CAN Newsletter – Another Symposium in the Books!
March 17, 2026
Our 9th Annual Site Coordinator Symposium was one for the books! We built passion, ignited passion, and transformed futures virtually on February 4 and in-person on February 26-28 in Long Beach, CA.
Presented by the California AfterSchool Network, in partnership with the Site Coordinator Network, and supported by the California Department of Education Expanded Learning Division, the Symposium continued its tradition of centering the growth, development, and success of Site Coordinators and those who support Expanded Learning programs.
Throughout the event, participants attended capacity-building workshops, connected with peers, and built community to strengthen program quality and show how leadership can build systems and supports that help Site Coordinators flourish.
Check out some of this year’s highlights:
In-Person Experience Highlights
Over 600 attendees gathered for a
dynamic and inspiring convening featuring:
- 50 engaging workshops
- 30+ incredible partner sponsors
- 2 thought-provoking panels
- 5 immersive site visits
- 2 inspiring keynote speakers
- 2 lively receptions filled with connection, community-building, and raffles
Virtual Experience Highlights
Our virtual community showed up strong with 150+ participants who engaged in:
- 15 impactful workshops
- 2 powerful keynote sessions
- 4 virtual site visits
Thank you to everyone who joined
us, and we look forward to continuing the momentum and connecting
again at future gatherings. We hope you left with at least
one rubber ducky in your pocket, along with everything
that made this year’s SOLD OUT Symposium a
memorable experience!
In This Newsletter:
Happy 1st CANniversary, Donielle Prince!
March 10, 2026
March 10th is Donielle’s 1st CANniversary! Donielle joined the team in 2025 to co-lead our School-Based Mental Health work, helping expand access to mental health services within Expanded Learning programs. A true mental health mastermind, she brings a wealth of experience: as a family and children’s therapist, an education researcher focused on school reform, and a mental health educator specializing in trauma, healing, and resilience.
Donielle is incredibly thoughtful, intentional, and adaptable. She is always ready to step in and support wherever she’s needed. We are so grateful for the care and expertise she brings to this work. Thank you for being you, Donielle. Congratulations on one amazing year!
Learn more about Donielle in our Staff Directory.
Join Us for the Spring 2026 EXL Academy!
April 1, 2, 7 & 8, 2026
The California AfterSchool Network, in partnership with the California Department of Education’s Expanded Learning Division, is excited to co-host the Spring 2026 Expanded Learning (EXL) Academy!
This multi-day virtual convening of workshops is designed to support district, school, and community partner practitioners in the design and ongoing implementation of California’s Expanded Learning programs (ASES, 21st CCLC, and ELO-P).
Don’t Miss Out on Spring EXL Office Hours!
Select Fridays: March 13 & 27 and May 8 & 22
The California AfterSchool Network (CAN), in partnership with the California Department of Education (CDE) Expanded Learning Division (EXLD) and the System of Support for Expanded Learning (SSEL), is excited to invite you to our virtual Spring 2026 Expanded Learning Office Hours, happening March – May 2026!
Before & Afterschool Advisory Committee Meeting
January 20, 2026 Recording Available
The Expanded Learning Division is pleased to announce that the recording of the January 20, 2026, Advisory Committee on Before and After School Programs meeting is now available.
The Advisory Committee serves a vital role in informing the State Superintendent of Public Instruction and the State Board of Education on key policy and funding matters impacting before and after school programs. This guidance is grounded in consistent and meaningful input from program providers across the state.
Thank you for your continued commitment to supporting expanded learning opportunities for California’s youth.
Fiscal Year 2025–26 ASES Universal Round 2 Initial Intent to Award
March 11, 2026
The Expanded Learning Division (EXLD) is pleased to announce the posting of the Initial Intent to Award (ITA) for the ASES Program located on the California Department of Education (CDE) web page at Funding Results: After School Education and Safety (CA Dept of Education).
The ITA list shows only new funding awarded for
the ASES Universal
2025–26 Round 2 Request for Application
(RFA)—This posting is only for newly funded sites or
sites that requested an increase through the RFA process for
Fiscal Year 2025–26. Current ASES
grantees and grantees that were up for renewal on Cycle B will
not appear on this funding list.
Calendar Year 2025 Expanded Learning Grant Reduction List – Initial
March 13, 2026
The initial Calendar Year 2025 Reduction Process is now complete for the After School Education and Safety (ASES), 21st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLC) elementary/middle school and the High School After School Safety and Enrichment for Teens (ASSETs) Programs. If you are receiving this email, it is because one or more of your school site(s) did not meet the 85.00 percent (65.00 percent for Frontier Sites) minimum attendance target across two consecutive calendar years or did not meet 75.00 percent (55.00 percent for Frontier Sites) minimum attendance target in the most current calendar year.
2026 CA Expanded Learning & OST Community Space
April 15 & May 19; 12:00 - 1:00 PM
As we continue to experience threats to education, liberties, and the safety of our communities, ASAPconnect, CalSAC, the California AfterSchool Network, Expand LA, and the Partnership for Children & Youth recognize that those working in Expanded Learning and OST need safe spaces to reflect, connect, restore, and engage in thought partnership.
If you are feeling the effects of societal unrest, uncertainty in your role, or the broader state of the world, we invite you to join our upcoming Community Spaces.
Check Out Our Other Newsletters!
Access the CAN newsletter archives to view past newsletters today! You may be interested in some of our other newsletters as well:
CAN Health and Wellness Newsletters
- Get informed on the connections between afterschool and Whole Child Health and Wellness.
- Subscribe today!
CAN STEAM Newsletters
- Get informed about the Million Girl Moonshot project and access other STEAM resources.
- Subscribe today!
CAN Policy Newsletter
- Get informed about policy-related content, including national, state, and local updates, that supports our Expanded Learning programs.
- Subscribe today!