Network News - June 27, 2008

Professional Development Opportunities

Join the California Afterschool Network Peer to Peer Mentoring Program

The California Afterschool Network is seeking to match experienced after school site supervisors in each region with site supervisors who have less than two years experience in a mentoring relationship. As part of this relationship, mentees will work with their mentors to create a professional development plan based on a core competency self-assessment. Mentees will visit their mentor’s after school program site, have their site visited by mentors, and will meet twice monthly and as needed via telephone to evaluate progress on their professional development plan. Both mentors and mentees receive a small stipend upon completion of the project. The purpose of the project is to create ”cross-pollination” between after school program sites and increase regional collaboration.

There are only 200 Mentee positions and 50 Mentor positions available statewide. The Application Deadline for this program is July 15, 2008. To learn more and to download applications for this program, click here.

Become a CalSAC Trainer
CalSAC is currently accepting applications for the 2008-09 Training of the Training (ToT) Institute, the first step in becoming an endorsed CalSAC Trainer.  Endorsed CalSAC trainers provide training on an array of subjects for program staff in their region.  The application deadline for this opportunity is July 15, 2008.   For more information and to apply, click here.

National Afterschool Matters Practitioner Fellowship Program
After school practitioners with a Bachelors Degree or higher located in the San Francisco Bay area interested in working collaboratively to identify, document, and disseminate effective practices for after school program improvement are eligible to apply for the National Afterschool Matters Practitioner Fellowship.  The application deadline is July 21, 2008.  For more information and to apply, click here.

Funding Opportunities

Finish Line Youth Foundation Grants for Disadvantaged Youth
Organizations providing opportunities for youth under the age of 18 to participate in youth athletic programs, community based programs, and camps with an emphasis on sports and an active lifestyle are eligible to apply for Finish Line Youth Foundation Grants of $1,000 – $5,000.  Priority is offered to programs serving disadvantaged youth operating in communities near Finish Line stores.  The application deadlines are June 30, 2008; September 30, 2008; and December 31, 2008.  For more information and to apply, click here.

Richard Riley Award for Community Learning Centers
Elementary and secondary schools in the United States that serve as centers of community to provide an array of social, civic, recreational and artistic opportunities to the broader community are eligible to apply for the Richard Riley award for up to $10,000.  Any individual can apply on behalf of a school.  Submissions are due July 25, 2008.  For more information, or to submit an application, click here

Disney Minnie Grants 2008
Disney Minnie grants of up to $500 are now available to implement youth-led (ages 5-14) service projects from October 15-November 15, 2008.  This grant is available internationally.   The application deadline is August 30, 2008.  For more information and to apply, click here.

Tommy Hilfiger Education Grants
Organizations educating K-12 or college students to develop career skills, include hands-on activities, collaborate with families and communities, serve under-served or at-risk youth, and have measurable results are eligible to apply for Tommy Hilfiger Foundation Education grants.  The application deadline is October 1, 2008.  For more information and to apply, click here.