Updates

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re exploring research around this topic and how play (and Playworks) can make a difference. The urgent need to support children’s mental health  The pandemic increased the loneliness and isolation that people, especially children, were feeling. As children re-entered school buildings, people quickly realized that academic recovery from…

In this Q&A, former Coach Alison Vaux-Bjerke reflects on her Playworks experience and her journey into a career in youth sports and health initiatives. Q: What position did you hold at Playworks, where, and for how long? A: I was an AmeriCorps Program Coordinator for one year (2011-12) and a Program Associate for two years…

During the May 2023 National Board of Directors meeting in Oakland, CA, the board gathered to strategize, plan, and experience the power of play firsthand. Board members and Playworks teammates visited a local community school where they met with Coach Christina and her Junior Coaches, learned about the school’s partnership with Playworks, and jumped into…

The importance of youth leadership programming in elementary schools Childhood is spent brimming with fascinations of the future – ideas of what infinite potential can amount to, ambitions of fulfilling some innate passion, and the mystery of what the years ahead hold. Some will take on leadership roles, becoming agents in their community. How can…

Join us in saying #AmeriThanks to our Playworks AmeriCorps Coaches! During #AmeriCorpsWeek, we are sending out giant Whoosh Claps to our 56 AmeriCorps Members completing their service year with Playworks. These Coaches are working in schools in 7 regions, impacting 31,791 kids each and every day. “For the kids and the future of our youth…

Playworks is thrilled to welcome five new members to our National Board of Directors. Each brings a unique set of talents and perspective that will support Playworks’ mission. The individuals who joined the Playworks Board in December 2022 and January 2023 are: Leslie Boissiere Vice President, External Affairs Annie E. Casey Foundation Leslie oversees the Annie…

Play is a behavior that is natural and has existed for thousands of years and across species. It combines a set of made-up rules or norms and a willingness to explore. Researchers, scientists, and doctors have studied the effects of play on kids–and adults–and understand that this natural behavior has tremendous benefits. As the American…

As 2022 comes to a close, we’re reflecting on big moments that took place across Playworks nation this year.  1. Celebrating 25 Years  The 2021-2022 school year marked a major milestone for our team as we celebrated 25 years of bringing the power of play to kids across the country. Since our launch in 1996,…

Playworks is proud to receive the 2022 Top-Rated Award by GreatNonprofits, the leading provider of user reviews about nonprofit organizations. Playworks was honored with this award based on the large number of positive reviews written by our schools, supporters, and parents. “Our work is not possible without our school partners, board members, volunteers, and all…