, SOWA Training Services Manager
Format: Virtual
Topic: Participants will learn how to ask more effective questions, listen actively to youth, and offer youth encouragement rather than praise.
STARS Credits: 2
You Belong Here: Creating Welcoming, Inclusive, and Culturally Responsive Spaces for School-Aged Youth
May 21, 2024 (10:00 am — 12:30 pm)
Instructor: Carlee Hoover, SOWA Training Services Manager
Format: School's Out Washington Tukwila Office
Topic: Participants will review a framework for culturally responsive programming.
STARS Credits: 2.5
Stories
VIEW ALLKids and Paper: a legacy built on family traditions, love and creativity
Kids and Paper was born out of the experience of love, change, and a mother noticing her child’s irrepressible self-expression through drawing. Now, Kids and Paper have provided 200 children with a program where they are encouraged to safely and freely...
Continue readingNews & Updates
VIEW ALLApril 12
Strengthening Youth Empowerment through CommunityThe School’s Out Washington (SOWA) office was full of discussion, laughter, and the sounds of Beyonce’s latest hit, “Texas Hold ‘Em,” on Thursday, March 7, for the Best Starts for Kids (BSK)...
February 02
One woman’s journey to connection, impact, and serviceMila Doroshchuk, the Program Coordinator with B5, a current School’s Out Washington (SOWA) Refugee School Impact Program (RSIP) grantee is leading the organization’s Ukrainian After School P...
January 26
Kids and Paper: a legacy built on family traditions, love and creativityKids and Paper was born out of the experience of love, change, and a mother noticing her child’s irrepressible self-expression through drawing. Now, Kids and Paper have provided 200 chi...
Get involved!
Join the Youth Development Strategy Table
learn moreThe Youth Development Strategy Table is a coalition of public and nonprofit stakeholders working to establish a focused state-level youth development effort to sustain early learning gains, improve academic and social-emotional outcomes, and prevent deep end system involvement.
learn moreList your program and get on the map!
Check out Elevate Washington
Elevate Washington is a member-based youth program data system and public directory. It includes nonprofits, businesses, and agencies that offer afterschool enrichment, childcare, youth services, and a range of other opportunities and support for children and young people (ages 5 to 24).
SOWA created the Elevate Washington so that we have the tools and information needed to see where youth programs are operating in our state and better understand who’s being served. With this critical data, we’re able to advocate for resources and also provide families with an easy way to find programs in their area.
Learn more!