Support for Youth in the Issaquah & Sammamish Areas
ISD: Family Partnership Events for Families New to U.S. Public Schools
Families are invited to join us on Zoom for one of three upcoming information sessions (by grade level) hosted by our Family Partnerships team. These information sessions are designed for families new to public schools or the U.S. school system. Topics include a general overview of the Issaquah School District, information about lunch, transportation, attendance, communication with schools, yearly calendars, daily schedules and other topics. Please join us!
Tuesday, August 19: Tips and Resources for High school Families (Grades 9-12). Register here
Thursday, August 21: Tips and Resources for Elementary School Families (Grades K-5) Register here
Monday, August 25: Tips and Resources for Middle school Families (Grades 6-8). Register here
ARC of King County: Navigating IDD: What to Watch For During IEP Meetings and Evaluations Wed, September 10, 2025 7:00pm- 8:30pm Zoom
A monthly webinar series for parents and caregivers of loved ones with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Starting in September, the second Wednesday of each month 7-8:30 pm via Zoom. Sept 10: What to Ask, What to Watch For During IEP Meetings and Evaluations, with Heather Kolbly, esq. Oct 8: Encouraging Imaginative Play in Young Children, with Steph Olson, Special Education Preschool Teacher Nov 5: Housing Options, with Rachel Nemhauser, Director of Information and Family Support
KCLS: RECESS! Tuesday, September 9, 3:00pm–5:00pm View all dates Issaquah
Ready to crash out after school? Bored to tears? Just need to rot? Enter RECESS!, the three ring circus for every energy level from non-existent to bouncing off the walls. A new place to hang every Tuesday, starting September 9th from 3-5 pm @ the Issaquah Library for 8th-12 graders. Might have games, competition, self-care, plushies, pillows, movies, crafts, and loads of other randomness. -- You’ll never know if you don’t go.
KCLS: Renton Libraries
Teen Literacy View all dates Renton Highlands Explore basic literacy skills, including reading, writing, and understanding simple texts. Whether you're just starting your literacy journey or looking to strengthen foundational skills, this program offers a supportive and engaging environment to build confidence and competence. Registration not required.
Renton LGBTQ+ Youth Group View all dates Renton This free support group is open to ages 11 to 22 who identify as LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer, plus other identities like non-binary, gender non-conforming, etc.) and for youth who may be questioning or exploring their gender or sexual identities. In partnership with Lambert House. Parent/guardian permission required for ages 12 and younger. Before attending, please email kcgroups@lamberthouse.org to register and for more information.
The Garage, A Teen Cafe: Mon - Fri 3pm - 7pm, School Break Hours 12pm - 6pm
Important Dates: Aug 26 - Closed for Staff Training * Aug 28 - Return to School Hours * Sept 1 - Closed for Holiday
The Garage is a non-profit drop-in space exclusively for high school teens. We're a safe space for teens to come hang out with friends, grab a coffee and a snack, play a game, play music, watch TV, talk over homework, meet with a counselor, and much more! All events & activities, services, food, and drinks at The Garage are free of charge. Our teens develop and produce all events and activities that happen at the Garage under guidance and support from staff. From Open Mic Nights to Movie Marathons, it's all up to you!
AFK is a Youth Mentoring Program focused upon building supportive, mentoring relationships between high school athletes and children who have disabilities and special needs of all kinds. Athletes For Kids serves children in 1st-12th grades who have disabilities and special needs of all kinds. We carefully match each child with a qualified high school athlete, who commits to mentoring a child for one to three years. Once a mentorship is formed, the pair meets two to four times a month.
The Village: Supporting Under Represented Youth in Issaquah Area
The Village serves children and young people who identify as BIPOC, those from other historically marginalized and excluded groups, and those who would not be able to explore their potential due to financial barriers. Using our bike project as a model, we recruit professional instructors to offer free lessons in the the pursuit of a child's choice, and through fundraising provide all of the equipment the child will need, always at no cost to participating families.
Issaquah School District
Aug 2025: Back-to-School Basics: What You Need to Know We're sharing our top tips for the back-to-school season. Do you know where to look for information about bus routes, health forms, language access, sports and activities, counseling services, meals and volunteering? Here are our "Top Things to Know" as the first day approaches. If you have additional questions, please call your student's school or the district office.
New District Regulation Limiting Immigration Enforcement; Resources for Families: We’re pleased to share that our new Immigration & Refugee Resources page is now live on our website, offering information and support for all families in our district. The page outlines key protections and policies, including newly adopted Regulation 4300: Limiting Immigration Enforcement in Schools, which underscores our commitment to creating a safe, welcoming environment where every child — regardless of immigration status — can thrive. Our goal is to equip families with clear knowledge of their rights and assurance that our schools prioritize the dignity and well-being of every student. On this webpage, you’ll find practical guidance on: - Every child’s right to attend school, regardless of immigration status. - Our commitment to protecting student privacy and not sharing immigration-related information. - Steps we take to ensure our schools remain safe and welcoming for all families. - How we prevent unauthorized immigration enforcement on campus. - Resources for immigrant families including legal services, educational opportunities and available benefits.
OSPI Guidance Protections for Immigrant Students in Washington’s K–12 Public Schools: OSPI released guidance on state and federal protections for immigrant students in Washington’s K–12 public schools. The guidance provides schools with a roadmap of requirements related to student privacy, access to educational services, and immigration enforcement on school campuses.
Family Liaisons: Dedicated Staff Assisting Families flyers in 10 languages Many parents have question such as who to contact with student concerns, what the class choices are, what requirements are expected for graduation and classroom expectations. The Family Liaisons help families understand and navigate our school system.
Technology for Students in Need: Computers and internet access are necessary resources for students to access class material and online tools. All students in grades 6 through 12 will receive a laptop for checkout from their school. Families who qualify for Free and Reduced Lunch are eligible for a free surplus computer and/or internet access for the home. Visit website for more informaiton.
Help Available for Homeless Students via McKinney-Vento Act: Through the McKinney-Vento Act, children who are homeless have certain rights and protections to help them to continue with their education while they are without housing. If your family lives in any of the following situations, you may qualify for rights provided by McKinney-Vento: In a shelter, motel, vehicle or campground. * On the street. * In an abandoned building, trailer or other inadequate accommodations. * Doubled up with friends or relatives because you cannot find or afford housing. Do you need assistance? Contact your student’s school counselor. If you are unable to reach your school counselor, contact the Student Interventions and Compliance Department at 425-837-7158. Call the National Center for Homeless Education at the toll-free Help Line number: 1-800-308-2145
is a program of Issaquah Schools Foundation that helps build relationships between families from diverse cultures and languages, their children, the ISD, and the broader Issaquah community through outreach, events, mentoring, translation services and a magazine published in 7 languages.
Cultural Bridges Magazine Issue 29 Now Available: Availabe to read or download in Arabic (عربى), Chinese (中文), English, Spanish (Español), Japanese (日本語), Korean (한국어), Russian (русский), or Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt). Some topics in Issue 29 include: New elementary report cards, peer tutoring, inclusionary practices, the difference between PTA/ASB/Booster Club, and the services that the Issaquah Food and Clothing Bank provides.
Our Cultural Bridges Family Guide 2024-2025 is now available! With this Family Guide, Cultural Bridges wants to help you to be informed about your child's education. This guide is a compilation of information from the Issaquah School District for families with kids in preschool, kindergarten, elementary, middle, and high school. Available in EIGHT languages.
Hopelink Financial Capabilities Program
FAFSA Assistance: The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is now open to all students and families hoping to get help paying for college in the 2025-26 school year. Students and their families who would like assistance with navigating FAFSA can reach out to financialed@hopelink.org.
King County Library System:
Back to School: Gear up for success in the new school year with free library resources. Find homework help, tutoring, career services, and more. Whether you’re a student, parent, or educator, your library is here to support all the learners in your life.
K-12 Educator, Parent, and Caregiver Support Resources: Community Resources, Streaming Story Times, Drawing, and Songs, Additional Educational Resources
Student Accounts: Your student ID now provides you with instant access to all of the online resources that KCLS offers. Your account number is your school's code followed by your student ID (with no dashes or spaces). Your pin is the last four digits of your student ID. You will never have fines or fees on your student library account. Use your student account to download an eBook or get homework help! Elementary School Students Middle, High School, and College Students
Study Zone Plus: Need help with your homework? Connect to homework help and services for students in grades K-12. Help is available online and in person. Find more information about Tutors, Math Club, Reading Buddies, and Kids & Teens Talk Time.
Affordable Connectivity Program Ended April 2024
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a U.S. government program run by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) program to help low-income households pay for internet service and connected devices like a laptop or tablet. Due to a lack of additional funding from Congress, the ACP stopped accepting new applications as of February 7, 2024. The last fully funded month of the program is April 2024.
Lifeline is the Federal Communications Commission’s program to make communications services accessible to low-income consumers in Washington State. Lifeline provides subscribers a discount on monthly telephone service, broadband Internet access service, or voice-broadband bundled service purchased from participating providers.
US Park Service: Every Kid Outdoors pass program This pass is valid to Aug. 31, 2025
This initiative by the U.S. National Park Service provides free access to over 2,000 federal lands and waters for a full year. To get started, simply visit the Every Kid Outdoors website, have your fourth grader complete a short, educational activity, and download the paper voucher. This pass is valid from Sept. 1 to Aug. 31, 2025, and covers entrance fees for the whole family. It's a fantastic way to explore nature, learn about wildlife and enjoy outdoor adventures together.
Benefits Hub Welcome to the Benefits Hub! Are you balancing a combination of school, work, and life? Are you working hard, but still having a difficult time keeping up with bills and the rising cost of living? United Way of King County’s Benefits Hub will help you get by, get ahead, and stay ahead so that you can achieve your college and career goals.
Bellevue College’s Basic and Transitional Studies (BATS) offers classes for adults to improve reading, writing, and math skills, GED preparation courses, and the High School+ (HS+) program for adults 18 and older. Financial help may be available for tuition, books, childcare, and transportation. Fall Quarter applications will open in late June.
Washington College Grant (WA Grant) gives eligible people more money for more types of education like certificate programs, job training, apprenticeships, or college.
Washington Student Achievement Council
The Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) is a cabinet-level state agency. We are working to raise educational attainment through strategic engagement, program management, and partnerships. We are committed to increasing educational opportunities and attainment in Washington including administering programs that help people access and pay for college.