Support for Youth in the Issaquah & Sammamish Areas
KCLS: RECESS! 8th - 12th graders Tuesdays 3pm - 5pm 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.
ParentWiser: Cultural Conflicts: Two Worlds, One Home Mon, October 20, 2025, 6:30 - 8pm
Raising teens in multicultural families can be challenging — differences in language, values, and identity often spark tension. Join this talk to learn practical ways to connect across cultural divides, create space for honest dialogue, and honor both your and your teen’s identities. Let’s build bridges with clarity, compassion, and connection. Speakers: Cloe Zeng and Fangying Stephanie Shi, PhD, Location: The Circle, 160 NW Gilman Blvd, Suite 326. Please use this link to register for the event. The ParentWiser event is sponsored by Issaquah PTSA Council, Issaquah Schools Foundation, The Circle and Influence the Choice.
Arc of King County: Digital WellBeing & Staying Safe Online Mon, October 20, 2025 6:00 - 7:30 pm Zoom
You are invited to attend this virtual workshop where we will discuss best practices for internet safety. Topics include privacy, boundaries, identity scams and false information and more. For folks and families with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Recommended for age 14 years and older.
Bellevue College: Discovery Day Oct 25, 2025 10am - 2pm
Discovery Day is the best way to picture your future at Bellevue College. Take a tour campus, explore housing, and learn how we support every student. Our diverse range of programs are designed to pave career pathways in thriving industries or to follow your interests. Dive into an educational journey that cultivates both creative and critical thinking skills, preparing you for challenges ahead.
Transit Careers: Sound Transit Youth Conference 2025 Oct 25, 2025 9:30am - 4:00pm
Mark your calendars — the 2025 Sound Transit Youth Conference is happening at Union Station, Seattle. This event is specially tailored for youth ages 15–22, offering: Three breakout sessions: (-Inside Look at Service Planning, - Inside Look at Trades Careers, - A Peer Panel), A 2-hour networking session with transit professionals, Free lunch and an exclusive swag item., Opportunities to hear firsthand about career paths in transportation, the skills required, and more. Spaces are limited — Register today to reserve your spot and join others passionate about how transit systems work behind the scenes.
KCLS: Career Aspirations Saturday, November 1, 2:00pm–4:00pm Issaquah
When you grow up, what do you want to be? Come explore the job options beyond, engineers, doctors, and lawyers. Hear people's real and messy routes to discovering a career field they love. From Game Developer to Librarian, there's a plethora to choose from! Meet everyone! Or pick and choose your favorites. Aspire higher!
KCLS: All Abilities Family Resource Table Wed, November 5, 3:00pm–4:00pm View all dates Sammamish
Stop by to meet an educator who specializes in supporting children with special needs. Learn about communication tools, friendship-building strategies, and ways to support your child’s IEP goals at home. Drop in anytime during the session—everyone is welcome! Pragna Joshi is a Speech Language Pathologist with over 15 years of experience working with kids of all abilities in various age groups.
ARC of King County: Navigating IDD: Housing Options Nov 5, 2025 7:00pm- 8:30pm Zoom
A monthly webinar series for parents and caregivers of loved ones with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Nov 5: Housing Options, with Rachel Nemhauser, Director of Information and Family Support
Friends of the Issaquah Library Book Sale Sat, November 8, 11:00am–6:00pm Issaquah
The Saturday Book Sale is back! Browse a selection of gently used fiction, nonfiction and media for all ages. Proceeds support library programs and events for the community, including The Book Shelf Program at the Issaquah Food Bank which aims to promote family reading, strong literacy development, and library participation. Over the last twenty years through the program, Food Bank clients have selected over 65,000 books to add to their home libraries, enjoy reading, and pass along to other family members and friends.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.