Accomplishments:
- SOWA was selected as one of three states to participate in a special project led by the National Summer Learning Association to raise awareness among local and state leaders of the benefits of summer learning, engage afterschool and summer providers in public will-building efforts and develop policy recommendations to support summer learning programs.
- SOWA completed its second year of a local pubic will-building campaign, the Healthy Youth, Healthy Futures Initiative, which awarded mini-grants of up to $4,000 to five communities across the state to plan and organize a campaign to mobilize their community around the importance of afterschool and youth development programs in supporting healthy behaviors among youth.
- Members of WAN supported the creation of the Washington State Core Competencies for Child and Youth Development Professionals, which identifies the knowledge and skills children and youth development professionals need to provide quality services for children, youth and their families.
Current Projects and Initiatives:
- SOWA is strengthening connections to the formal education system with the creation of a statewide plan for high-quality expanded learning opportunities and a more intentional strategy to address racial equity and the achievement gap.
- Through a partnership with the Children’s Alliance, SOWA and members of WAN have been key partners in developing and implementing strategies to end childhood hunger in Washington State by 2018.
- SOWA is working on curriculum that will help trainers across the state begin framing all workshops and professional development trainings within the competency areas.
- SOWA is working to impact racial equity outcomes for youth through a continued commitment to supporting programs serving high percentages of children and youth of color. SOWA is also committed to cultural competency within the organization and in external work with partners, providers and leaders across the state and nation.