Support for Youth in the Issaquah & Sammamish Areas
ISD: Parent/Caregiver Virtual Workshop: Teens and Tech January 21, 2026 6-7:30 p.m.
Providence Swedish School-Based Health, in collaboration with Mission Prep and Mission Connection Teen, is hosting a virtual parent/caregiver workshop focused on one of today’s most pressing parenting challenges: teen technology use. "Teens, Technology and Taboos" workshop is open to parents and caregivers looking for practical, research-informed guidance and will be led by Aja Chavez, LMFT, vice president of Mission Prep Healthcare. This session goes beyond the idea of simply “limiting screen time” and explores what’s really happening beneath the surface. Parents will learn how apps, algorithms and the teen brain interact, what’s helpful versus harmful about today’s digital spaces, and how to support healthier technology habits without constant conflict at home. Register online
KCLS: Understanding the US Education System: Middle School to College Wednesday, January 21, 6:00pm–7:30pm Online event
Join us for a workshop designed to equip you with the knowledge and tools to navigate the U.S. middle, high school and college preparation system. We’ll focus on communication across cultures and building strong partnerships with teachers and school staff. Through dialogue and resource sharing, you’ll leave feeling supported and empowered to advocate for your teen’s success. Presented by PEPS Please register to receive a Zoom link.
ISD: Special Services Family Listening Session January 22, 2026 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Families of students with IEPs are invited to attend our upcoming Family Listening Session on January 22. This is an opportunity to connect directly with our Special Services team and share your thoughts on Special Education services. Topic: Portrait of a Graduate – Help give feedback about the vision for the skills and attributes we want all graduates to develop. Location: Admin Building - Mt. Rainier room. An interpreter will be available. Please RSVP using this sign-up form.
KCLS: Introduction to Machine Learning with STEM for Others Sat, Jan 24, 2:00pm–4:00pm Sammamish
How does your favorite streaming platform know what you want to watch next? How does your phone know to unlock just by looking at your face? Come learn about the basics of Machine Learning with the Sammamish Chapter of STEM for Others, a teen-led non-profit organization. Best suited for ages 9 and up and primarily presentation-based. All materials provided.
ParentWiser: Safe Kids, Safe Schools Protecting Our Community Together Tuesday, January 27, 2026 7pm-8:30pm Online
Join us for an important community event focused on firearm safety and school security. Learn about safe storage practices from Be SMART for Kids, understand Extreme Risk Protection Orders with experts from King County, and hear from Issaquah School District’s Director of Safety and Security, Dave Montalvo, on best practices for keeping students and staff safe. Free Registration! Learn how we can work together to keep our schools and communities safe. Be SMART for Kids– Tips for safe firearm storage and normalizing conversations about gun safety. King County Experts – What are Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs) and how can they prevent harm. Issaquah School District – Dave Montalvo shares best practices for building security, training, and protocols. This is your chance to ask questions, learn, and take action to protect those you care about. Together, we can make a difference.
Issaquah PTSA Council: Bridges of Belonging: A Student Empowerment & Challenge Program
This program invites students to become leaders, problem-solvers, and change-makers in our school community. Students will choose a topic, identify a real challenge, and present a creative and meaningful solution through a presentation (3–5 minute video, slides, poster, flyer or canva-style visual explanation). Participants may work individually or as a team. The registration deadline is January 31st. All Issaquah School District students (K–12). Students of all abilities, including students receiving Special Education services, are welcome and encouraged to participate.
KCLS: Teen Advisory Board Wednesday, February 04, 4:30pm–5:30pm Issaquah
The cat’s out of the bag! Issaquah library is launching a new Teen Advisory Board for all the local middle and high schoolers roaming about. While they do not need any skills to attend other than being curious kittens, it will help if teens: - Have a passing interest in: art, video, photography, music, advocacy, writing, event planning, or reading - Harbor at least one quality: creative, decisive, team player, initiative, independent, can follow instructions, or able to channel the spite of all nine lives to a succeed in the face of any impending apocalypse. Orientation Wednesday, February 4th, 4:30-5:30 pm. Orientation goes into detail of what exactly a teen advisory board does, all the up-coming projects, and full expectations of commitments. There will be treats!
ISD: Special Services Transitions Event, 'Planning for Student Success' February 9 ONLINE
Presentations will highlight planning strategies, available resources, and ways to support your child through change. We’ll explore transitions including: - Early Childhood Education to Kindergarten - 5th to 6th Grade - 8th to 9th Grade -- Transition Services. An interpreter will be available, and we kindly ask that you RSVP using the sign-up form.
Cultural Bridges: We want to hear from you!
Cultural Bridges Magazine is preparing an article in our March issue focusing on course selection and graduation pathways in the Issaquah School District — and we need your voice! We’re collecting perspectives from: - Current ISD secondary students - ISD graduates - ISD parents. Your experiences will help families better understand how to choose pathways that truly fit students’ interests, strengths, and future goals. Your responses may be featured (with permission!) in the March issue of Cultural Bridges Magazine. Your voice can help other families navigate this important process.
The Circle: English Classes for Teenagers Starting Jan 2026
We invite you to join our English classes, specially designed for middle and high school students who are facing challenges at school due to language barriers. As you progress in your classes, you will gain confidence to participate in class, make friends, and express your ideas. Your current level of English doesn't matter; the most important thing is your desire to learn and improve. Find more classes HERE
SCHOLARSHIPS FOR AMERICAN INDIANS Applications accepted through March 2, 2026.
Applications are now being accepted for the American Indian Endowed Scholarship (AIES), which is intended to help students with financial need who have close social and cultural ties to an American Indian community in Washington state. Students can use the scholarship at public colleges and many independent colleges in Washington. Award amounts range from around $500 to $3,000. Ten to 15 students are selected each year to receive the awards. Students may get AIES funding for up to five years, but must reapply each year. TO APPLY: Review the application instruction sheet and submit an application through the online AIES Portal.
Influence The Choice: 14th Annual Video and 2D Art Contest! Submit by March 27, 2026!
Influence the Choice is sponsoring our 14th Annual Video and Art Contest to inspire youth to POSITIVELY influence each other to not use alcohol or other drugs by producing a 2-minute public service announcement or a piece of 2D art, like a flyer, poster, or social media campaign. $1,000 GRAND PRIZE!
KCLS: Renton Libraries
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
Jan 26, 2026 - We will be open 12pm -6pm for teacher work day! 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 NUMBER 31 IS AVAILABLE NOW! FOR ALL ISSAQUAH SCHOOL DISTRICT FAMILIES! To read/download Cultural Bridges magazine in Arabic, Chinese, English, Japanese, Korean, Russian, Spanish, or Vietnamese. In this issue, you’ll find articles on the Issaquah School District’s new Microschool program, technology safety and screen time resources, Middle and High School Volunteer Guidelines, Influence the Choice’s “Hidden in Plain Sight” and their high school TECH Club, PEPS’s pilot program for international families, and an Irish tradition, Samhain. You’ll also find community resources from the King County Library System, The Circle, The Garage, and the Issaquah Food & Clothing Bank.
Our Family Guide 2025-26 is now available! Our annual Family Guide is another resource aimed at helping families understand school procedures and find ways to get involved. This guide is an essential read for anyone looking to become more engaged with the school community. Available in eight languages—Arabic, Chinese, English, Japanese, Korean, Russian, Spanish, and Vietnamese—it serves as a vital tool for communication and understanding.
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.
King County Metro’s Youth Program has shared new resources for partners to help promote youth transit access:
Classroom Education Flyer – Available in English for educators interested in Metro’s curriculum and in-class workshops.
Free Youth Transit Pass Materials – Includes printable flyers, social media graphics (English, Spanish, Simplified Chinese), videos, and photos directing families to FreeYouthTransitPass.com to order a free Youth ORCA card.
Access the digital toolkit using password: FreeYouthTransitPass.Additional Materials Available – Folded brochures in 11 languages, English/Spanish rack cards, English bookmarks, printed flyers, and swag items can be mailed upon request.
Language Requests – If you need materials in additional languages, Metro can provide them—just specify which item and which language.
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.
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.
WA State: Foster Care Services Education and Training Voucher (ETV) Program
The ETV Program is for youth who qualify and are likely to age out of the foster care system. ETV offers money to eligible youth to attend an accredited college or vocational training program. The funds can be used for educational and living costs. Awards are determined by the Cost of Attendance (COA) set by the college or university where the youth is enrolled, and any unmet need they may have. Awards vary and not every student will receive the same amount.
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.