CAN Newsletter – YOU Make an Impact!
April 15, 2026
Each day you show up, you make a difference in countless young lives. Afterschool professionals do so much more than supervise. You inspire, empower, and create spaces where young people feel seen, supported, and excited to learn. Every child deserves access to high-quality afterschool experiences that nurture their growth, spark their curiosity, and help them thrive. And behind every meaningful program is a dedicated Afterschool Professional like you, showing up with care, creativity, and commitment.
Start the celebration early and plan how you want to celebrate Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week (APAW), happening on April 20–24, 2026! Led by the National Afterschool Association, this special week is all about honoring and uplifting the incredible individuals who make a lasting impact during out-of-school time.
Thank you for all that you do to support our youth!
In This Newsletter:
Happy 5th CANniversary, Lupita Perez!
April 7, 2026
April 7th is Lupita’s 5th CANniversary! Lupita joined the CAN team in 2021 and has been a steady, compassionate presence ever since. Lupita shows up in every space with authenticity and grace, consistently holding others with care.
Her strategic mindset and ability to see the nuanced connections across our work allow her to develop thoughtful solutions and create highly engaging resources for the field. She plays a key role across the work happening on the Equity & Quality side of the house, including our apprenticeship and workforce development efforts.
Thank you for all that you do, Lupita!
You can learn more about Lupita in our Staff Directory.
Ecosystem Plan Update: Dream a Vision of the Future
April 2026
On March 18, 2026, the Ecosystem Advisory Team and Design Team gathered in San Diego for the third Ecosystem Plan convening, where we launched “Dream a Vision of the Future”– a statewide listening strategy rooted in relationships, community wisdom, and lived experience. This effort helps us understand what young people, families, and the workforce need to truly thrive, and is shaping a shared Ecosystem Plan that strengthens Expanded Learning as a platform for whole child, family, and workforce wellbeing.
We are currently piloting the EXL Statewide Listening Toolkit: A Flexible Guide for Decolonized Data Collection and Collective Meaning-Making. As we listen, we are also learning and adapting the toolkit in real time based on insights from communities across California. It will be released in late Fall as a shared offering to deepen relationships and support a shift from “power over” to “power with” in how we shape the future together.
Connect with CAN at BOOST 2026 ☀️
April 28 - May 1, 2026 in Palm Springs, CA
We are excited to see you at BOOST! The annual BOOST Conference is the largest, most recognized, and comprehensive global convening for after school, Expanded Learning, and in and out-of-school time professionals.
CAN proudly supports the BOOST Conference as a Workshop Strand sponsor, as well as hosting a Cabana! We are excited to connect and engage with BOOSTers in sunny Palm Springs, CA!
Join Us for the Last Spring 2026 EXL Office Hours Sessions!
Select Fridays: May 8 & 22
Join us for the final ExL Office Hours sessions for the 2025-26 year. We will return in July to kick off 2026-27 ExL Office Hours- stay tuned for dates!
For folks who may be new to the ExL community, 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), co-hosts our virtual Spring 2026 Expanded Learning Office Hours, happening March - May 2026.
Spring 2026 EXL Academy Highlights & Resources!
April 2, 7 & 8, 2026
Wow! What an awesome time we had with the Spring 2026 Expanded Learning (EXL) Academy!
We hope this Spring ExL Academy offered participants opportunities to build capacity, connect with others, and learn about resources to strengthen Expanded Learning Programs. We are especially grateful to the incredible presenters and panelists who contributed to a high-quality offering of Spring ExL Academy Workshops!
Save the Dates for the 2027 Site Coordinator Symposium!
February 4-6 & 25, 2027
Mark your calendar for the 10th Annual 2027 Site Coordinator Symposium in Fresno, CA! Join us for capacity-building opportunities, networking, community-building, and fun! The Site Coordinator Symposium will offer both virtual and in-person engagement opportunities.
Reflecting on the Afterschool and Summer Challenge!
March 2026
This year, the CAN team participated alongside many others from across the state in the annual Afterschool and Summer Challenge, organized by CalSAC in partnership with CA3. The event drew strong representation from most regions, with many traveling to Sacramento to advocate for our Expanded Learning field and to bring young people and families. Students and families had the opportunity to speak directly with their legislators, some for the first time, to emphasize the importance of our Expanded Learning programs.
CDE Webinar: Strategies for Mitigating Loss of ADA
May 12, 2026, 10:30 AM PST
Join the California Department of Education’s School Fiscal Services Division for a Spring 2026 Attendance Accounting Webinar on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at 10:30 AM. The webinar will discuss how local educational agencies (LEAs) can maximize average daily attendance (ADA) and associated apportionment funding by properly utilizing independent study, make‑up attendance programs, Attendance Recovery/Saturday School, and, when appropriate, the Form J‑13A.
Youth Voice Week
April 13-17, 2026
Youth Voice Week is April 13-17! Hosted by the Collective for Youth Empowerment in STEM & Society (CYESS) and the Afterschool Alliance, this week aims to amplify youth voice and celebrate how afterschool and summer programs empower young people to take actions on issues they care about.
Here’s how you can participate in Youth Voice Week:
- Share Youth-Led Projects: Highlight initiatives where young people in your program have identified community issues and taken action.
- Amplify Youth Perspectives: Feature young people’s voices directly through videos, interviews, written reflections, or social media takeovers. Let them share what issues matter to them and how your program has supported their leadership.
- Use #YouthVoiceWeek: Tag your posts with #YouthVoiceWeek to connect with a national movement celebrating youth-driven change.
Free Virtual Adult Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Training
Register Today!
As part of the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI) School Linked Partnership and Capacity Grant, Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) and Santa Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE ) invite Expanded Learning and Community Schools professionals to register for one free virtual Adult Social Emotional Learning (SEL) training.
Register for one of the following dates (same training provided four times to offer scheduling flexibility):
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!