School’s Out Washington’s annual Bridge Conference brings together school-age care providers, youth development professionals, leaders, community organizers, funders, and policymakers from across the country. In 2022, we are celebrating the 20th anniversary of Bridge.

Attendees will hear from thought-provoking presenters and learn new strategies to build strong programs and equitable systems for young people, in and out of school. Reflected in all aspects of the Bridge Conference are the values of equity, belonging, leadership, nourishment, change, innovation, and community. Our attendees and presenters represent the diverse communities we work with across the state. We gather to:

• Engage with a diverse range of knowledge, people, and perspectives
• Identify and address the ways that racial inequities impact youth, expanded learning opportunities, and educational outcomes
• Experience a sense of belonging to nourish social connection and professional networking
• Learn how to implement tangible practices that promote high quality programs and an equitable expanded learning opportunity ecosystem
• Strive to recognize power dynamics throughout programs and systems and begin to strategize how to co-create stronger partnerships across sectors

School’s Out Washington seeks to create a welcoming space for all attendees at our Bridge Conference. Read our Access & Inclusion Guide. Our guide provides a detailed description of our COVID-19 policies and practices, including our Universal Masking policy.

About our 2022 theme

What does it look like to embody the past, present, and future? How do we hold our collective learning and embrace with honesty who we are and where we are going? We are in the process of becoming what we imagined. Our 2022 Bridge Theme, Illuminating Becoming, invites us to come together and celebrate our continued growth. Through rest, connection, and joy, we find the courage and inspiration to live our values and build the communities our youth – and we – deserve.

Systems Leaders Track

The Systems Leaders Track will take place on Tuesday, October 25. This series of sessions will focus on advancing equity through a well-supporting expanded learning system. We encourage systems leaders to attend both days of the Conference.

Resources for School-Age Licensed Care Providers

DCYF offers reimbursement for state-approved training costs for professionals currently employed in a Washington state licensed facility. You may apply for a training reimbursement only once per DCYF fiscal year (July 1 – June 30) for up to $250, while funding is available. To apply:

• Head to the Merit Workforce Registry Page.
• Scroll down and navigate to Training Reimbursement for application instructions.

For 2022 Bridge, there is one pathway to earn STARS credit. You many earn up to 9 STARS Credits for live attendance in Bridge workshops and completing corresponding evaluations.

To earn credit, be sure to include your STARS ID when you register.

If you have any questions, please contact our training team for more information at training@schoolsoutwashington.org.