Honoring Mental Health Awareness Month: Prioritizing Wellness for All
May marks Mental Health Awareness Month—a time to elevate the importance of mental well-being for children, youth, families, and those who support them. At PSAYDN, we recognize that mental health is just as vital as physical health in helping young people thrive in school, in afterschool programs, and in life. This month, we affirm our commitment to creating safe, inclusive and healing-centered environments across Pennsylvania’s out-of-school time programs.
Afterschool and summer learning spaces are uniquely positioned to foster strong relationships, build resilience, and offer social and emotional supports that help youth navigate challenges. As educators, mentors and youth advocates, we must also remember to care for ourselves—because our own well-being directly impacts the communities we serve. Together, we can reduce stigma, strengthen mental health supports, and ensure every young person feels seen, heard, and valued.
Featured Stories
Celebrating the 2025 STEM Ambassador Special Project Cohort
PSAYDN proudly announces the selection of the 2025 STEM Ambassador Special Project Cohort an inspiring group of leaders dedicated to strengthening STEM education across Pennsylvania’s out-of-school-time (OST) community.
Congratulations to:
William “Bob” Atkins – Senior FIRST Mentor, Vanderbilt
Ann Czeponis – Director of Environmental Education and Internships, Susquehanna University, Mount Carmel
Donna DeMarco – Instructor and Professor, Kutztown University, Leesport
William “Will” Fee – Lead Instructor, STEMlab, State Library of Pennsylvania, Lykens
Addison Leedy – Science Educator and Program Coordinator, Discovery Space, Bellefonte
Jakyra “Ky” Simpson – Entrepreneur and STEM Substitute, York County School District, York
Rose Slike – Youth Services Librarian, Clarion Free Library, Clarion
Meghan Tanner – Science and Makerspace Educator, Discovery Space, State College
Rachel Burcin – Co-Director, Robotics Scholars and Global Programs Manager, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh
We also recognize:
Jeff Remington – Cohort Professional Development Facilitator, STEM Outreach Liaison, Penn State Center for Science and the Schools
Alexandra Konsur Grushinski – Special Project Mentor, Director, Pennsylvania Statewide STEM Ecosystem, Archbald
As Pennsylvania prepares for the implementation of the PA STEELS Standards in the 2025–2026 school year, this cohort’s passion, leadership and commitment will help OST educators meet the moment with confidence, creativity, and excellence empowering young learners across the Commonwealth.
Ashlie Crosson from Mifflin County High School in Lewistown, Pennsylvania, was named the 2025 National Teacher of the Year. She is the first Pennsylvanian to win the award. Teacher of the Year award. Congratulations Ashlie!
PSAYDN on the Ground: Visiting Schools to Champion Youth Development
It was a privilege to take part in the Junior Mock Interview event at Mechanicsburg Area Senior High School. It was an inspiring experience to engage with such motivated and thoughtful students as they practiced their professional skills.
A big thank you to Mechanicsburg Area School District and Ms. NaTasha Clever for organizing such a meaningful event—and for inviting PSAYDN to be part of it. It’s always rewarding to help prepare the next generation for their future!
Junior Achievement STEM Summit
What a great experience being part of the Junior Achievement STEM Summit at Central Dauphin High School!
It was an awesome experience engaging with students and helping spark their curiosity for STEM careers. Huge thanks to Junior Achievement for the opportunity— I appreciate the warm welcome from the school community and the inspiring energy from the students. Grateful to play a small part in making a difference!
Opportunities for Youth
Ready, Set, Explore: Slide into Summer
May 31, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. | Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Ready, Set, Explore: Slide into Summer invites families to kick off the season with hands-on STEAM and environmental sustainability activities on Saturday, May 31, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. at WITF Public Media Center (4801 Lindle Road, Harrisburg, PA).
This free, drop-in event encourages curiosity and collaboration through activities like coding Ozobot "ants," building bee hotels, making giant bubbles, and exploring wind energy—each paired with a book to inspire summer reading. Children will receive a free copy of "The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind" (picture book or young reader edition) and can meet Molly from "Molly of Denali," while the first 50 families to arrive will receive a STEM in a Box education kit filled with engaging at-home learning tools. Generously supported by the Anne M. & Philip H. Glatfelter III Family Foundation, families are encouraged to stay for at least an hour and enjoy the fun at their own pace.
Join PSAYDN, out-of-school time professionals, dedicated advocates, and passionate youth at the Pennsylvania State Capitol for Afterschool Advocacy Day! This impactful event brings together leaders and supporters of afterschool and out-of-school time (OST) programs to champion expanded learning opportunities for children and youth across the state.
Call for Advocacy Day Videos: Showcase Your Impact!
Submission deadline: May 16
PSAYDN invites you to share your story! Submit a short video 60 seconds or less that highlights the impact of your out-of-school time (OST) program. Whether it’s a youth sharing their experience, a parent testimonial, a behind-the-scenes look at a STEAM or workforce development project, or highlights from a strong community partnership, we want to see what makes your program shine.
Selected videos will be showcased during the 2025 Afterschool Advocacy Day on June 4 at the State Capitol. Please note that by uploading videos to Padlet, you authorize PSAYDN and Center for Schools and Communities to use the video and that the video becomes property of CSC.
Don’t miss your chance to represent your program in the statewide OST community, whether you’re attending in person or not! Submit your video by May 16 via the Padlet.
May 22, 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Join Allegheny Partners for Out-of-School Time (APOST) at the Community Engagement Center in Homewood for Building Community for an interactive professional development workshop focused on creating supportive, youth-centered environments in out-of-school time programs. Explore practical strategies to build group cohesion, strengthen relationships, and tap into youths' intrinsic motivation through active listening and intentional engagement. Space is limited to 20 participants, so early registration is encouraged. All attendees will receive a workbook and a certificate of completion.
The 6th Annual Pennsylvania Educator Diversity Consortium (PEDC) Summit focuses on advancing equity, diversity and inclusion in education across Pennsylvania. Themed around the "6 E's," Energize, Envision, Enable, Engage, Execute, and Expand, the summit aims to empower educators, students, administrators, policymakers and community members to collaborate and drive systemic change. Attendees can expect keynote addresses from thought leaders, dynamic concurrent sessions offering practical strategies, and networking opportunities to share insights and experiences.
Lebanon School District is currently hiring for a site coordinator position with Communities In Schools (CIS). The position is full-time and involves implementing the CIS Integrated Student Supports (ISS) model. The starting date is scheduled for July 7, 2025.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. This time is dedicated to uplifting conversations surrounding mental health so everyone feels seen, supported and heard. The second week, May 4-10 is Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week, which includes Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day on May 9. This week highlights the urgent need for accessible, age-appropriate mental health support and services.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is a federal agency is dedicated to improving behavior health across the nation.
A new report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine entitled "The Future of Youth Development: Building Systems and Strengthening Programs" offers a comprehensive update on the effectiveness, access and quality of out-of-school-time (OST) programs nationwide.
As the first major OST report from the National Academies since 2002’s influential “Blue Book,” this publication highlights how the field has evolved to meet the needs of today’s youth and families. The report includes recommendations across six key areas from strengthening local intermediaries to supporting youth development practitioners. This resource provides critical guidance for policymakers, funders and OST leaders working to build stronger, more equitable systems. The report was supported by The Wallace Foundation.
New Article:How Educators Can Maximize AI Right Now
Educators across the country are exploring how AI can support deeper learning, equity and engagement in the classroom right now. In How Educators Can Maximize AI Right Now: Reflections from Our Team, Digital Promise shares practical takeaways from the 2025 AI K12 Deeper Learning Summit, highlighting how AI tools can enhance learning for diverse students, including English learners and those with varying needs. The article emphasizes setting thoughtful guardrails, promoting inclusive collaboration, and aligning AI use with educational values.
Pennsylvania Afterschool Youth Development Network (PSAYDN) is an initiative of Center for Schools and Communities, division of Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit
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