The WASHINGTON STATEment

May 2026

Spring has been a busy and exciting season for the Washington State Leadership Board (WSLB). This quarter has brought extraordinary opportunities to develop our agency’s capacity and deepen our partnership with the incredible young leaders we serve across Washington state.

We are excited about the work ahead as we prepare for future growth and expand engagement within Washington’s communities. From program development to long-term strategic planning, the WSLB is entering this next chapter with energy and optimism.

Thank you to our program participants, board members, partners, alumni, and supporters who continue to make this work possible. We are excited for what’s ahead and look forward to continuing this work together throughout the year.

A message from the WSLB Executive Director:

During my first eight months with the WSLB, we have achieved key agency milestones, like completing a successful agency accountability audit, passing SB5825 to allow the agency to solicit funds, and embarked on an impactful Compassion Scholars trip in April. Thanks for all of your support, and I’m thrilled for what’s ahead! — Laura Armstrong

Interested in meeting Laura or learning more about our work at the WSLB? Click here to set up a time.

Agency News:

• Accountability Audit: The WSLB recently completed its first accountability audit conducted by the Washington State Auditor’s Office, covering July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2025. The audit officially closed on April 2, 2026, and we are proud of our results. This reflects the commitment to careful stewardship of public funds at the WSLB.

• Successful Legislative Session: The WSLB had a successful and productive legislative session focused on maintaining agency stability, strengthening future funding opportunities, and continuing to elevate youth leadership across Washington state. Read below (Legislative Session) for more details!

• Fund Development: Following the passage of SB 5825, the WSLB team is building the processes to support transparent and responsible solicitation of funds. The law goes into effect June 11, 2026, so stay tuned for ways to give to the development of Washington’s future leaders.

Legislative Session

The 2026 Legislative Session concluded on March 12, and the WSLB successfully advanced all four priorities from our 2026 legislative agenda.

Highlights include:

• Maintain Funds: The legislature maintained current funding in the supplemental budget; WSLB programs can now continue as planned!

• Ability to Solicit Funds: Substitute Senate Bill 5825 passed during the 2026 session and goes into effect June 11, 2026. This legislation grants the WSLB authority to solicit funds and donations, creating new opportunities to support agency programs and expand pathways for long-term sustainability.

• Host Day on the Hill: 11 youth participants and 5 board members gathered at the Washington State Capitol to advocate for issues that matter most to young people across the state. Participants led 24 meetings with legislators and their staff, sharing perspectives and priorities for Washington’s future. Participants also had the opportunity to meet with the Governor’s Education Policy Team, Lieutenant Governor Denny Heck, and Governor Bob Ferguson.

• Floor Resolution Celebrating Young Scholars: On February 20, the Senate formally recognized WSLB participants and youth across the state through Senate Resolution 8693.

As we look towards 2027, WSLB is excited to increase statewide awareness of our mission, impact, and value to Washington state. The agency is beginning preparations for a stronger focus on year-round legislative education and outreach.

Efforts will include:

• Highlighting participant experiences and long-term program outcomes

• Earlier outreach and education to legislators and their staff

• Sharing clearer, data-driven information about WSLB’s statewide impact

• Expanding partnerships with other state agencies and leadership champions

Follow our legislative work or learn how to engage during the 2027 session by visiting our Legislative Work webpage.

What: Program Celebration Day — program participants come together to reflect on the hard work and milestones achieved while enrolled in their WSLB program.

When: Saturday, May 16, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Where: Kittitas Valley Event Center, Ellensburg, Washington.

This weekend, we’ll be gathering in Ellensburg to celebrate the achievements of the graduating cohort of Washington World Fellows! This special event will highlight their accomplishments and provide a platform for them to share their plans for post-secondary education. In addition, the 2025 Compassion Scholars will showcase the results of their yearlong service-learning projects, demonstrating the impact of their dedication and hard work.

We’re also excited to welcome the newest cohorts of both our Compassion Scholars and Washington World Fellows. This is a great opportunity for participants and their families to connect with current participants, our staff, and board members, as well as ask any questions about the upcoming year with the WSLB.

The 2025 Washington World Fellows cohort is preparing for their upcoming summer exchange in Logroño. Fellows will depart Washington on June 28th and return on August 4th.

During their study abroad, participants will:

• Engage in an international youth summit,

• Take courses in Spanish history and language; and

• Visit cultural destinations across Spain.

Fellows will stay with the World Fellows España host families, whose youth will also participate in the international youth summit. Lastly, the 2026 Washington World Fellows cohort has officially been selected. We can’t wait to welcome them into the WSLB family!

The April 2026 Compassion Scholars cohort had an impactful international service-learning experience in Nalda, Spain.

While in Nalda, participants:

• Partnered with El Colletero, a cooperative organization run by three local women that focuses on sustainability and community engagement;

• Met with the Mayor of Nalda and visited the Rioja Parliament, where they connected with deputies from multiple political parties; and

• Visited several schools and community-based organizations, including Rioja Acoge, Cruz Rioja, and an LGBTQ+ organization in Logroño.

These experiences helped participants explore both similarities and differences in how our communities support one another. Participants will now begin their community service projects, influenced by their time in Spain, and will receive guidance throughout the coming year from this year’s mentors:

• Ex-Officio Senator Claire Wilson,

• Tania Elahee, Senior Program Manager for REI’s Racial Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Program; and

• Heather Lewis-Lechner, Leadership Council and Senior Education Policy Council for the Washington State Democratic Caucus.

The 2025 Compassion Scholars cohort have completed their year-long service projects and recently held their final cohort meeting. Their accomplishments will be celebrated at Programs Celebration Day on May 16th in Ellensburg, WA.

Boundless Washington

a grant-based outdoor/sports leadership program for young people with disabilities 

Boundless WA is still accepting applications for its 2026 program year from organizations and individuals! Boundless WA combines grant funding with a leadership and advocacy program led by the WSLB staff.

Eligible participants can receive financial support to pursue new sports or outdoor activities while connecting with peers across the state who share their passion for growth and advocacy. Organizations providing outdoor and sports programming to young people with disabilities are also welcome to apply. Now is the perfect time to apply and make 2026 a year of adventure, leadership, and growth.

Questions? Email: Programs@wslb.wa.gov

The Washington Leadership Awards

The Washington Leadership Award Ceremony application cycle closed on March 31st, 2026, and the WSLB Honors Committee and Board will confirm final awardees soon! Thank you to all those who submitted nominations this year!

This year’s ceremony will be held remotely and will recognize outstanding individuals and organizations across Washington State through the following awards:

• Washingtonian of the Year,

• Washington Organization of the Year,

• Legacy of Service,

• Equity for All; and

• Emerging Leader.

Leadership Traits this Quarter

As an integral component of our Leadership Programs, participants engage in our Leadership and Advocacy Curriculum. Throughout their program enrollment, participants will dive into a leadership trait each month and develop skills for real-world scenarios in their communities.

This quarter, participants are focused on the following leadership traits:

• April 2026 — Resilience: an ability to recover from or adjust easily to misfortune or change.

• May 2026 — Teamwork: work done by a group acting together so that each member does a part that contributes to the efficiency of the whole

• June 2026 — Curriculum Recap: cohort reflection on the 10 leadership traits.