Bridges of Belonging 2026-27: Connect. Listen. Belong
Plant a seed to become a future leader!
🎬 Watch Our Kickoff Video below: https://youtu.be/mMcJTkd7tZg
The 2026-27 Bridges of Belonging program invites students to become leaders, problem-solvers, and change-makers in our school community. Students will choose a topic, identify a real challenge, and present a creative and meaningful solution through a presentation (3–5 minute video, slides, poster, flyer or canva-style visual explanation). Participants may work individually or as a team. The registration deadline is January 31st. Registration Form: https://forms.gle/5sByWngMGAi7eUJu7
Download/Print out Flyer | social media Image to share
Important Participation Guidelines
- This project must be student-initiated. The main idea, solution, and message should come from the student(s).
- Parent/Adult Support: Parents and adults may help with planning, organizing, and technical support (e.g., filming, editing, typing, or assembling materials). If help is given, please briefly note what type of support was provided.
- No AI-Generated Content: Students may research and learn using any tools, but the solution and project materials cannot be generated by AI (e.g., AI-written scripts, AI-created slides, AI-drawn artwork). The goal is to highlight student voice, originality, and authentic thinking.
Who Can Participate:
All Issaquah School District students (K–12). Students of all abilities, including students receiving Special Education services, are welcome and encouraged to participate. Projects will be evaluated in four level categories (**Note: Students receiving Special Education services may choose either the grade-level division that matches their current grade, or the Special Education division depending on what feels most comfortable and supportive. Both choices are equally welcome and celebrated.):
- Elementary (K–5)
- Middle School (6–8)
- High School (9–12)
- Special Education (All Grade)
Project Topics (Choose One):
Topic 1: Beyond the Screen: Building Real Connections
Imagine a day at school without cell phones, social media, or personal technology. How would students connect, make friends, and feel included?
Identify challenges students might face and design a creative solution—such as an activity, space, program, or new school practice—that helps students build meaningful face-to-face connections and a stronger sense of belonging.
Topic 2: Whose Voice Is Missing?
Not every student feels heard or represented at school. Whose voices or experiences might be missing from school activities, conversations, or decisions—and why?Identify a specific group, situation, or barrier you notice in your school. Then design a practical solution that gives those students more opportunities to be heard, participate, connect with others, and help shape their school community.
What to Submit:
A presentation showing your idea and solution. This may be:
- A 3–5 minute video recorded on a phone or camera, and/or
- Slides, a poster, flyer, or canva-style visual explaining your project, which equal to 3-5 mins of presentation
Submission Format:
You will submit your project through a Google Form upload, the submission form will email to the families who registered in January. The last day to submit the project is February 28.
File name should include School Name + Grade Level + Student/Team Name
Example: EvergreenMS_7_TheUnityTeam
What We’re Looking For:
- A clear explanation of the problem and an achievable solution
- Kindness, empathy, and respect for different viewpoints
- Creativity, originality, and thoughtful problem-solving
- Clear and engaging communication
Recognition & Awards:
- All participants will receive a Participation Certificate with a prize.
- Projects will be shared online for community voting.
- Finalists from different grade levels will be invited to present their projects at a special district reception event on June 1, 2027 with school district leaders and community advocates.
We look forward to seeing your creativity, leadership, and voice shine!
Questions? Please email dei@issaquahptsa.org and face@issaquahptsa.org
Issaquah PTSA Council Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee & Family and Community Engagement Committee
Check 2025-26 Bridges of Belonging Finalists and their project