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 If you have worked in public service (federal, state, local, tribal government or a non-profit organization) for 10 years or more (even if not consecutively), you may be eligible to have all your student debt cancelled. Now, for a limited time, it is easier than ever to receive that forgiveness, or get credit toward forgiveness, if you have not yet served 10 years.
You must apply before October 31, 2022.
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In dual language education programs, students learn classroom content partly in English and partly in a partner language, providing students with the opportunity to build biliteracy and bilingualism while learning content. In a media briefing today, State Superintendent Chris Reykdal announced his plan to expand access to these programs to all Washington students.
Across Washington, 35,000 students spanning 42 school districts and state-tribal education compact schools learn in dual language programs. Under Reykdal’s plan, these numbers will increase steadily over the coming years so that all Washington students will have access to dual language education in grades K–8 by 2040.
“The evidence is clear,” said Reykdal. “When young people become bilingual during the early grades, they have more cognitive flexibility and they perform better in school. As our global economy changes and our world becomes increasingly international, dual language education must become a core opportunity for our students.”
Read More Here
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National Tree Check Month comes as Washington scientists study emerging threats to western Washington tree health
Officials from the Washington State Department of Natural Resources, Washington State Department of Agriculture, and the Washington Invasive Species Council are asking members of the public to check their trees, water features, and other outdoor fixtures this month for invasive pests as part of National Tree Check Month.
August is the ideal time for Washington residents to make a habit of checking for harmful bugs and diseases on their properties and in public spaces, because it is often when the visible impacts of those pests become most obvious.
“We have a forest health crisis in Washington, and we know that outbreaks of invasive insects and diseases are one of the leading threats to the long-term health of our forests,” said Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz. “Our all lands, all hands approach to forest health means we need everyone pitching in to help protect our forested lands from invasive pests.”
Taking a few minutes out of one’s day to inspect a backyard or park can help local and state officials limit the tree mortality inflicted across Washington by invasive insects and new diseases.
The 2022 Sea Mar Latino Health Forum is moving to an online/virtual format.
This decision was based on the best interests of the health and safety of conference attendees and staff.
The Latino Health Forum committee is working diligently to ensure this year’s conference
remains relevant and focused on the healthcare of Latinos in Washington
For More Information Click Here.
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The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) has released its updated COVID-19 guidance for K-12 schools and child care. The guidance takes lessons learned from the first two and a half years of the pandemic, and outlines both required and recommended measures for the 2022-23 school year to help reduce COVID-19 transmission in school and child care settings. Schools, child care providers, and families can expect limited changes focused on clarifying and simplifying the guidance.
“We are entering a new stage of coexisting with COVID-19 in our communities, knowing that COVID-19 is here to stay for the foreseeable future,” said Umair A. Shah, MD, MPH, Secretary of Health. “DOH also recognizes the importance of being able to maintain in-person learning for children, and the fundamental links between education and long-term health outcomes.”
Learn more information.
Más información en español.
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Get answers to your questions about Monkeypox virus (MPV): Call 1-833-829-HELP
Washington 211 call takers can provide information and answer questions on MPV; assistance is available in 240 languages
People across Washington can now call 1-833-829-HELP for the latest information on Monkeypox virus (MPV). This call center is an expansion of DOH’s efforts to expand information to Washingtonians. Two weeks ago, DOH activated their Incident Management Team to dedicate their time and efforts to the growing cases of MPV.
Through an ongoing partnership with Washington 211, call takers will answer questions about MPV risk factors, vaccine information, testing and treatment from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Monday, and 6:00 a.m.to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday and observed state holidays. Callers can continue to dial 1-800-525-0127 and press # to be transferred to a Washington 211 specialists. Language assistance is available in 240 languages. Call takers will not be able to schedule vaccine appointments.
Learn more information.
Más información en español.
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Bivalent boosters aim to provide better protection from currently-circulating variants of COVID-19
The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) and other healthcare providers will soon begin offering Omicron variant-targeted bivalent booster doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines following authorization by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunizations Practices, and the Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup.
The bivalent vaccines combine the companies’ original COVID-19 vaccine compositions with BA.4 and BA.5 spike protein components, providing additional protection by targeting variants that are more transmissible and immune-evading. The primary COVID-19 vaccine series will stay the same, given their proven efficacy in preventing serious illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19. DOH’s updated booster dose recommendations are as follows:
- People ages 12 – 17 who have completed a primary vaccine series can receive the Pfizer-BioNTech bivalent booster at least two months after their most recent dose.
- People 18 and older who have completed a primary vaccine series can receive either company’s bivalent booster at least two months after their most recent dose.
- Those ages 5 – 11 who have completed Pfizer-BioNTech’s primary vaccine series should continue to receive the company’s original monovalent booster at least 5 months after their most recent dose.
- Children ages 6 months – 4 years are currently not authorized for any COVID-19 booster doses.
- People ages 12 and over who currently have appointments to receive COVID-19 booster doses will need to contact their providers to ensure the bivalent booster is available; if not, those appointments will need to be rescheduled, as the former monovalent booster doses are no longer authorized for this age group.
Learn More Information.
Más información en español.
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Don't Forget This Important Back-to-School Step
As kids start returning to school, preparing for emergencies should be a part of that process. FEMA Region 5 encourages all families to take the time now to talk about potential disaster risks and steps to stay safe if the unexpected occurs.
“While emergencies can be scary, kids can cope better if they know what to expect,” said Tom Sivak, regional administrator, FEMA Region 5. “Children and youth are empowered through understanding risks and knowing how to protect themselves. Empowered youth can help involve their families, peers, and communities in disaster preparedness.”
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Learn the risks that may threaten your family at home, school or work. Find more information at www.Ready.gov. Make sure everyone understands the types of emergency alerts they may receive and how to receive them.
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Have a family plan. If a disaster happens, knowing who to call and where to meet is an important part of emergency planning for you and your family.
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Build a kit. Keep enough emergency supplies on hand - water, nonperishable food, first aid, prescriptions, flashlight, and battery-powered radio - for everyone in your household. For a list of items to consider including, visit www.ready.gov/kit.
For detailed information about how to be ready for the emergencies, visit www.Ready.gov or our Spanish site at www.Listo.gov. You can also download the free FEMA app, available for your Android or Apple device.
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Inslee names Lekha Fernandes director of the Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises
From the Office of the Governor:
Gov. Jay Inslee announced today the appointment of Lekha Fernandes, director of the Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises (OMWBE). Fernandes will replace Lisa van der Lugt who had been the director since 2018.
OMWBE is responsible for progressing statewide efforts to increase access, remove barriers, and promote accountability for the inclusion of minority- and women-owned businesses in public spending opportunities. The Minority and Women’s Business Enterprise program includes a comprehensive certification process, small business development support services, as well as compliance, accountability, reporting, and assistance to public agencies in meeting their diverse spending goals. The agency leads the Governor’s Subcabinet on Business Diversity and works with state agencies and institutions of higher education to promote equitable and inclusive purchasing practices. OMWBE also works with small businesses owned by people of color and women, and veterans to obtain more government contracts.
Fernandes has extensive experience leading high performing teams, conducting legal analysis, managing grants and contracts, and overseeing performance and budget programs. Prior to this appointment, Fernandes was the Southwest coastal regional director with the Employment Security Department. She led oversight of the agency and WorkSource programs. Prior to her time at ESD, Fernandes owned and operated a business managing workforce development grants as a subcontractor to the state of Michigan.
Fernandes' appointment goes into effect Sept. 12.
Read More
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Applications open August 17: $75 million for Washington small businesses and nonprofits
Another round of state pandemic relief grants on the way, with focus on the arts, heritage and science sectors and businesses relying on in-person conventions hosted in Washington
Applications for the Working Washington Grants: Round 5 and new Convention Center Grants programs open Aug. 17. Together, these programs will distribute $75 million in pandemic relief grants to eligible small businesses and nonprofits across Washington. The Department of Commerce manages the grants with support from the Washington State Arts Commission.
Applications must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. Sept. 9 through commercegrants.com. The online portal is live now with guidelines and more to help applicants get ready to submit applications beginning Wednesday.
For More Information Click Here.
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Commerce awards $3.3 million to support, restart community festivals and events
Tourism relief grants go to 284 organizations to support small local events, festivals and civic celebrations in 36 counties
The Washington State Department of Commerce, in collaboration with the Washington Festivals and Events Association (WFEA) and ArtsWA, today announced 284 successful applicants in 36 of the state’s 39 counties to receive more than $3.3 million in pandemic relief and recovery grants. The funds will provide much-needed support to “legacy-level” events (those that have taken place for five or more years), festivals, civic and holiday celebrations, cultural and heritage events, music festivals, and street and arts fairs in communities with populations of 100,000 or less.
For More Information Click Here.
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Department of Corrections
Department of Ecology
Department of Natural Resources
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Department of Social & Health Services
Employment Security Department
Labor & Industries
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Office of the Governor
Washington Student Achievement Council
Department of Fish & Wildlife
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 We are thrilled to invite you to NWIRP’s Virtual Celebration, coming up on Friday, September 23, from noon - 12:45 p.m. The event is accessible to all regardless of where you live, as it is virtual and free to attend!
Our virtual celebration helps us raise critical funding to support NWIRP’s ability to serve tens of thousands of immigrants throughout Washington State and beyond.
Join us for a short & sweet afternoon of stories, music, and building momentum for immigrant rights.
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 Washington State Fair
📅 Date: Sept 5 - Sept 25, 2022
📍 Location:110 9th Ave SW, Puyallup, WA 98371
🎟️ More Information
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 Mariners Networking Nights
📅 Date: Sept 27, 2022
📍 Location: T-Mobile Park1250 1st Avenue South,Seattle, WA 98134
🎟️ More Information
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 Online Art Class for Kids & Teens
📅 Date: Multiple Options
📍 Location: Palak StudioInk Online Art Classes Tacoma, WA 98402
🎟️ More Information
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