Centering Youth Voice in a Time of Change

Upcoming LEVinar: From Promise to Progress: Revisiting Educational Opportunity Gaps in Washington state

In 2008, landmark studies conducted by the Commission on African American Affairs (CAAA), the Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs (CAPAA), and the Commission on Hispanic Affairs (CHA) laid the foundation for the creation of OSPI’s Educational Opportunity Gap Oversight and Accountability Committee (EOGOAC). Since then, the EOGOAC has played a pivotal role in addressing systemic inequities in Washington’s education system.

Now, nearly two decades later, the Washington state Legislature tasked these same commissions with conducting a follow-up study to assess progress and identify persistent and emerging gaps. This free webinar on Thursday, October 2 at 12:30 pm will provide historical context, share the intent and scope of the current study, and outline what’s ahead after the commissions released their findings this past June.

Join María Á. Sigüenza (CHA), Ed Prince (CAAA), and Nam Nguyen (CAPAA) for a conversation about the legacy of the 2008 reports, the evolution of educational equity efforts, and the importance of the most up-to-date research to inform future policy and community action.

Partner Event: Changing Our Future - Rethinking Education, Justice, and Youth

📅 September 30, 5:00 –7:00 pm
📍 Town Hall Seattle (Downstairs Forum)
💵 FREE | In-Person

Join LEV partner Stand for Children Washington for an evening of unflinching truth, testimony, and action on the systems that shape youth justice. Featuring perspectives from young people and a panel led by journalist Claudia Rowe, the event draws from her new book Wards of the State: The Long Shadow of American Foster Care, which investigates why so many young people in state care end up locked up.

Rowe will be joined by Kaaren Andrews, Dr. Ben Danielson, and Henterson Carlisle to examine the roots of youth incarceration and explore solutions through education and justice reform.

This free community awareness event is designed to shift the narrative from punishment to prevention and belonging. Lawmakers, educators, and everyday advocates all have a role to play. This is your invitation to be part of the solution.

Click the registration link to secure your spot!

LEVinar Recording: The Washington School Counselor Association on Strategies for a Successful Start to the School Year

In this webinar, Lauren Mendez, Chief Executive Officer of the Washington School Counselor Association (WSCA), and a panel of award-winning school counselors from across the state share proven strategies to build strong relationships, foster belonging, and set the tone for a successful academic year. Also, students share what they see as important for staff to consider in starting off their school year.

Meet the Panelists:

• Angel Joshi, a senior at Southridge High School in the Kennewick School District and a member of the Association of Washington Student Leaders (AWSL)
• CC Humble, a junior at Kentlake High School in the Kent School District and a member of AWSL
• Jack Farrell, a senior at Inglemoor High School in the Northshore School District and a member of AWSL and President of the Washington Youth Alliance
• Daisy Conway, a junior at Mountain View High School in Evergreen Public Schools and a member of AWSL
• Stefa Chow, Washington 2025 School Counselor of the Year and School Counselor for Multilingual Learners & Flex Students at Juanita High School in the Lake Washington School District
• Fondra Magee, 2024 WSCA School Counselor of the Year and Elementary School Counselor at Stevens Elementary in Spokane Public Schools
• Tabatha Copeland, High School Counselor and College/Career Counselor at Spokane International Academy