WA State’s 2023 legislative session concluded on April 23rd, and we applaud our legislators for continuing and increasing important investments in academic success and mental health promotion programs that can benefit Boys & Girls Clubs in Washington State.
The legislature approved a 38% increase to the Academics, Innovation and Mentoring, and our Clubs plan to compete for an award from this fund, now in its 5th cycle. Our elected officials also continue to recognize the severity of the mental health crisis facing our youth, and extended the Mental Health Promotion Pilot funding for two more years, thus paving the way for a continued collaboration between WA Clubs and the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction on a multi-faceted approach to support Club kids, teens, staff and families with training, resource navigation and mental health promotion programming through 2025. Thank you for keeping kids and families front and center in the many bills and laws that you passed in 2023!