About School's out washington
School's Out Washington: Strengthening Programs and Empowering Youth
School's Out Washington is a non-profit organization that aims to strengthen programs and empower youth in the state of Washington. The organization was founded in 1987 with the goal of providing high-quality out-of-school time programs for children and youth. Since then, School's Out Washington has grown into a leading advocate for youth development, working with schools, community organizations, government agencies, and other stakeholders to ensure that all young people have access to safe, engaging, and enriching activities outside of school hours.
At School's Out Washington, we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential. We know that many young people face significant challenges in their lives – from poverty and homelessness to family instability and academic struggles – but we also know that with the right support and resources, they can overcome these obstacles and thrive. That's why we work tirelessly to create a network of high-quality out-of-school time programs across the state.
Our approach is based on three core principles: collaboration, innovation, and equity. We believe that by working together with our partners in education, government, business, philanthropy, and other sectors we can achieve greater impact than any one organization could alone. We also believe in constantly seeking new ideas and approaches to improve our work – whether it's through research-based practices or cutting-edge technology – so that we can stay ahead of the curve when it comes to serving young people.
Finally – perhaps most importantly – we are committed to equity. We recognize that not all young people have equal access to opportunities or resources; indeed many face systemic barriers based on race/ethnicity/culture/language/religion/gender identity/sexual orientation/disability status/class/etc.. Therefore at School’s Out Washington we strive towards creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome regardless of their background or circumstances.
Our Programs
School’s Out Washington offers a range of programs designed specifically for out-of-school time providers (OST). These include training sessions on topics such as program quality improvement (PQI), social emotional learning (SEL), trauma-informed care (TIC), cultural responsiveness & inclusion (CRI) etc., as well as technical assistance services like coaching & consultation around program design & implementation etc..
We also provide advocacy services at both local & state levels aimed at increasing funding/support for OST programming across WA State; this includes lobbying efforts during legislative sessions as well as public awareness campaigns throughout year-round.
In addition School’s Out WA hosts several annual events including Bridge Conference which brings together OST professionals from across region/state/country/world(!) share best practices/network/connect/etc.. Other events include Lights On Afterschool which celebrates importance afterschool programming by highlighting success stories/events happening throughout WA State during month October each year!
Impact
Over past 30+ years School’s Out WA has made significant strides towards improving quality/outcomes/outreach/accessibility/etc.. OST programming statewide! Some key accomplishments include:
- Increased funding/support for OST programming via successful advocacy efforts
- Development/improvement/adoption/promotion PQI standards/tools/resources
- Creation/dissemination SEL curriculum/training materials
- Establishment/expansion TIC framework/practices within field
- Advancement CRI initiatives via partnerships/community engagement/etc..
- Hosting Bridge Conference/Lights On Afterschool events annually since inception!
Looking Forward
As an organization dedicated empowering youth through strengthening programs statewide there is always more work be done! In coming years School’s Out WA will continue focus on following areas:
1) Expanding outreach/accessibility: reaching more underserved communities/populations throughout state.
2) Increasing diversity/equity/inclusion within field: promoting culturally responsive practices/policies/systems.
3) Innovating new approaches/tools/resources: staying ahead curve when comes serving evolving needs young people.
4) Advocating increased funding/support: ensuring sustainability growth/outcomes excellence within field.
Conclusion
In conclusion if you are looking for an organization dedicated empowering youth through strengthening programs look no further than School’s Out WA! With over 30+ years experience advocating/serving/networking/connecting professionals/providers/families/youth statewide there is no better resource available when it comes supporting healthy development thriving futures next generation leaders!