Fall 2025 EXL Academy Registration & Details
Day 1: Tuesday, 9/16
Topic: Nuts & Bolts: The Latest Updates Supporting Quality ExL Programs
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Description: Get up to speed on key Expanded Learning (ExL) updates from the past six+ months, including attendance recovery, audits, policy/budget shifts, and CALPADS reporting. Learn from state leaders and local practitioners as they share resources and promising practices to support quality and compliance.
Presenters:
- Iqbal Badwalz, Administrator, Program Monitoring Office, California Department of Education
- Lindsey Blomberg Johnson, M.Ed., Education Program Consultant, Expanded Learning Division, California Department of Education
- Michael Funk, Director, Expanded Learning Division, California Department of Education
- Teng Xiong, Education Program Consultant, Program Monitoring Office, California Department of Education
- Jen Taylor, Education Programs Consultant, California Department of Education
- Heather Williams, Director, Policy & Outreach, California AfterSchool Network
This 2-hour workshop session included a presentation on the topic and opportunities to engage with participants.
Workshop Resources
- Presentation Slides PDF
- Workshop Recording via YouTube
- Learning Guide (Force Copy)
- Considerations and Planning for Attendance Recovery (AR) Presentation from Elk Grove Unified School District PDF
Day 2: Thursday, 9/18
Topic: Shining a Light on Quality Expanded Learning: Celebrating and Communicating Impact
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Description: Explore strategies and opportunities to turn quality practices into powerful messages that communicate your program’s value and impact, and resonate with partners and decision-makers.
Presenters:
- Leslye Lugo, Senior Specialist, Policy & Outreach, California AfterSchool Network
- Nat Rosales, Specialist, Policy & Outreach, California AfterSchool Network
- Malia Villarreal, Senior Specialist, Policy & Outreach, California AfterSchool Network
Field Spotlight Presenter:
- Michael Taylor, Expanded Learning Opportunities Coordinator, San Rafael City Schools
This 2-hour workshop session included a presentation on the topic and opportunities to engage with participants.
Workshop Resources
- Presentation Slides PDF
- Workshop Recording via YouTube
- Learning Guide PDF
Day 3: Tuesday, 9/30
Topic: Beyond the Now: Strategic Partnerships for Sustainable EXL Programs
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Description: This session focuses on future-forward thinking and strategic collaboration to ensure Expanded Learning programs continue to thrive over time.
Presenters:
- Tiffany Gipson, Director, Equity & Quality, California AfterSchool Network
- Christy Flores, Director of Engagement, Partnership, and Expanded Learning, Newport-Mesa Unified School District
- Socorro Shiels, Assistant Superintendent, Achievement, Innovation, & Continuous Improvement, Newport-Mesa Unified School District
This 2-hour workshop session included a presentation on the topic and opportunities to engage with participants.
Registration Link
Day 4: Wednesday, 10/1
Topic: Increasing Access to Mental Health Through Expanded Learning
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Description: This session will outline efforts underway in California to fund and sustain school-based mental health services for all children and youth. Panelists will discuss how Expanded Learning resources can be braided with school-based mental health funding to increase access to services and how one school district is putting these strategies into action!
Presenters:
- Araceli Corral, Director I, Student Support Services, Modesto City School District
- Jeff Davis, Executive Director, California AfterSchool Network
- Liz Elizondo, Youth Services Program Director, Center for Human Services
- Donielle Prince, Senior Specialist, Equity & Quality, California AfterSchool Network
This 2-hour workshop session included a presentation on the topic and opportunities to engage with participants.