When Youth Development Executives of King County (YDEKC) was created in 2010, the youth development sector in King County was made up of loosely connected agencies, often competing for scarce funds and ill equipped to stand in equal partnership with other youth-serving sectors. From the beginning, YDEKC’s goal was to organize, activate, and empower our sector to achieve more equitable results for King County’s young people. It developed into a diverse coalition of leaders representing youth-serving community-based organizations. Its members partnered with schools, communities, and families to ensure every young person has what they need to learn, grow, and thrive.
Over the course of its 13-year history, YDEKC helped to advance:
For the story, timeline, and milestones of the first 10 years of YDEKC’s journey, check out this video describing the Story of YDEKC or read the 10-Year Report on Sway.
In the final three years of its organizational journey, YDEKC embraced a new mission to connect, strengthen, and amplify the leaders of youth-serving organizations so that all Black, Indigenous, and youth of color thrive. Highlights from those years include:
After unsuccessful efforts to obtain sustainable funding, YDEKC will close its doors on October 2, 2023. However, its legacy, network, and resources live on. For the Measurement and Evaluation Toolkit, School and Community Partnership Toolkit, and an array of youth development resources, including learnings from YDEKC’s work around equity and social and emotional learning, check out School’s Out Washington’s Resource Library.
For some great memories shared by YDEKC members, partners, and colleagues, please enjoy YDEKC’s Farewell Celebration Kudoboard or YDEKC’s 10-Year Kudoboard featuring historic photos and stories.
