State Investments Drive Down Gun Violence Across Pennsylvania
Since 2023, Pennsylvania has invested $85 million through the Violence Intervention and Prevention (VIP) grants, and the results are making headlines – gun violence is down 42%, gun-related deaths have dropped 38%, and violent crime fell nearly 12% in 2024 compared to 2022.
Pittsburgh is seeing its lowest homicide rate in eight years, and Philadelphia’s rates are nearing historic lows not seen since the 1960s. Building on this momentum, the proposed 2025–26 budget adds $10 million to the VIP and BOOST (Building Opportunity through Out-of-School Time) programs, for a total of $75 million in community safety and youth development funding.
Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis calls these results “progress worth protecting,” underscoring the need for continued investment to keep Pennsylvania’s communities safe and thriving.
U.S. House Subcommittee Approves Education Budget:
Title I Funding Reduced, Some Afterschool Support Preserved
On Tuesday evening, Sept. 2, 2025, members of a House Appropriations subcommittee approved a federal education budget that cuts approximately $3.5 billion from Title I, which supports low-income students. The plan also eliminates funding for teacher training (Title II-A), English-learner programs (Title III), community schools, Promise Neighborhoods, and preschool development, while preserving some support for afterschool programs and education research. Overall, the Department of Education’s budget would shrink to around $66.7 billion about a 15% reduction from current levels. Education advocates warn these targeted cuts could disrupt planning and services for schools and youth programs that rely on federal funds.
TGIF 2025 High School Student Spotlight: Call for Applications
Application deadline: Sept. 15
High school students are invited to showcase their creativity and problem-solving skills at The Global Impact Forum (TGIF) 2025 on Nov. 4, 2025, in Pittsburgh. This year’s theme, "Workforce Readiness in the Age of AI and Automation," challenges students to present bold ideas to educators, industry leaders, and higher education institutions. Teams of up to five students can apply to display their projects by Sept. 15, 2025 at tgif.psu.edu/tgif-2025/student-spotlight.
Lancaster County STEM Alliance Workforce 2030 Summit
Sept. 17, 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. | Lancaster
Calling all educators, employers, nonprofit leaders and policymakers! Get ready for a day of bold collaboration, creative problem-solving, and meaningful action at the Workforce 2030 Summit, happening Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025.
Dive into interactive sessions designed to close skill gaps, strengthen talent pathways, and expand equitable access to opportunities in Lancaster County. Together, we’ll co-create solutions that can turn into real projects through our Idea Incubator Fund.
Then join Ballots & Brunch on Friday, Oct. 10 (8:30–11 a.m.) at the Inn at Leola, where you’ll have the chance to vote for your favorite idea—and help bring it to life.
Bring your vision. Bring your voice. Help shape a workforce-ready Lancaster County by 2030.
Get ready for a vibrant celebration of youthful creativity at the Youth Empowerment Gala & Art Show, hosted by The Cookies Secrets at The Ohringer Arts in Braddock, Pennsylvania happening Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025. This free, inspiring evening spotlights youth as creators and changemakers through art exhibits, performances, and youth-run vendor booths it's all about expression, healing, and community. Whether you're an artist, performer, or art-lover, this event is your chance to connect, be inspired, and support the next generation’s creative voices.
Youth Mental Health Symposium, hosted by NAMI Montgomery County Pennsylvania, Abbey’s Bakery, and Aevidum, brings together community members, mental health advocates, and youth for an afternoon of connection, learning, and uplifting conversation. Happening Sunday, Sept. 27 from 1 - 4 p.m., this free event features a youth-led panel discussion, interactive activities, and raffle prizes that celebrate resilience and mental wellness. It’s a compelling opportunity for young people and practitioners alike to explore mental health resources, share their voices, and build community support in a welcoming space.
Pennsylvania 4-H by Penn State Extension membership, Aug. 1 - Sept. 30
Penn State Extension is offering an exciting opportunity for youth in Pennsylvania: from Aug.1 to Sept. 30, kids ages 5–18 can join 4‑H for free and explore everything the program offers, from STEM and animal care to sewing, woodworking and community service. This two-month trial is a great chance for families and young people to dive into hands-on learning, leadership-building, and mentorship from caring adult volunteers with no commitment required. Best of all, it's perfect timing to discover if 4‑H is the right fit before the official program year starts in October!
Session 2: Lights on Afterschool: Amplifying Our Movement
Preparing for and Leveraging OST Awareness Campaigns with a Focus on Statewide Visibility Efforts
Sept. 18, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. | Virtual
Join PSAYDN for a dynamic webinar designed to strengthen the visibility and impact of OST programs across Pennsylvania. As part of the national Lights On Afterschool celebration, this session will focus on practical strategies for preparing and leveraging OST awareness campaigns to amplify our collective voice and elevate statewide recognition.
Laura Saccente, assistant director at Center for Schools and Communities and former director of PSAYDN, brings extensive expertise in education policy, advocacy and coalition building. Drawing on her years of experience in legislative relations and grassroots mobilization, Laura will guide participants through actionable steps on:
Scheduling a visit with your legislator – from initial outreach to effective follow-up.
Engaging local legislators – building authentic relationships, sharing powerful stories, and aligning OST priorities with community and state needs.
Resources will also be shared to amplify Lights On Afterschool 2025, providing participants with tools and strategies to maximize campaign visibility and engagement. This interactive session will equip OST providers, educators and advocates with concrete tools, messaging strategies, and examples of successful visibility efforts to advance afterschool and summer learning opportunities statewide.
Registration is now open for the 2025 Refugee Education Summit, happening September 16–17, 2025, in Lancaster, PA. This two-day event brings together educators, community staff, and practitioners to explore strategies for supporting refugee and multilingual students and their families. Non-PA attendees may register for $150. Discounted hotel rooms are available until September 5, and Certificates of Attendance will be provided.
Foundations & Self-Awareness of Social Development Webinar
Sept. 19, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. EST | Pittsburgh, PA
Join “Foundations & Self-Awareness of Social Development,” a dynamic and free workshop on Friday, September 19, at 10:00 AM at CoLab18 in Nova Place, Pittsburgh. Designed for youth development practitioners, it offers hands-on tools to deepen your social competence and elevate your impact with young people. Hosted by APOST (Allegheny Partners for Out-of-School Time), the session connects providers with practical strategies and a strong professional network. Don’t miss this chance to sharpen your self-awareness and bring fresh energy to your work.
Project Scientist: Program Partner Information Session
Sept. 24, 6 p.m. EST | Virtual
Are you passionate about inspiring the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators? Project Scientist is inviting educators and organizations to join their Program Partner Information Session on Sept. 24 at 6 PM EST, where you can learn how to lead hands-on STEAM programs for girls in Pre K–8. This program is complete with training, materials, a stipend, and strategies to foster belonging in STEM. This is your chance to bring joyful, flexible and confidence-building STEAM experiences into your community.
Interested in receiving training to better support youth mental health? Youth Mental Health First Aid equips parents, caregivers, teachers, school staff and other caring adults with the tools to help adolescents (ages 12–18) facing mental health or substance use challenges. Register today to build the skills and confidence to make a difference in a young person’s life.
Looking to enhance your lesson plans? Become an early adopters of SceneCraft, a new free platform that uses generative AI to create customizable stories that fit into and enhance your lessons. These resources make it easy to incorporate engaging, creative content into your teaching!
Looking for a free, easy way to bring STEM learning into your program? Try these engaging K–8 STEM activity packs, from STEM Coding Lab perfect for out-of-school-time settings. They're completely free to use and include a short survey at the end. Your feedback will help to improve future resources!
Dates available in September and October | In-person and Virtual
Join PHEAA as they explore the opportunities and application procedures for federal and state financial aid. Understand changes and timely issues that affect you as you work with students who are pursuing their postsecondary options. Save the date!
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
