Fall 2025 EXL Academy Registration & Details

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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

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

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. 

Registration Link