2024 Bridge Conference

In the workshop 'Holistic Support: Durable Skills in Expanded Learning for the Age of AI,' discover why durable skills—essential traits, qualities, mindsets, and attitudes—are crucial for success in today's innovation-driven economy. Learn practical strategies and the overlooked key to helping our young people develop resilience, adaptability, effective communication, collaboration, and critical thinking for holistic education that goes beyond academics. Understand how integrating these skills into expanded learning opportunities not only prepares students for the challenges posed by AI but also empowers them to succeed with confidence in any future endeavor. Whether you're a student, teacher, parent, or community leader, join us to help equip our youth with the tools to thrive in an ever-changing world where skills-based hiring is the norm.

Join us for an immersive session on the Mindful Fibers Program, where we blend fiber arts with mindfulness practice to foster self-awareness and self-regulation in youth. Recent research into youth development highlights the importance of creative and mindful practices in enhancing mental wellbeing and SEL skills, and also underscores the significance of supporting practitioners' own mindfulness practices in order to strengthen outcomes for youth. SEL skill building is crucial for our young people to prepare them to move through a tumultuous world and effect positive change, while nurturing their own health and happiness. This session offers educators hands-on experience with the same techniques used in the program. Participants will engage in a fiber arts activity, while discussing how to integrate mindfulness practices into their program. You will leave this session with a Mindful Fibers curriculum, tangible strategies, and the confidence to build a practice of mindfulness with youth in your programs!

In this workshop presented by the Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC), we will discuss Washington state financial aid programs, eligibility requirements, and how to support students applying for state financial aid. We will also outline WSAC's role in ongoing legislative efforts to improve educational attainment and financial aid access. Participants will leave with free customizable resources to support college access and outreach initiatives.

Move, groove, sing, and dance while you learn the 100% engagement educational model of Camp Read-a-Rama (www.Read-a-Rama.org), a non-profit and out-of-school literacy immersion program for children ages 4 to 11. With 12+ years of experience with using children’s books as the springboard for all activities, Camp Read-a-Rama takes an interdisciplinary approach to creating programming, integrating STEM, movement, arts, field trips, outdoor activities, aquatics, and more into fun day camps. Learn to infuse literacy-rich activities into your existing program, or get your first taste of training for offering your own Camp Read-a-Rama (after school or summer camp).

Participants will explore how integrating language arts and art expression into STEM empowers diverse student populations. They will gain practical strategies to enhance student achievement and holistic development in educational settings. By the end of the session, attendees will feel inspired and equipped with actionable insights to implement inclusive practices that foster student success. This approach is incredibly transformative for newcomers, including refugees and immigrants, as it enriches their learning experience by making traditionally challenging subjects more engaging and accessible.