Our mission matters more than ever.Ìý
As the school year winds to a close and summer approaches, we find ourselves at a historic inflection point—not just in education, but in the systems and supports that young people across our state and nation rely on to flourish.
At ³Ô¹Ïtv (³Ô¹ÏtvWA), we believe every student deserves someone who shows up for them—especially when the world around them feels uncertain and overwhelming. Right now, that uncertainty runs deep.
In Olympia, the last month—but while the process may have wrapped up smoothly, the outcomes are anything but.
Key programs that help young people stay connected and supported—like digital navigation services and mentoring—were 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—but 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 ³Ô¹Ïtv WA network, this means:Ìý
- Fewer caring adults in schools—like our site coordinators—who build trusted relationships with students.Ìý
- Less access to programs that help kids feel safe, connected, confident, and hopeful.Ìý
- Fewer tools for students in rural or low-income areas to get the digital support they need to succeed.Ìý
- Local ³Ô¹Ïtv teams having to do more with less, even as student needs grow.Ìý
These aren’t just budget lines—they’re lifelines. Every day, the ³Ô¹Ïtv 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’re not giving up—and we know our community won’t either.
Earlier this spring, I had the honor of traveling to Washington D.C. to stand strong on Capitol Hill, representing the ³Ô¹Ïtv 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—making 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—and we’re proud to be part of that voice.
Here at home, we’re equally focused on what’s next.
- Our search for a new State Executive Director is underway, and we anticipate onboarding new leadership this summer—just in time to meet this moment with fresh vision and strength.Ìý
- We’ve been working closely with partners like Schools Out Washington to develop a shared strategy for youth development, knowing we can’t do this work alone.Ìý
- We’ll also be hosting a number of opportunities to gather—from fundraising events to legislative panels and community conversations. These moments are designed to inform, inspire, and unite. If you’re interested in getting involved or participating, sign up here to stay connected.Ìý
- And we remain committed to advocating for the students who need us most—especially as political forces challenge the very infrastructure of public education.Ìý
We face a choice: Retract in the face of shrinking support—or rise, boldly, as the nation’s most trusted voice on student-centered care. We choose to rise.
This is about more than our programs. It’s about all youth, and about the ecosystems of care we build around them. Your continued support helps the ³Ô¹Ïtv 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—keeping over 100,000 students connected to the friendships, mentorship, and resources they count on. . Let’s 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,Ìý
Erica Limón-Trefielo, Interim State DirectorÌý
