Impact Report
Update from the Executive Director
To our Playworks Southern California Community,
This past school year was a milestone for Playworks Southern California. Together, we proudly celebrated 15 years of bringing safe, healthy play to kids every day. Since launching the region, we’ve reached more than 800,000 students and worked alongside incredible educators, families, and community partners to make play an essential part of the school day. Looking back at these 15 years, I am filled with gratitude for the people and partnerships that have fueled this journey—and excitement for the future we are building together.
This year, our team saw firsthand how play continues to transform schools across Southern California. Principals told us about more inclusive play environments and the role the adults on campus are playing in sustaining heathy, play-based programming. Teachers shared how students are showing up to class ready to learn, connected, and more confident. Families reminded us that the skills built through play—teamwork, leadership, and resilience—last far beyond recess. These stories remind us why play matters so deeply.
Looking ahead, we are guided by our 2028 Strategic Plan: Play It Forward, a bold commitment to reach every child across Southern California through the power of play. To get there, we will expand our services to more schools and districts, deepen our professional development for educators, and grow innovative programs that ensure all children have the chance to learn and thrive through play.
Fifteen years in, we are proud of what we’ve accomplished—but we are just getting started. With your continued support, we will shape the next chapter of Playworks Southern California: one where every child has access to safe, healthy play every day.
Thank you for believing in this mission and for standing with us on this journey. Together, let’s play it forward for the next 15 years and beyond.
Your Partner in Play,
Celeste Soto
This year we served
109,489
Students
645
Youth Leaders
202
School partners & community-based organizations
“As the school counselor, I highly recommend the Playworks program because it effectively supports students’ social and emotional development while promoting positive interactions on the playground. It teaches vital skills like teamwork, conflict resolution, and empathy, which are essential for building a healthy school community. The program also helps prevent bullying and creates a safe, inclusive environment where all students can engage and feel valued. Playworks empowers students to become leaders and fosters a sense of belonging, making it an invaluable resource for any school.”
– K-5 School Counselor, Bellflower USD
According to our Annual Survey,
% of educators agree that Playworks helps…
increase the number of students that are
physically active
98%
create an engaging learning environment for students
97%
increases the number of students engaged in healthy play with their peers
97%
strengthen relationships between students and adults in the community
94%
