In a time of growing social isolation, Engage In Real Life sparks connection and belonging.
When the school day ends, seventh-grader Evelynn Esposito grabs her pom-poms for cheer or sits down to plan student activities with her leadership club. Just a year ago, her afternoons looked very different.
“Last year I wasn’t really involved. I would wake up, go to school, and it would just be a school day,” she explains. “Now I wake up with something to look forward to—something I love to do.”
Evelynn is one of thousands of Spokane Public Schools (SPS) students discovering what it means to connect in real life. Since the 2024 school year began, more than 18,700 SPS students have joined school clubs, sports, arts, or community programs through Engage In Real Life (EngageIRL)—an innovative partnership between Innovia Foundation’s LaunchNW initiative and Spokane Public Schools. The collaborative program helps students move from screens to shared experiences that build confidence, purpose, and lasting relationships.
It’s not just middle schoolers like Evelynn who are finding their stride. At Grant Elementary School, three brothers—K’iear, Tyliek Jr., and O’Shea—traded video games for cross-country practice.
“They’re rowdy. They like to do stuff . Sports is the next best thing for them. They love it,” says their mom, LaShaye Wayfer.
“It’s great to branch out and try new things. This is your chance to make connections, build a community, and be surrounded by people who care about you.”
Across Spokane, LaunchNW Engagement Navigators help students discover these opportunities by working directly in schools, cultural centers, and early learning hubs. The mission of EngageIRL is simple: to help young people discover activities where they can feel connected, supported, and uplifted nurturing both their mental health and sense of belonging.
“Because of playing soccer, I got to know many people and connect with friends,” says Ibolecho Ponga, a junior at Rogers High School. “Whenever I’m playing, I meet people I didn’t know before.”
The results show what happens when students feel truly connected. Attendance at Rogers High School has risen 6 percent, and participating middle schools report a 4 percent increase.
“It’s great to branch out and try new things,” says Evelynn. “This is your chance to make connections, build a community, and be surrounded by people who care about you.”
