Updates
![kids playing foursquare](https://www.playworks.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Playworks-182-X3-402x240.jpg)
![kids playing foursquare](https://www.playworks.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Playworks-182-X3-402x240.jpg)
August 30, 2023
Safety first ›
The foundation for academic success and child development is safety. Emotional and physical safety are the foundation needed for kids to then be able to learn, develop, and grow. Ninety…
![students jump-roping](https://www.playworks.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Copy-of-Playworks-139-X3-402x240.jpg)
![students jump-roping](https://www.playworks.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Copy-of-Playworks-139-X3-402x240.jpg)
May 31, 2023
The Significance of Play in Children’s Mental Health ›
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 …
![students hula hooping](https://www.playworks.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/SLC_AltaView_Toned_HighRes_043-X3-402x240.jpg)
![students hula hooping](https://www.playworks.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/SLC_AltaView_Toned_HighRes_043-X3-402x240.jpg)
May 30, 2023
Playworks Alumni Spotlight: Alison Vaux-Bjerke ›
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…
![group of adults](https://www.playworks.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/DSC_2523-1-e1685031900963-402x240.jpg)
![group of adults](https://www.playworks.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/DSC_2523-1-e1685031900963-402x240.jpg)
May 25, 2023
National Board of Directors visit to Playworks School ›
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…
![child playing on playground](https://www.playworks.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image013-e1679680287692-402x240.jpg)
![child playing on playground](https://www.playworks.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image013-e1679680287692-402x240.jpg)
March 27, 2023
Empowered youth to community leaders ›
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…
![New England AmeriCorps Coaches](https://www.playworks.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Newengjpg-402x240.jpg)
![New England AmeriCorps Coaches](https://www.playworks.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Newengjpg-402x240.jpg)
March 13, 2023
AmeriCorps Week 2023 ›
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.…
![](https://www.playworks.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/DSC4189-X3-402x240.jpg)
![](https://www.playworks.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/DSC4189-X3-402x240.jpg)
January 19, 2023
Introducing New Members of Playworks Board of Directors ›
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…
![kids playing catch](https://www.playworks.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/2009-14_Tully_Playworks-274-X3-402x240.jpg)
![kids playing catch](https://www.playworks.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/2009-14_Tully_Playworks-274-X3-402x240.jpg)
January 10, 2023
Understanding the Complex Simplicities of Play ›
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…
![athletes playing with students](https://www.playworks.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/sportsteams-402x240.png)
![athletes playing with students](https://www.playworks.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/sportsteams-402x240.png)
December 20, 2022
Celebrating 2022’s Big Moments ›
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…