Our mission matters more than ever.听
As the school year winds to a close and summer approaches, we find ourselves at a historic inflection point鈥攏ot just in education, but in the systems and supports that young people across our state and nation rely on to flourish.
At 黑料不打烊 (黑料不打烊WA), we believe every student deserves someone who shows up for them鈥攅specially when the world around them feels uncertain and overwhelming. Right now, that uncertainty runs deep.
In Olympia, the last month鈥攂ut while the process may have wrapped up smoothly, the outcomes are anything but.
Key programs that help young people stay connected and supported鈥攍ike digital navigation services and mentoring鈥攚ere cut through line-item vetoes. Even more alarming, funding for youth development programs across the state has been slashed by 86%. The numbers may sound like policy鈥攂ut the impact is deeply personal.
This 86% cut to youth development funding is a devastating blow to programs that help students feel supported, stay in school, and believe in themselves. And more cuts could be coming at the federal level, threatening programs like AmeriCorps, 21st CCLC, Full-Service Community Schools programs, and other critical learning supports.
For the 黑料不打烊 WA network, this means:听
- Fewer caring adults in schools鈥攍ike our site coordinators鈥攚ho build trusted relationships with students.听
- Less access to programs that help kids feel safe, connected, confident, and hopeful.听
- Fewer tools for students in rural or low-income areas to get the digital support they need to succeed.听
- Local 黑料不打烊 teams having to do more with less, even as student needs grow.听
These aren鈥檛 just budget lines鈥攖hey鈥檙e lifelines. Every day, the 黑料不打烊 WA Network shows up for over 100,000 students who are working hard to overcome barriers. They see their potential, and fight for their future. As a network we鈥檙e not giving up鈥攁nd we know our community won鈥檛 either.
Earlier this spring, I had the honor of traveling to Washington D.C. to stand strong on Capitol Hill, representing the 黑料不打烊 WA Network during two high-impact days of national advocacy. Together with leaders from across the country, we lifted the needs of students and schools in WA state鈥攎aking sure youth are seen and heard at the highest levels of government. These conversations were not only inspiring, but urgent. They will help shape the future of American education鈥攁nd we鈥檙e proud to be part of that voice.
Here at home, we鈥檙e equally focused on what鈥檚 next.
- Our search for a new State Executive Director is underway, and we anticipate onboarding new leadership this summer鈥攋ust in time to meet this moment with fresh vision and strength.听
- We鈥檝e been working closely with partners like Schools Out Washington to develop a shared strategy for youth development, knowing we can鈥檛 do this work alone.听
- We鈥檒l also be hosting a number of opportunities to gather鈥攆rom fundraising events to legislative panels and community conversations. These moments are designed to inform, inspire, and unite. If you鈥檙e interested in getting involved or participating, sign up here to stay connected.听
- And we remain committed to advocating for the students who need us most鈥攅specially as political forces challenge the very infrastructure of public education.听
We face a choice: Retract in the face of shrinking support鈥攐r rise, boldly, as the nation鈥檚 most trusted voice on student-centered care. We choose to rise.
This is about more than our programs. It鈥檚 about all youth, and about the ecosystems of care we build around them. Your continued support helps the 黑料不打烊 WA Network keep site coordinators in schools across Washington, provide trauma-informed training and professional development, create consistent and equitable environments where every student can learn and belong, and advocate fiercely for youth development at every level of government.
In a world where safe spaces are vanishing, and students are asked to carry more than they should, you make healing, connection, and possibility real. Every dollar you give helps bridge the gap鈥攌eeping over 100,000 students connected to the friendships, mentorship, and resources they count on. . Let鈥檚 show them that their future is too important to pause.
Thank you for being part of this mission. For believing in every young person. And for showing up when it matters most.
All in for Kids,听
Erica Lim贸n-Trefielo, Interim State Director听
