The California Department of Education’s Expanded Learning Division System of Support Quality Design Team is forming in order to make recommendations for a comprehensive and coordinated statewide technical assistance structure to further advance the System of Support and promote quality expanded learning programs in California.  This work group will build on the work of the System of Support Strategic Implementation Team (SIT) of the California Expanded Learning Strategic Planning Process and their vision for an effective statewide technical assistance network with targeted equitable funding to meet the needs of grantees. Using identified needs of expanded learning programs, the group will design a comprehensive plan outlining strategies for further expansion and coordination of the system of support to meet the needs of expanded learning programs and improve overall quality. Applications are due January 15, 2017. Learn more and apply. 

In December, Congress sent the American Innovation and Competitiveness Act (formerly called America COMPETES) to the President for signature. The legislation, signed by the President, authorizes research investments and the STEM education investments of various science mission agencies such as NASA. The Afterschool Alliance worked to ensure that language supportive of afterschool is included in the bill. Specifically, the Title III section of the bill on STEM education encourages non-profit, out-of-school, and informal STEM partnerships. Implementation of the America COMPETES Act may provide openings for placing college students on a pathway to STEM teaching in after school programs to gain critical teaching experience. Additionally, the bill creates openings for out-of-school and informal STEM educators to participate with the National Science and Technology Council’s Committee on STEM Education (Co-STEM) to inform federal investment and measures of success in STEM learning.  Read more, here. 

The National Institute on Out-of-School Time recently offered helpful resources for out-of-school time professionals. Those resources include “After School Gets Moving” and “Creating Holistic Partnerships Between School and Afterschool.” After School Gets Moving is a free professional development resouce that trains staff to successful lead and interact within physical activity with kids. Creating Holistic Partnerships Between School and Afterschool provides an overview of the importance, barriers, and dynamics of bridging the school day with after school while providing helpful recommendations to the struggles involved in trying to build that relationship.

Partnership for Children & Youth (PCY) will host the Expanded Learning Symposium: Creating Opportunity that Matter on February 23, 2017 at University of California, Berkeley. This year’s Symposium has been designed to target line staff, coordinators, managers, and directors who are responsible for supervising, planning, designing, and/or implementing an expanded learning program (after school and summer learning) for youth in grades K-12 or ages 5-18. Acknowledging that learning opportunities must be accessible at home, school, work, and throughout life, the Symposium will feature presenters with expertise in expanded learning programs on school campuses, in housing communities, during the school year and the summer. Be a part of Creating Opportunity that Matter! Register today!

The Best Out-of-School Time Conference (BOOST) will be held April 18-21, 2017 in Palm Springs, California.

The BOOST Conference is the largest, most recognized, and comprehensive global convening for after school, expanded learning, and out-of-school time professionals. Set in a retreat-like atmosphere, this annual, extraordinary event will rejuvenate your passion, boost your direction for quality programming, and provide tools and resources that will inspire you to create change.

This all-inclusive conference supports After School Education & Safety (ASES) Programs, 21st Century Community Learning Center (CCLC) Programs and High School ASSETS programs. Attendees include superintendents, district administrators, principals, teachers, all levels of after school and out-of-school time program staff and administrators, program directors & managers, community-based organizations such as YMCAs & Boys and Girls Clubs, line staff and school-age care providers.

 Register by Friday, March 24, to avoid on-site registration costs. 

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