Newsletters

 #LightsOnAfterschool is almost here!

Join the nation’s largest celebration of afterschool and summer learning programs on October 23, 2025. Lights On Afterschool is a time for programs across the country to shine a light on their impact: amplifying their voices online, connecting with new audiences, and celebrating the power of afterschool. We’re proud to join communities nationwide in this celebration!

As summer comes to a close and a new school year begins, the CAN Team sends warm wishes to children, youth, families, educators, and out-of-school time (OST) professionals for a successful and fulfilling 2025-26 school year. Whether you are returning as a student, teacher, parent, or practitioner, we hope this year brings new opportunities for learning, growth, and meaningful connections!

As we begin a new fiscal year, we continue to navigate uncertain challenges. As you likely know, the Trump Administration has announced that 21st CCLC funding for summer and afterschool programs is being illegally withheld. 

Hello, and welcome!

Let’s be real—things are rough, heavy, heartbreaking, overwhelming, and scary in many of our communities right now. Though we celebrate Pride Month and Juneteenth, we would be remiss not to acknowledge the immigration raids and inhumane acts of violence, especially in our brown and marginalized communities. We recently shared a message with our Partners, which you can access here.

Hello May! As the days grow warmer and longer, and summer sunsets draw near, we at CAN are excited to welcome May with well wishes for everyone. We also celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month—a time to honor and uplift the rich, diverse histories and contributions of AANHPI communities.

Welcome back to our Policy Newsletter!

If you’re new here or missed a recent edition, you can catch up on past newsletters and policy updates here. 

There’s been a lot of movement in both state and federal policy over the past few months. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the constant stream of updates and the questions they raise about the work we care so deeply about. Our families and communities are feeling this too, and that’s completely understandable.

Building on the foundation of the collaborative work to design and implement A Vision for Expanded Learning in California, Strategic Plans 1.0 and 2.0, California’s Expanded Learning Leadership has begun an expansive strategic design process to build an Ecosystem Plan to Leverage California’s Expanded Learning Infrastructure.

We Brought the Energy: 2025 Site Coordinator Symposium Recap!

A few weeks ago, we convened over 700 passionate Expanded Learning and Out of School Time professionals at the 8th annual Site Coordinator Symposium—a dynamic gathering dedicated to building community, igniting passion, and transforming futures!

With so much unfolding this month—from the devastating California wildfires to critical updates from the new federal administration and the fears around ICE and immigration—it’s understandable and natural to feel overwhelmed. In times like these, prioritizing rest and self-care isn’t just important; it’s necessary. We’ve gathered resources to help you navigate this moment while taking care of yourself and your community.