CAN Newsletter – Celebrating the 26th Annual Lights on Afterschool!
October 15, 2025
#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!
Want to get involved?
Visit afterschoolalliance.org to learn more about Lights On Afterschool, register your event, explore planning tools, or find celebrations happening near you. The Afterschool Alliance features registered events to reach the media and the public. Lights On Afterschool is a project of the Afterschool Alliance, a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring that all children and youth have access to quality afterschool opportunities.
✨ Save the Date!
Celebrate Expanded Learning Leaders across California at the 2025 Lights On Afterschool Celebration: California Expanded Learning Leadership Awards on Thursday, October 23, 2025. See the post below for details.
In This Newsletter:
Get Ready! Fresh Updates for the 2026 Site Coordinator Symposium.
February 4, 27-28, 2026
We’re excited to share key updates for the 2026 Site Coordinator Symposium, happening virtually and 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 9th annual Site Coordinator Symposium is your space to build community, ignite passion, and transform futures.
SSEL Spotlight: Brenda Buzane, Region 9 Imperial County
October 2025
We’re thrilled to shine a spotlight on Brenda Buzane of the Imperial County Office of Education (Region 9) and the System of Support for Expanded Learning (SSEL), whose leadership and impact continue to inspire the field!
Brenda is an exemplary leader who passionately inspires others to reach their full potential. As the Imperial County STEAM Hub Lead and a dedicated leader in the System of Support for Expanded Learning, she is paving the way for transformative growth.
Join Us for Fall EXL Office Hours!
Select Fridays in September - November
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 Fall 2025 Expanded Learning Office Hours, happening September through November!
Sound Waves: Elevating Voices Across the Expanded Learning Ecosystem
October 2025
As part of the Ecosystem Plan’s Strategic Design, Sound Waves invites the Expanded Learning field to share real-time insights that shape the future of our collective work. Designed as low-barrier opportunities for participation, Sound Waves make it easy for every voice to be heard.
During the Fall 2025 EXL Academy, each session began with a Sound Wave prompt. In “Beyond the Now: Strategic Partnerships for Sustainable EXL Programs,” participants reflected on why community partnerships matter:
#ICYMI – Fall 2025 EXL Academy Recordings & Resources
Sept 16, 18, 30 & October 1
Thank you for being part of the Fall 2025 EXL Academy. We’re grateful for your engagement and commitment to strengthening California’s Expanded Learning community.
A special shoutout to our incredible presenters, facilitators, and support teams who created meaningful spaces for learning, connection, and growth.
CDE Updates
September & October 2025
Explore the latest updates from the California Department of Education:
- Update to Voluntary Grant Changes for ASES, 21st CCLC, and ASSETs (September 19, 2025)
- FY 2025-26 21st CCLC Supplemental RFA Open – Due Oct. 31st (September 29, 2025)
- ASSIST is Open for Reporting for FY 2025-26 (October 6, 2025)
CA FY 2025-26 Budget Updates & Impacts, Interview with FUSD
Fireside Chat: September 26, 2025
Join us for the 63rd Fireside Chat!
We’re back! Join us for the latest fireside chat! 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 adopted FY 25-26 budget including the K-12 Education Trailer Bill and their impacts on Expanded Learning, as well as Legislative Updates related to Expanded Learning.
CA Expanded Learning & OST Community Space
October 10, November 12, & December 9; 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.
Join Us at the California Expanded Learning Leadership Awards!
Thursday, October 23, 2025; 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Join the California AfterSchool
Network, the California Department of Education, and the System
of Support for Expanded Learning as we celebrate and
recognize leaders across the state at
the 2025 Lights on Afterschool Celebration: the
California Expanded Learning Leadership Awards!
- Date: Thursday, October 23, 2025
- Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
This event will be live-streamed on CAN’s YouTube Live webpage.
Keeping the Beat Activity Bundle
STEM Next has created a career-connected learning activity bundle specifically for afterschool programs, where youth explore how the heart, blood, and circulatory system work—and how these systems are affected by gravity on Earth and in space. Throughout the three one-hour activity sessions, youth apply science and engineering practices, use math to identify patterns, and learn about careers that support astronaut health and fitness.
Make Sure Your Voice is Heard this Election!
Attorney General Rob Bonta and Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber are urging voters to vote early and use secure drop-off options, especially given changes to U.S. Postal Service processing that may delay ballots mailed too close to Election Day.
Your ballot must be postmarked by election day to be counted.
Mail in your ballot early or use a ballot drop box to make sure your voice is heard.
Other Deadlines To Keep in Mind:
- Register to vote by October 20, 2025 (or use same-day registration if available locally)
- Track your ballot status at: WheresMyBallot.sos.ca.gov
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!