Our Stories

Our Stories

Welcome to 2026 session

Jan 13, 2026 0 3 min read
Welcome to 2026 session
Dear friends, The 2026 Washington State Legislative Session begins January 12 and runs through March 12—just 60 days that will shape education, justice, and opportunity across our state for years to come. Whether you follow Olympia closely or are brand new to the legislative process, we’re glad you’re here. What is the short session? In […]

I Was Locked Up at 13. Here’s What Actually Helped Me Turn My Life Around

Jan 13, 2026 0 4 min read
I Was Locked Up at 13. Here’s What Actually Helped Me Turn My Life Around
My name isn’t important. You can call me Kara. I’m 15 years old, live in Clark County, and over the last two years, I’ve been charged with two felonies. When I was 13, I stole my first car. At 14, I did it again. I won’t pretend those weren’t serious mistakes—they were. But if all […]

Summer Running Start Expands Opportunity in Skagit County

Nov 6, 2025 0 5 min read
Summer Running Start Expands Opportunity in Skagit County
The results from legislation expanding  the Running Start program to the summer months are in, and they are impressive. Since the legislation passed in 2023, the number of high schoolers earning college credits during the summer has increased by nearly 400%, to more than 9,300 students. This means far more high school juniors and seniors […]

2025 Endorsements

Jul 28, 2025 2 1 min read
2025 Endorsements
Our 2025 Endorsements Are Here! Primary ballots are out—are you ready? If not, don’t worry—we’ve got you. The Stand for Children WA PAC is excited to endorse candidates who will champion strong schools and stand up for youth furthest from justice and opportunity. Our endorsement process is thoughtful, nonpartisan, and focused on real impact for […]

SESSION WRAP: Disappointments and Missed Opportunities

Jul 1, 2025 0 2 min read
SESSION WRAP: Disappointments and Missed Opportunities
WA Families deserved better Despite the many challenges of this session, all three of Stand for Children’s legislative priorities were passed—an important bright spot for youth across Washington. Lawmakers secured $1.5 million to maintain the Ninth Grade Success Initiative, maintained an important pilot effort around CTE Dual Credit, and strengthened youth diversion programs, including better […]

Mixed Bag for WA Students

Mar 26, 2025 0 6 min read
Mixed Bag for WA Students
Overview This year’s budget is a challenging one – lawmakers are looking to close a $14 billion deficit over the next four years. They are constitutionally required to develop a budget that balances for at least four years. The two year budget is also known as the biennial budget, and the two years after that […]