CAN Newsletter – Easing into the New Year
January 16, 2026
As winter settles in, it brings a quieter rhythm that gently reminds us it’s okay to slow down. After a busy fall filled with plans, programs, and problem-solving, this season offers space to pause and take stock. The shorter days and cooler air invite reflection, not urgency.
The pressure to keep getting things done and the guilt that can come with taking time off during the holidays can make it hard to truly rest. It’s easy to dive right back into caring for others and putting their needs first, especially in education. Winter, however, offers a kind of forced slowdown. Rather than resisting it, this season invites us to give in to what it asks for: fewer demands, gentler pacing, and moments of rest woven into our days.
As Tricia Hersey writes in Rest Is Resistance, “Rest is not a luxury. It is a human right.” We hope this season offers moments of ease: time to breathe, to reset, and to acknowledge the steady, meaningful work you do. Growth doesn’t always begin with action; sometimes it starts with rest.
Explore these resources to gently enter the new year:
- California Safe and Supportive Schools Wellness Mini-Sessions
- UC Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center Adult Well-being Online Modules
Lastly, as we ease into the new year, we know there is still a lot moving and we’re keeping an eye on important policy updates. If you missed it, we invite you to check out our recent Policy Newsletter for key highlights and updates.
In This Newsletter:
Registration Deadline Extended & Updates for the 2026 Site Coordinator Symposium!
February 4, 27-28, 2026
The 2026 Site Coordinator Symposium is almost here! We’re happy to share the latest updates for the event, happening virtually and in-person in Long Beach, CA!
Presented by the California AfterSchool Network, in partnership with the Site Coordinator Network and supported by the CDE Expanded Learning Division, this 9th annual gathering is your space for connection, inspiration, and growth. Join educators and leaders from across California as we build community, ignite passion, and transform futures.
What’s New & What to Know:
Happy 1st CANniversary, Alida Bevill!
January 13, 2026
January 13th is Alida Bevill’s CANniversary! Alida joined the CAN team last year as our Administrative Coordinator and we don’t know what we would do without her! Alida is incredibly organized, dedicated to detail, and shows endless love and care in every space she finds herself in. Thank you for bringing your authentic self each and every day, Alida!
You can learn more about Alida in our staff directory.
Join Us for Winter EXL Office Hours!
Select Fridays in December 2025 - February 2026
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 Winter 2025 Expanded Learning Office Hours, happening December 2025 – February 2026!
Save the Dates 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).
Attendance Relief and Reduction Timeline Reminder
January 7, 2026
This update contains information on the grant reduction process for the After School Education and Safety (ASES), 21st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLC), and 21st Century High School After School Safety and Enrichment for Teens (ASSETs) Programs.
A grant reduction process is required by California Education Code (EC) section 8483.7, effective July 1, 2026.
FY 2026-27 ASES Universal RFA Open
January 14, 2026
The Expanded Learning Division (EXLD) of the California Department of Education (CDE) is pleased to announce the release of the ASES Universal Program Request for Applications (RFA). Awarded funding will also begin on July 1, 2026, for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026–27.
Before & Afterschool Advisory Committee Meeting
January 20, 2026
You’re Invited!
CDE EXLD is excited to announce that the upcoming Before and Afterschool Advisory Committee Meeting will be live-streamed, making it easier than ever for expanded learning professionals across the regions to stay informed and engaged.
Meeting Details
- Date: Tuesday, January 20, 2026
- Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM (Pacific Daylight Time)
- Location: In-person & Virtual via Livestream
- Livestream Link:https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_cedvqKinSiiZR7mbiTKhRA
2026 CA Expanded Learning & OST Community Space
January 22, 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.
Seeking New Members for the RESC 2026
Applications Due January 23, 2026
The California Expanded Learning Research and Evaluation Strategy Committee (RESC) is a group of diverse interest-holders that come together to identify evaluation and research strategies and recommendations for the California Department of Education Expanded Learning Division (EXLD) to implement in partnership with the broader field that leverages data to demonstrate the scope and impact of California’s Expanded Learning Opportunities.
The Mott Million Dollar Challenge: Where Big Ideas Win Big
Submissions Due: Friday, February 27, 2026
Kids and teens everywhere have world-changing ideas that deserve the spotlight, and the Mott Million Dollar Challenge is their chance to shine. This national pitch competition invites K-12 students to submit a simple 30-90 second video sharing an idea that betters their very own school, home, or community.
Students can enter individually or in teams of up to three, and $1 million in prizes will be awarded across the competition! Submissions are due February 27, 2026.
Supported by funding from the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, the Mott Million Dollar Challenge is powered by the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) in collaboration with VentureLab, Young Entrepreneur Institute (YEI), the Afterschool Alliance and Collaborative Communications.
Learn more at mottmillion.org
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!