Apply by Sept. 8 to present at 2025 #ELOempowerOST!
2025 Extra Learning Opportunities and EMPOWER Pennsylvania Out-of-School Time Conference: Strengthening OST Professionals with Promising Practices and Proven Strategies, is a unique opportunity for out-of-school time professionals to deepen their knowledge, network, and stay up to date with best practices and innovative solutions in their field.
This year, we are bringing together the best of both conferences to create a comprehensive and enriching experience for administrators, educators, program staff, industry partners and other professionals passionate about enriching their students’ lives through OST programming.
Grant recipients, educators, program directors, researchers, family and parent engagement coordinators, nonprofit and community organization representatives, youth development coordinators, policymakers, advocates, and other OST professionals are encouraged to apply.
Lights On Afterschool (LOA), the annual celebration of afterschool programs, is back for its 25th year! We're thrilled to unveil the 2024 poster design and invite you to join the nation's rally for afterschool.
Stay tuned for more details about Pennsylvania's celebrations!
If you have not already, please take a moment to like and follow our accounts and engage with our posts profiling each afterschool ambassador to show your support for your colleagues and using your voice to support quality afterschool programs!
Kudos to Kashif for having the most engagements on LinkedIn!
Afterschool and Summer Learning Resources for Municipalities
The National League of Cities (NLC) has more than two decades of experience and knowledge working with cities and municipal leaders to help strengthen local efforts to create, expand, and improve afterschool and summer learning opportunities.
In 2022, NLC joined the U.S. Department of Education as a backbone partner of the Engage Every Student initiative, a bold call to action from Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona to provide access to a high quality afterschool and summer learning programs for every youth who wants a spot. Municipal leaders can support this initiative and receive additional resources by signing up as an ally or making a pledge online.
Pennsylvania approves $11.5 million for local afterschool and summer programs
On July 11, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro signed into law the Shapiro-Davis budget creating the Building Opportunity through Out-of-School Time (BOOST) Program as part of a comprehensive approach to making Pennsylvania communities safer. This represents the first dedicated funding for local afterschool and summer learning programs in Pennsylvania and marks the 25th state to invest in afterschool and summer programs at the state level.
Let your child dive into the excitement of a free robotics workshop by Moonpreneur. The workshop will introduce children aged 7-14 to the world of robotics in a hands-on, engaging manner, ensuring a fun filled educational experience. Attendees should bring a for the workshop.
Pennsylvania Advocacy Conference of Technology (PACT)
Sept. 30 | Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
The Student Association for STEM Advocacy (SASA) is proud to present the Pennsylvania Advocacy Conference of Technology (PACT). Attendees will spend the first half of the day learning about the structure of Pennsylvania government, how to conduct an effective advocacy meeting, and more! After lunch, attendees will be sent to their advocacy meetings with their legislators to discuss expanding afterschool STEM educational programs.
Sexual cyberbullying can have a detrimental effect on young people. The Activate Center has released a new resource that: 1) explains different forms of sexual cyberbullying; 2) reports the prevalence of these online behaviors; 3) discusses the factors that may put youth at higher risk of experiencing sexual cyberbullying and the potential consequences of experiencing sexual cyberbullying; 4) shares prevention strategies; and 5) highlights laws and resources for youth-supporting professionals who want to help youth who may experience sexual cyberbullying.
PHEAA's Higher Education Access Partners provide workshops both virtually and in-person throughout the Commonwealth. The workshops provide you with up-to-date information on financial aid for postsecondary education, give a general understanding of the financial aid process, and examine the available financial aid programs that make higher education more affordable for families.
Afterschool Math Plus is an evidence-based program that provides fun, real-world mathematics activities for students in grades three through eight. Materials include a culturally relevant curriculum designed around four thematic units that engage children. Each unit emphasizes identity development, careers, role models, strategies for family involvement, and inclusion of students with disabilities through an equity lens. Includes career connections.
2023 Annual Report: Girls Who Code Makes a Big Impact
2023 was a year of “Centering Connection” at Girls Who Code, with incredible community-building in our programs for 3rd-12th grade and beyond.
Girls Who Code continues to rise to the challenge of preparing students for the rapidly evolving tech landscape by offering insights into real-world applications of fundamental computing skills. Beyond imparting computer science skills through opportunities in game design, artificial intelligence, and more, we provide young people with the community and career resources they need to succeed.
When schools figure out how to truly partner and work with parents, caregivers and families, it can be game-changing for students’ academic achievement and social-emotional skills. Check out five principles behind effective family and community engagement.
Improving workforce development and STEM education to preserve America’s innovation edge
New advances in robotics, artificial intelligence, and advanced manufacturing are automating jobs, displacing workers, and requiring new skills from Americans. In this article, the author connects the need for STEM education, especially technology, in all aspects of life to workforce development and the future of the American economy.
HACC 2024-2025 School-Age Professional & Child Development Associate Courses
Registration Deadline: Aug. 29
Great option for those staff who are not eligible for funded courses through the PDO@PASSHE! This course does NOT require eligibility approval through the PDO@PASSHE or the PDO@PHMC.
Fee includes 135 hours of instruction, all textbooks, application materials, intensive support throughout the credential application process, and articulation of the credential to ten college credits. Applicants must sign up for the SAPC/CDA Course on the PA Keys PD Registry.
The PA School-Age Professional Credential (SAPC) is modeled after the Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential. Learn about school-age child care, child development and the many facets of working with children aged 5-12 years. Acquire practical skills and knowledge you can put into practice right away. This SAPC course provides the 120 clock hours of formal education that prepares practitioners to apply for their SAPC credential. College credit is available to participants who apply to HACC, Central Pennsylvania's Community College, complete the program in full and obtain their credential through the PA Keys to Quality System.
The Child Development Associate preparation course provides the minimum content hours required by the Council for Professional Recognition. The course prepares practitioners to apply for their CDA credential. The course sessions are organized around the thirteen functional areas of the CDA credential. An understanding of the CDA process and assistance in completing additional components required to obtain the CDA credential are included in the coursework. College credit is available to participants who apply to HACC, complete the program in full and obtain their credential through the Council for Professional Recognition. The CDA can articulate up to 10 credits toward your ECE AAS degree at HACC!
Professional Learning
National Assembly for Family Engagement
Oct. 21-25 | Denver, Colorado, and Virtual
Preview the 75 workshops from researchers, practitioners, educators and parent leaders who are sharing their knowledge and experience on topics such as educator preparation, cradle to career family and community engagement, and fatherhood/male engagement.
Pennsylvania Afterschool Youth Development Network (PSAYDN) is an initiative of Center for Schools and Communities, division of Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit
275 Grandview Avenue, Suite 200, Camp Hill,PA,17011
