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As we embrace the Back to School season, our partnership with the Statewide System of Support (SSEL) empowers us to help OST practitioners and educators throughout the state set the stage for success. Together, we provide the tools and resources to support a strong start and a successful year ahead. Below are a few capacity and community-building opportunities you don’t want to miss to help Set Up for Success! 

Resources & Upcoming Events

National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated every year from September 15 to October 15. This month, we honor the contributions of Hispanic and Latinx communities in shaping our world—not only in history, art, and culture but also in the fields of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM).  

From artists such as Frida Kahlo, known for her deeply personal and emotional art, to scientists such as Ellen Ochoa, the first Latina astronaut to go to space, the fusion of Hispanic culture and STEAM has sparked creativity, resilience, and innovation. This collective of trailblazing engineers, scientists, and artists continues to inspire the next generation of thinkers and creators, breaking barriers, and driving innovation forward. 

Happy Hispanic Heritage Month!

As summer break ends, the CAN Team wishes children, youth, families, OST practitioners, and educators a great 2024-25 school year! Whether you’re a student, teacher, or parent, here’s to a school year full of growth, learning, and success!

Shout out to the Youth Development practitioners who play a crucial role in shaping the lives of young people. Youth development isn’t just a job—it’s a mission. Thank you for being a beacon of hope and support for so many. 

In late June the Governor and Legislature reached an agreement on the 2024-25 California Budget and on June 26, Governor Newsom signed the Budget Act of 2024 (AB 107). Governor Newsom made it clear that the budget would maintain strong support for schools, including Expanded Learning. 

“Let the summer begin with adventures that never end.”

The National Summer Learning Association (NSLA) has transformed the annual National Awareness Day into a week-long celebration, now known as National Summer Learning Week, July 15 – 19, 2024!

CAN is Committed to Equity and Justice. We stand in solidarity and celebrate Pride Month every June to honor the LGBTQ+ community’s triumphs, present struggles, and the ongoing fight for equality.

Summer is right around the corner and you know what that means - the start of Summer of CS, a part of California’s Year-Round Computer Science (CS) Professional Learning Program! With schools on break, afterschool programs can step in to offer enriching, hands-on experiences that go beyond the traditional classroom. Whether it’s through coding boot camps, robotics clubs, or app development workshops, these initiatives can inspire the next generation of tech innovators.

As we move out of Winter and into the bloom of Spring, there’s a natural inclination to embrace renewal and rejuvenation. With longer days comes the opportunity and celebration of self-care in all of its different forms!

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and a perfect time to reflect on your well-being and how you can continue to support yourself and the people around you. 

As Women’s History Month draws to a close, let’s take a moment to honor the remarkable contributions of women in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics). Throughout history, women have played pivotal roles in shaping the landscape of scientific discovery, innovation, and technological advancement. Today, we honor women making waves in STEAM, from ground-breaking research to fostering diversity. Their success emphasizes the importance of breaking gender barriers in pursuing our passions and shaping a brighter future.