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The purpose of the California AfterSchool Network is to increase access to high-quality out-of-school time programs that support success for all children and youth.

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News and Events

We are committed to providing you with the resources and tools necessary to build high quality out-of-school time programs in California. Keep up to date with all the latest news and events.

CAN Newsletter
Folks at the CA Afterschool & Summer Challenge

CAN Newsletter – Spring into Events Season!
March 12, 2024

With Spring Equinox around the corner, you know what that means… events season is here! CAN is excited to participate in multiple convenings in Spring and Summer! In case you missed it, we are wrapping up day two of the 20th annual California Afterschool and Summer Challenge in Sacramento. Hosted by CalSAC, CAN is a proud partner of the annual statewide Challenge, which educates and empowers professionals, youth, and families to engage in grassroots advocacy.

CAN Newsletter

CAN Newsletter – The 2024 Symposium Was a BLAST!
February 29, 2024

We are still riding high on all the Symposium & Agents of Change love! The Symposium Planning Team, with support from the California AfterSchool Network, California Department of Education Expanded Learning Division, and the System of Support for Expanded Learning, convened the 7th annual Site Coordinator Symposium - Agents of Change: Growing with Expanded Learning, this past week, virtually on Wednesday, February 21, via Zoom and in person on Friday, February 23, and Saturday, Febr

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Budget Updates & Highlighting Partnerships to Support Expanded Learning

Budget Updates & Highlighting Partnerships to Support Expanded Learning
Fireside Chat: January 23, 2024

Join us for Fireside Chat #59!

In this chat, Heather Williams from the California AfterSchool Network is joined by Michael Funk, Director of the Expanded Learning Division of the California Department of Education (EXLD).

They provide updates on the Governor’s recently released, proposed budget for FY 24-25, and chat with district leaders across the state and one of their partners that support them to provide unique, high-quality opportunities for students, including:

CAN Newsletter

CAN Newsletter – Happy New Year 2024!
January 11, 2024

Today I am GratefulWelcome to a new year and a new beginning! In Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) fashion, CAN appreciates the lessons 2023 brought and the growth 2024 will show. Check out our post below with highlights from 2023; we are grateful for our experiences, partnerships, and work with all of you wonderful humans! We are excited to kick off a leap year with 366 new days and 366 new opportunities to support children, youth, and our OST and EXL fields.

STEAM Newsletter

STEAM Newsletter – #MentoringAmplifies
January 30, 2024

Two girls working on a river activityHappy New Year! Welcome to the first installment of the CAN STEAM newsletter for 2024! In honor of National Mentoring Month, we reflect on the profound impact mentors have on shaping the lives of individuals. Whether it’s guiding aspiring minds, offering valuable insights, or providing a supportive shoulder, mentors play a pivotal role in nurturing the potential within each of us.

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Interview with CA EXL Leadership Awardees #4

Interview with CA EXL Leadership Awardees #4
Fireside Chat: December 5, 2023

Join us for Fireside Chat #58!

In this chat, Heather Williams from the California AfterSchool Network is joined by Michael Funk, Director of the Expanded Learning Division of the California Department of Education (EXLD). This chat wraps up a series of chats with the 2023 California Expanded Learning Leadership Awardees who were recognized earlier this year during the annual Lights On Afterschool celebration. In this first inspirational chat, we are joined by:

CAN Newsletter

CAN Newsletter – Happy Holidays from CAN!
December 12, 2023

Holiday Card from CAN and the Leadership TeamIt’s the season for love and cheer! On behalf of the California AfterSchool Network and the CAN Leadership Team, we wish our CA Community of Educators during the core day and Out-of-School-Time/Expanded Learning hours a Happy Holiday! 

Reflecting on the year’s ups and downs, we are grateful for all the memories made this year. Though the end of a year might seem bittersweet, it’s a new start that brings clarity and hope. In true CQI fashion, we embrace the lessons learned in 2023 to get wisdom, inspiration, and joy in the new year!

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Interview with CA EXL Leadership Awardees #3

Interview with CA EXL Leadership Awardees #3
Fireside Chat: November 27, 2023

Join us for Fireside Chat #57!

In this chat, Heather Williams from the California AfterSchool Network is joined by Michael Funk, Director of the Expanded Learning Division of the California Department of Education (EXLD). This chat continues a series of chats with 2023 California Expanded Learning Leadership Awardees who were recognized earlier this year during the annual Lights On Afterschool celebration. In this first inspirational chat, we are joined by:

STEAM Newsletter
Robert Houle oil on canvas of a Native American sitting and thinking looking out to the water

STEAM Newsletter – Celebrating Native American Heritage Month
November 2023

November is Native American Heritage Month and is a time to pay tribute to the rich ancestry and traditions of Native Americans and honor the significant contributions they have made to our society and STEAM. Check out  NativeAmericanHeritageMonth.gov! This website has resources for teachers, educators, and our communities to learn more about the heritage and history of American Indians.

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Interview with CA EXL Leadership Awardees #2

Interview with CA EXL Leadership Awardees #2
Fireside Chat: November 16, 2023

Join us for Fireside Chat #56!

In this chat, Heather Williams from the California AfterSchool Network is joined by Michael Funk, Director of the Expanded Learning Division of the California Department of Education (EXLD). This chat continues a series of chats with 2023 California Expanded Learning Leadership Awardees who were recognized earlier this year during the annual Lights On Afterschool celebration. In this first inspirational chat, we are joined by:

Health and Wellness Newsletter
Photo of two kids sitting in front of a fireplace

Health & Wellness Newsletter – Staying Healthy this Holiday Season!
December 19, 2023

Welcome to the final Health & Wellness newsletter of 2023! Throughout the year, we’ve shared an abundance of resources to support both you and the youth you engage with in your programs and beyond. This impactful work is made possible by the unwavering dedication of our incredibly passionate field. As we conclude this year, we sincerely thank the Expanded Learning community for the fantastic work done every day!

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Interview with CA EXL Leadership Awardees #1

Interview with CA EXL Leadership Awardees #1
Fireside Chat: November 8, 2023

Join us for Fireside Chat #55!

In this chat, Heather Williams from the California AfterSchool Network is joined by Michael Funk, Director of the Expanded Learning Division of the California Department of Education (EXLD). This chat kicks off a series of chats with 2023 California Expanded Learning Leadership Awardees who were recognized earlier this year during the annual Lights On Afterschool celebration. In this first inspirational chat, we are joined by:

CAN Newsletter
2023 Lights On Afterschool poster

CAN Newsletter – Keeping the Lights On!
October 12, 2023

As we transition to a new season, the Fall weather, and all things Pumpkin Spice, we hope you join us in celebrating the 24th annual Lights On Afterschool on Thursday, October 26, 2023! If you’re new to Out of School Time (OST) and Expanded Learning Programs, this is a day you don’t want to miss!

Health and Wellness Newsletter
Open palms with a flower in between

Health & Wellness Newsletter – Suicide Awareness Month
September 26, 2023

As September comes to a close, we take a moment to reflect on the significance of Suicide Awareness Month and the impact it has had on our collective understanding of mental health. Suicide affects individuals, families, and communities in profound ways. It’s a complex issue that thrives in silence but dwindles in the presence of understanding, empathy, and open dialogue. Suicide Awareness Month serves as an important reminder of the urgency to break the stigma, offer support, and save lives.

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Cover of California's Expanded Learning Workforce

California’s Expanded Learning Workforce
A State of the State Brief: September 2023

California’s Expanded Learning workforce provides critical opportunities to children and youth grounded in Positive Youth Development and the Science of Learning and Development, supporting their social, emotional, and physical development and well-being.

This State of the State Brief provides a high-level overview of the Expanded Learning workforce in California, the barriers that the field has historically faced, as well as the possibilities to create a thriving workforce.

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Policy Updates & Interview with Fresno USD

Policy Updates & Interview with Fresno USD
Fireside Chat: Sept 14, 2023

Join us for Fireside Chat #54!

In this chat, Heather Williams from the California AfterSchool Network and Michael Funk, Director of the Expanded Learning Division of the California Department of Education (EXLD), cover a few key policy updates and are joined by special guests from Fresno Unified School District (FUSD) to discuss how they have been leveraging ELO-P dollars to partner with their community, ensuring all of their students have equitable access to high-quality Expanded Learning opportunities: