Support for Youth in the Issaquah & Sammamish Areas
Issaquah School District: Back-to-School Resource Fair August 12, 2026
Families are invited to save the date for the Back-to-School Resource Fair, which will be on August 12 this year. Families who plan to attend are asked to register, to help us plan for attendee needs. The event offers new and gently used clothing, school supplies, medical care such as vaccines, support completing forms, and additional resources. Hosted in partnership with the Community Clothing Closet and the Issaquah Schools Foundation, the Back-to-School Resource Fair is aimed at ensuring all enrolled ISD students are equipped with the essentials they need to start the new school year confidently and prepared for success. The event will be from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Clark Elementary, 335 1st Ave. S.E., Issaquah. District staff will offer support completing forms such as the Enrollment Verification Process (EVP), the application for Free and Reduced Price Meals, and athletic registration in FinalForms. Additional resources at the fair will include the Issaquah Food Bank, the Circle, Cultural Bridges, The Garage, King County Library System and the City of Issaquah Recreation team. Anyone with transportation needs or other questions may email our team for assistance. If you plan to attend, please register for the event to help us plan.
DSHS & City of Bellevue: “Pack” to School Resource Fair! Thursday, August 20 from 5-7pm
We are so excited to see you all at this year’s event. All are welcome. Connect with service providers about family resources, education, employment, transportation, mental health support and more! Free backpacks, school supplies, vaccinations, hair cuts, face painting and a photo booth! Enjoy live music and performances. Crossroads Community Center located at 16000 NE 10th St in Bellevue
ISD: Family Partnership Events for Families New to U.S. Public Schools
Families are invited to join us on Zoom for one of the 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! Register online using the links above to receive the Zoom link to participate.
Monday, August 24: Tips and Resources for Elementary School Families (Grades K-5).
Tuesday, August 25: Tips and Resources for Middle and High School Families (Grades 6-12).
KCLS: ¿Su hijo está planeando ir a la Universidad?/Is Your Child Planning to Go to College? Wednesday, September 02, 2026 6:30pm–8:00pm Renton Highlands
¿Su hijo está planeando ir a la Universidad? ¡No está solo en este proceso! Únase a nuestro taller gratuito donde le guiaremos paso a paso sobre: - Cómo completar solicitudes para universidades - Becas y ayuda financiera disponibles - Consejos para apoyar a su hijo en este camino. Modalidad: En persona y en línea ¡No pierda esta oportunidad! ¡No pierda esta oportunidad! Regístrese hoy y ayude a su hijo a alcanzar sus sueños universitarios. Edades de 15 a 21 años. Por favor regístrese para attender el evento en persona o en línea. Si planea unire en línea, recibirá un enlace de Zoom unas horas antes de que comience el programa.
The Circle: Navigating the United States education system [SPANISH] Sept 16, 2026
Issaquah PTSA Council partners with the Circle and PEPS to provide this Parent Education event. This course is designed to provide the knowledge and tools to navigate the U.S. high school and college preparation system and to build effective partnerships with teachers and school staff, taking into account the diverse educational experiences of your home countries. A key aspect will be understanding cultural differences in communication and strengthening relationships with educators. Through dialogue and resource sharing, we aim to create a culturally inclusive environment where you feel empowered to advocate for your teen's success.
KCLS: Issaquah Teen Advisory Board (TAB) View all dates Online event
Have you ever wanted to sharpen your claws and hone your innate penchant for mischief into strategic action that benefits the community? Join Issaquah's hybrid Teen Advisory Board (TAB). We believe middle and high schoolers contribute superior insights, enthusiasm, talent and skills to their local library and the community at large. Gain and improve your communication, collaboration, critical thinking, marketing/advertising, sales, project management, analytic and creative software proficiency, leadership and other transferable skills. We will train both in-person (first Wednesday of the month) and online (third Wednesday of the month). There will be treats at every in-person meeting. TAB is an experience, offering creative problem solving with high impact. Requirements include at least a passing interest in art, advocacy, acting, business, event planning, journalism, libraries, literature, music, social media, theater and/or writing. If that’s you, please apply to enter into a legally binding volunteer role with Issaquah Library. **Last online/official meeting is Wednesday, August 19th starting at 4:30 pm.
KCLS: Renton Libraries
Renton LGBTQ+ Youth Group View all dates RentonThis 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
The Garage, a Teen Cafe is a safe, after-school drop-in place for teens where they can gather with their friends and access programming and services as needed. Open Monday–Friday, 3–7 PM during the school year and 12–6 PM during school breaks and summer. The space is warm, welcoming, and shaped daily by the teens who gather here. • Food • Creative Programming • Community • Access to Mental Health Therapy • and more — all at no cost.
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
Back-to-School Basics: What You Need to Know for the 2026-2027 School Year: We are excited to welcome our students for the new school year soon! The 2026-27 school year begins for students in grades 1-12 on Thursday, August 27; and for new kindergarten students on Tuesday, September 1. While our teachers and staff members are busy preparing to welcome students for the 2026-27 school year, we know that families are getting ready, too. 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 – Number 32 Now Available: In this issue, learn about special programs offered in the school district as well as information to help with planning ahead with course selections, graduation and more. Community voices are heard in articles from families and students.
City of Issaquah: Scholarship Program
The scholarship process provides discounted registration fees for classes, camps, and programs. Qualifying families can register and pay a reduced fee of 50%, 70% or 90% within the application calendar year. Recreation scholarships are available for:
Children, youth and adults who reside within the city limits of Issaquah AND whose families meet the income eligibility criteria; or
Children and youth (under age 18) whose households reside within the Issaquah School District boundary AND whose families meet the income eligibility criteria
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 StudentsMiddle, 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.
STEM Flights is a national nonprofit organization that connects Middle and High School students with volunteer Pilot Mentors to learn about Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). We inspire America’s youth to pursue STEM and aviation careers with a unique flight experience. We have Pilot Mentors who provide flights all over the United States and we are growing every day! You can reach out to info@stemflights.org to inquire about your specific geographic location to see if we have pilot mentors nearby. STEM Flights is FREE for students, the only thing we ask in return is to complete a short survey on an annual basis about your experience. Your responses help shape the aviation industry and future aerospace workforce of our country! By signing up for a STEM Flight, you are agreeing to complete the initial survey within 5 days of your flight and then annually thereafter until you graduate from high school.