Exploring virtual and extended reality in OST webinars, celebrating Lights On Afterschool
View in browser

Oct. 14, 2024

Facebook
LinkedIn
X
Instagram
email-ocon
YouTube
Pennsylvania's Youth Development Digest

Greetings, PSAYDN Members,


PSAYDN is inviting you to join us for the "20 Years of Impact: Celebrating PSAYDN and Lights On Afterschool" event at the Pennsylvania State Capitol Complex, Main Rotunda, on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024, from 12 – 1 p.m. The celebration will include remarks from state leaders. 

View the celebration agenda.
Watch the livestream.

Special Announcements

The Release of the "Building Opportunities through Out-of-School Time" Funding Opportunity

Grants up to $250,000

Application deadline: Thursday, Oct. 31


We are excited to announce the release of the FY 2024-25 Building Opportunities for Out-of-School Time (BOOST) funding! With $11.5 million available in state Violence Intervention and Prevention funding, BOOST grants will support programs that provide structured OST activities for at-risk school-age youth. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to expand your OST program and make a lasting impact! 

Apply by Oct. 31 for BOOST funding.

NASA, U.S. Department of Education Bring STEM to Afterschool Programs

NASA and the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) are teaming up to engage students in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education during afterschool hours. The interagency program aims to reach approximately 1,000 students in more than 60 sites across 10 states to join the program, 21st Century Community Learning Centers.

Learn more about the NASA - USDOE partnership.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of America: Beyond School Walls

The Beyond School Walls program offers a unique and convenient way for our workplace partners to engage employees in meaningful volunteer opportunities through the power of mentoring. This initiative pairs students from local schools with dedicated workplace mentors, fostering one-to-one relationships that last throughout the school year.

Learn how to participate in Beyond School Walls.

Feature Stories 

Raising the Bar Across America

The Biden-Harris Administration has made historic investments in education, with billions of dollars dedicated to strengthening schools, colleges and universities nationwide. Schools across the U.S. reopened safely after the pandemic, and with continued support, students are accelerating their academic achievement and preparing for a bright future in the global economy. Check out the Pennsylvania fact sheet to see how our state has benefited from these groundbreaking efforts!

Read "Raising the Bar in Pennsylvania."
View other state fact sheets.

Summer for All

Exciting news! The newly introduced Summer for All Act, sponsored by U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT), is set to expand access to high-quality summer enrichment programs for all kids and families—especially those who need it most. This initiative ensures that every child has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive over the summer, regardless of their financial situation. 

Learn more about Summer for All.

Opportunities for Youth

Youth Learning for Justice

Youth Learning for Justice resources can help teens and young adults to learn honest history, understand servant leadership (an approach that focuses on leadership in service of the community), and take steps toward entry into the movement for racial and social justice. 

Learn more about Youth Learning for Justice.

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month 

Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15 – Oct. 15) is a national observance of Hispanic peoples’, communities’ and cultures’ positive influences on and contributions to our nation. Child Trends invites you to celebrate this important observance with us.

Get the facts.

Wellness

Exploring the Impact of Social Media on Youth (nttacmentalhealth.org)

This recorded webinar highlights the opportunities and challenges of social media use for youth and mental health. 

Watch "Exploring the Impact of Social Media on Youth."

Protecting Youth From Sexual Cyberbullying

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.

Review the research summary.

Resources

NCASE Serving Special Populations Effectively in Out-of-School Time

All children deserve access to high-quality out-of-school-time (OST) spaces. Understanding and addressing the unique needs of special populations that exist within OST ensures support systems are provided to create welcoming, inclusive, and equitable environments. This practice brief explores specific groups within the special population context and identifies ways to authentically encourage engagement in OST activities. 

View the practice brief.

The Role of Licensing in Early Care and Education 

The Role of Licensing in Early Care and Education (TRLECE) project aims to identify and address gaps in knowledge about child care and early education (CCEE) licensing systems related to CCEE quality and outcomes. The project also develops resources to help states and territories evaluate and strengthen their licensing systems. 

Review TRLECE resources.

Facilitating Respectful Digital Citizenship in the Classroom

It’s important for students to understand that discernment and respect for different opinions play critical roles in media literacy.

Read the edutopia article.

Using Theater Games to Support Students’ Math Skills 

Elementary teachers can use these theater games to get kids moving in math class as an engaging way to build their skills. 

Check out the theatre games.

Career Opportunities

Migrant Education Program Project Specialist

Center for Schools and Communities

 

Call for Presentation Proposals: National Afterschool Association NAA25

Application deadline: Oct. 21

 

ELECT Student Support Specialist

Center for Schools and Communities

Application deadline: Oct. 31

Funding Opportunities

Pennsylvania Agriculture Innovation Grant Program

Application deadline: Nov.15

Professional Learning

2025 Pennsylvania Out-of-School Time Conference, February 26-28 2025. Visit https://site.pheedloop.com/event/ELOandEMPOWERconference2025/home
Register for 2025 #ELOempowerOST!

Exploring Virtual and Extended Reality Webinars

Virtual reality (VR) and extended reality (XR) are immersive tools that can transform how students experience science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) subjects, build valuable 21st century skills, and explore career pathways. Join us the week of Oct. 21 for two exciting webinars with Harrisburg University exploring virtual and extended reality in out-of-school time programs! 

 

Attendees will be entered to win a Meta Quest 3: New Mixed Reality VR Headset!  One winner per webinar.

 

Exploring Virtual Reality to Enhance STEM Learning in Afterschool and Summer Programming

Tuesday, Oct. 22, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Explore the use of virtual reality (VR) technology as a tool to enhance STEM learning experiences in afterschool and summer programs. Harrisburg University will guide participants through the basics of VR applications, demonstrate how it can be integrated into current STEM curricula, and discuss age-appropriate implementation strategies for both elementary and middle school students.

 

Experience an interactive demonstration of a VR activity, showcasing its potential to engage students and deepen their understanding of complex scientific concepts.

Register for "Exploring Virtual Reality" Oct. 22.

Leveraging Extended Reality for Social and Emotional Learning and Career Exploration in Afterschool and Summer Programs

Thursday, Oct. 24, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Extended reality (XR), encompassing augmented reality (AR), mixed reality (MR), and virtual reality (VR), offers unique opportunities to support social and emotional learning (SEL) and career exploration for youth. Harrisburg University will demonstrate how XR can be leveraged to create immersive environments that simulate real-world experiences, such as virtual job shadowing and interactive scenarios for conflict resolution. Explore practical strategies for using XR to build skills in communication, empathy and teamwork, making it a valuable addition to both SEL and career readiness programming.

Register for "Levering Extended Reality" Oct. 24.

First Women Virtual Classroom Connections

Oct. 16, 4 p.m. | Virtual

 

Join us for an exciting and STEM-filled Lights On Afterschool event! On Wednesday, Oct, 16 at 4 p.m. ET, NASA and STEM Next Opportunity Fund will be celebrating Lights On Afterschool with a virtual event featuring Charlie Blackwell-Thompson, NASA's first female launch director!
 
During the event, NASA will host a live Q&A with Charlie to answer all your space and STEM career questions. Organize a watch party in your afterschool program and help celebrate STEM in afterschool.

Register for "First Women Virtual Classroom Connections."

Understanding Learning Differences Webinar

Oct. 17, 2 p.m. | Virtual

In recognition of National Learning Disabilities Awareness Month, join Education Week for an informative webinar designed to equip educators, administrators and staff with essential tools to better support students with learning differences. Explore the latest research, challenge fixed mindsets around student development, and offer practical strategies for fostering an inclusive learning environment.

Register for "Understanding Learning Differences."

Education Insights Town Hall

Learning Today, Leading Tomorrow 

Oct. 24, 2 p.m. | Virtual

Join us for an interactive town hall-style webinar diving deep into the learnings. The virtual event, hosted by Discovery Education, will feature education leaders from urban and rural districts who share their analysis and insights about the latest trends in education including:

  • Student motivation and engagement.
  • Student curiosity and exploration.
  • Workforce readiness and real-world application
  • Learning resources and educator mindsets.
Register for the Town Hall.

Central Susquehanna Esports Conference

Oct. 29, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. | Milton, Pennsylvania

 

This one-day conference is perfect for teachers and students eager to unlock the
full potential of esports education. Don’t miss this chance to level up your game
and lead your team to victory!

Register for CSIU Esports conference.

National Summer Learning Summit

Nov. 11 - 13 | Washington D.C.
Summer Learning Summit is the only conference exclusively focused on summer learning. The conference will provide attendees insights and solutions into the evolution of the field from closing academic achievement gaps to now addressing opportunity gaps and fostering social-emotional learning.

Register for National Summer Learning Summit.

Please use this link to share this email with your networks and on social media. 

 

Sign up for email updates on issues that you care about. 

csc-logo-1line-reverse

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

www.psaydn.org | www.centerforschoolsandcommunities.org | www.csiu.org

 

Unsubscribe | Manage Preferences

LinkedIn
X
YouTube