Bridge Conference 2026

School’s Out Washington’s annual Bridge Conference is a two-day convening focused on professional growth, celebration, and advocacy within and for Washington state's youth development field and communities. The conference brings together school-age care providers, youth development professionals, organizational leaders, advocates, community members, funders, and policymakers. Attendees gain knowledge and form meaningful connections to enhance their collective impact. The conference emphasizes values of Collectivism, Joy, Racial Equity, Belonging, and Innovation & Curiosity, and intentionally centers diverse Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) voices. It features engaging sessions, powerful keynote speakers, and valuable networking, covering topics such as healing-centered engagement, trauma and mental health, designing inclusive and empowering programs, racial equity and justice, and self and collective care. The event aims to inspire collective action and systemic change, including advocating for policy and legislative support for youth development.