2025 Bridge Conference: Together We Rise

What is Bridge?

SOWA’s annual Bridge Conference brings together school-age care providers, youth development professionals, leaders, community organizers, funders, and policymakers from across the country. Attendees 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 reflect the diverse communities we work with across the state.

Our Learning Objectives

We gather to:

• Engage with a diverse range of knowledge, people, and perspectives.
• Identify and address racial inequities that 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.

Schedule

Bridge 2025: Together We Rise, will be held at the Meydenbauer Center in Bellevue. Our schedule includes inspiring keynote speakers, six workshop periods, an exhibitor showcase, connection and networking opportunities with youth-serving professionals from across the state, and much more. 

• Day 1 — Monday, October 27th, 2025 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM PST 

• Day 2 — Tuesday, October 28th , 2025  8:30 AM - 4:30 PM PST 

Registration Rates

Registration will open on July 7, 2025. This is a two-day Conference (Monday, Tuesday), and you will need to indicate which day(s) you plan to attend when you register.

Standard (Jul 7 – Oct 3)

2 Day Registrant $650

1 Day Registrant $375

2 Day WA State Licensed School-Age Provider $325

Team Special (Bring a team of 4 or more; 2 Day Only) $575/person

Late (Oct 4 – Oct 17)

2 Day Registrant $750

1 Day Registrant $425

2 Day WA State Licensed School-Age Provider $425

Team Special (Bring a team of 4 or more; 2 Day Only) $625/person

**Team Special (Group of 4+, 2-Day only)**

Register 4 or more people for Bridge and receive a discounted rate per ticket.

Questions about registration?

Read the Registration Guide for written and visual supports on:

• Registering Yourself and/or your Team
• How to navigate Eventbrite
• How to enter Promo Codes

• Registration Policies (cancellations, refunds, and registration changes)

• Scholarship Information (requesting scholarships and utilizing scholarships)

Still have questions? Reach out to us by sending an email to bridge@schoolsoutwashington.org

Cancellation and Refunds

Registration Cancellation requests for Attendee tickets will receive a:

• PARTIAL REFUND, if requested by Friday, October 3, 2025. These requests are subject to a 10% cancellation fee, and you will be refunded 90% of the total cost of your registration. (e.g., an individual will receive a refund of $540.00 for a $600.00 ticket)

• NO REFUND, if requested after Friday, October 3, 2025. This is considered a late cancellation.

• There are NO REFUNDS for Exhibitor Tickets. All sales are final.

Accessibility Information and Health & Safety Protocols

See the Health, Accessibility, and Safety Resource Guide for the 2025 Bridge Conference. This resource includes the most up-to-date health and safety protocols. 

If you have a disability and/or accommodation request, please describe your request in your registration form for reasonable accommodations to fully participate in the conference. We will follow up to see how we might be able to accommodate your accessibility needs. Please reach out as soon as you are aware of your access need and/or by Friday, Oct. 3, 2025 if you have an accommodation request. 

Request Scholarship Assistance

Seeking financial support to attend the Bridge Conference? If you are interested in receiving information about scholarships, please fill out this Scholarship Form.  Please note that we have limited scholarships available at this time. Scholarship applicants will be contacted as soon as possible if additional funds become available. Our goal is to notify potential scholarship recipients at least one week prior to the Conference.  

DCYF Training Reimbursement

If you have a STARS ID, you can qualify for DCYF Training Reimbursement. Please follow these steps to request reimbursement:

• Head to the DCYF Training Reimbursement webpage.

• Scroll down and navigate to 'Training Reimbursement’ to learn more on how to apply. Individuals can apply for up to $250 worth of training reimbursement each year.

Exhibitor Opportunities

Are you interested in promoting products or services at the conference? For more information about exhibitor opportunities visit our website or contact Benny Baird at bridge@schoolsoutwashington.org

Sponsorship Opportunities

Interested in sponsoring this event or providing scholarships for attendees? Visit www.bridgeconference.org for more information.   

Questions?

Any questions about the 2025 Bridge Conference? Our customer service team will respond to your requests within 1-2 business days. Contact us at:

• Customer Service Email: Contact us at bridge@schoolsoutwashington.org

• Customer Service Phone Number: Contact us at 206-336-6922

For more information head to the 2025 Bridge Conference Website!