Join us in celebrating Youth Voice Week as we elevate the perspectives, leadership and creativity of young people across the Commonwealth. Afterschool and summer programs play a critical role in creating safe, supportive spaces where youth can share their voices, build confidence, and lead change in their schools and communities. Throughout the week, we’ll highlight stories, activities, and opportunities that showcase how youth voice drives positive outcomes and prepares young people to thrive.
Pennsylvania Spotlight at National Afterschool Association
Pennsylvania was proudly represented on the national stage as James Doyle participated in this year’s National Afterschool Assocation (NAA) General Session, spotlighting the 2026 Next Generation of Afterschool Leaders. Through powerful storytelling and real-world insights, James shared reflections on leadership, growth, and the importance of creating space for emerging voices in the afterschool field. His contribution highlighted the strength of Pennsylvania’s out-of-school time network and reinforced the critical role our leaders play in shaping the future of youth development.
Honored to speak to 1,000+ afterschool professionals in Washington, D.C., sharing “My Daring Life” a message on taking risks, staying curious, and choosing joy. Grateful to the National AfterSchool Association for the opportunity! - James Doyle
If you did not register, you can still join us at 11 a.m. for the rally on the Capitol steps. Hear from students, legislators and community leaders and show your support for quality afterschool programs!
Special Announcements
Join Educators’ Neighborhood — A Global Learning Community Inspired by Fred Rogers!
Application deadline: May 15
Educators’ Neighborhood is a year-long, virtual professional learning experience that brings together educators and adults who serve children and youth from around the world to explore and apply the life and work of Fred Rogers in their practice. Participants engage in meaningful conversations grounded in the Six Fundamentals of Learning and Growing, connect with peers, and deepen how they support young people in their work. Applications for the 2026-27 cohort are now open!
Out-of-school time (OST) programs are evolving to meet the changing needs of youth and families, yet demand continues to outpace access. Today, an estimated 22.6 million young people remain unable to enroll in afterschool and summer learning programs.
Explore insights from leaders and researchers from the National Afterschool Association and the American Institutes for Research on how OST programs are adapting to meet this growing need—and what it will take to sustain and strengthen these vital learning opportunities for young people.
Educators continue to debate the value of homework. In an Education Week roundup, some teachers argue homework reinforces skills and builds habits like time management, especially in subjects like math. Others say homework can feel pointless, widen equity gaps, and mainly exists because parents expect it not because it always boosts learning. The conversation highlights that homework’s impact often depends on its purpose, quality, and how it fits into students’ lives.
Philadelphia Voters to Decide on Making the Office of the Youth Ombudsperson Permanent
Philadelphia City Council has approved a ballot measure for the May 2026 election that would make the Office of the Youth Ombudsperson an independent advocate for young people in residential care, juvenile justice, and child welfare settings a permanent part of the city’s charter.
Currently established by executive order, the office works to improve the safety and quality of services for at-risk youth, educate them on their rights, and monitor treatment facilities. If voters approve the charter change, the role will gain long-term authority, stability, and independence to better protect youth and ensure their voices are heard in systems designed to serve them.
Mark your calendar for May 2026 Philadelphians will weigh in on this important measure that strengthens accountability and oversight for young people in care.
Search Institute highlights the powerful role strong, supportive relationships play in student success. Developmental relationships — grounded in expressing care, challenging growth, providing support, sharing power, and expanding possibilities — are key drivers of academic achievement, motivation, and overall well-being. This resource offers practical strategies for educators and youth-serving professionals to intentionally build meaningful connections that help young people thrive in school and beyond.
National Science Foundation’s 2026 Science and Engineering Indicators
The National Science Foundation’s 2026 Science and Engineering Indicators report highlights the critical role of STEM education and workforce pathways in driving U.S. competitiveness. With STEM workers making up roughly a quarter of the nation’s workforce, the report underscores both continued growth in STEM talent and persistent challenges in the education-to-career pipeline.
As demand for skilled talent increases, the findings emphasize the need for stronger early learning opportunities, expanded access to STEM pathways, and sustained investment to ensure more students successfully enter and persist in STEM careers.
Hands-on K–12 robotics programs are helping build the next generation of innovators by strengthening students’ problem-solving, teamwork, and STEM skills. Expanding access to robotics and engineering experiences can play a key role in preparing youth for future careers in technology and the innovation economy. 🤖🚀
In a recent Youth Today Q&A, LearnerStudio’s Courtney Garcia discusses how young people can flourish in an AI-driven world. The conversation highlights the importance of learner-centered education and the critical role out-of-school-time programs play in helping youth build creativity, purpose, and real-world skills beyond the classroom.
Pennsylvania is actively supporting growth across five strategic industry sectors as part of its long-term economic development strategy. The Key Industries initiative focuses on Agriculture, Energy, Life Sciences, Manufacturing, and Robotics and Technology, leveraging the state’s diverse economy, workforce talent, and innovation assets to create high-wage jobs and opportunities statewide. These sectors are central to Pennsylvania’s plan for business investment, job creation, and future economic success.
A recent study shows a sharp rise in middle and high school students using AI for homework, with usage increasing significantly in 2025. While many students see AI as a helpful tool for brainstorming and research, growing concerns remain about its impact on critical thinking and academic integrity. The findings highlight a widening gap between student use of AI and school policies, underscoring the need for clear guidance and responsible integration in education.
The Pittsburgh Technology Council’s 2026 STEM Summit, Careers on the Move, offers students in grades 8–12 an interactive, hands-on experience exploring high-demand STEM careers. The event features a keynote, exhibits, and guided industry tours at leading companies, helping students connect their interests and strengths to real-world career pathways. Educators can also participate in industry tours to gain workforce insights and earn Act 48 credits.
The Lights On Afterschool (LOA) poster contest is officially open, and this year, we’re looking for any artwork that represents the spirit of afterschool programs. This includes murals, paintings, graphics on social media, and anything else that celebrates afterschool.
Be creative! We encourage students to think of how your program has opened new opportunities for you and your friends. Look for artwork that can represent how afterschool staff has been an inspiration or a mentor to you. Did your program help you find your passion for learning how to code? Is your favorite part of afterschool sharing a snack with your best friend? Let us know in the form of art! Be sure to include the entry form and the name or program name of the person who designed the artwork.
The Lights On Afterschool poster contest is open to everyone. If you know of a program that may be interested, please spread the word!
Session 10: Action Day Preparation: Amplifying Our Movement
April 16, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Virtual
Join the Director of the Pennsylvania Statewide Afterschool/Youth Development Network (PSAYDN) for a strategic and action-oriented session designed to prepare participants for Afterschool Education & Awareness Day at the State Capitol. This session will equip out-of-school time (OST) leaders, youth advocates, and partners with the tools, messaging, and confidence needed to effectively elevate their voices and showcase the impact of afterschool and summer programs across Pennsylvania.
Participants will gain practical guidance on preparing for legislative visits, engaging youth in meaningful advocacy, and aligning their messaging with PSAYDN’s statewide Education & Awareness campaign: Investing in Youth, Strengthening Our Workforce. The session will also highlight strategies to maximize visibility before, during, and after-Action Day including storytelling, media engagement, and relationship-building with policymakers.
Whether you are attending Action Day for the first time or looking to strengthen your impact, this session will help you show up prepared, unified, and ready to amplify our collective movement for high-quality OST programming.
The Mark Cuban Foundation Teacher Fellowship is a yearlong professional development program designed to empower high school educators—regardless of subject area—to learn about AI and thoughtfully introduce it into their teaching.
This paid national fellowship offers training, mentorship, and a network of like-minded peers, providing educators new to AI with the resources they need to integrate this technology thoughtfully. The fellowship runs from June 2026-May 2027.
Join the PSSE Advocacy Virtual Meeting Series: Building Voice, Leadership and Impact!
The PSSE Advocacy Virtual Meeting Series, a free virtual program designed to strengthen advocacy skills, elevate voices, and connect STEM leaders across Pennsylvania! This series, “Story-Powered Advocacy: Shaping Pennsylvania’s Future Through Voice and Action," helps participants learn how to share powerful stories that influence policy, support innovation, and grow the statewide ecosystem.
The Capital Area Intermediate Unit (CAIU) Summit will feature a Keynote Speaker and up to 20 concurrent sessions!
We are looking for educators from all grades and backgrounds to present a session! If you are willing to present a 50-minute session or activity (in exchange for free registration), please complete the call for proposals form by June 1, 2026. Presenters will be notified by June 8 if their session was chosen.
Please pass this opportunity along to those educators who would be interested in presenting! For those interested in simply attending, registration is now open!
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania (BGCWPA) is seeking passionate individuals committed to making a lasting impact on youth. With opportunities ranging from AmeriCorps service to clubhouse and administrative roles, BGCWPA offers a chance to support young people through meaningful programming in safe, inclusive environments. The organization emphasizes diversity, equity, and inclusion while fostering a workplace where staff can grow, lead, and inspire. If you’re driven to help shape the next generation, explore current openings or submit a general application today.
Wellness
Summer, Afterschool, Social and Emotional Learning
A recent New York Times article highlights emerging research on healing from childhood trauma, pointing to what makes the greatest difference: supportive relationships, safe environments, and a strong sense of belonging.
Creating Safe Havens: Confronting Digital Threats and Supporting Student Well-being
Get the insights you need on how schools are addressing the growing digital threats that undermine student well-being. Explore strategies to confront bullying, deepfakes, and online harassment, and learn how educators are restoring classrooms as safe, supportive spaces for connection and growth. Discover innovative approaches that help students feel protected, empowered, and ready to thrive.
New Data on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) – Good News and Ongoing Concerns
Recent analysis from Child Trends shows that several adverse childhood experiences among U.S. children have declined modestly between 2018 and 2023.
In 2023, about 37.5% of children experienced at least one ACE a slight but statistically significant decrease from roughly 39.8% in 2018. These findings offer a hopeful sign that some risks to children’s well-being may be improving. However, while declines are encouraging, ACEs remain common with more than one-third of children still affected. This underscores the ongoing importance of prevention, support, and positive childhood experiences in our programs and communities.
The American Academy of Pediatrics Agrees – Young People Need a Place to Connect and Belong
The American Academy of Pediatrics is calling for greater investment in “third spaces” like afterschool and summer programs, emphasizing their critical role in supporting youth mental health and well-being in an increasingly digital world. These programs provide safe, engaging environments where young people can build connections, stay active, and develop a sense of belonging—offering a powerful, real-world counterbalance to screen time.
U.S. Department of Labor Unveils New AI Literacy Framework
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration has released a new Artificial Intelligence (AI) Literacy Framework to help guide AI skill development across the nation’s workforce and education systems. The framework outlines key content areas and delivery principles designed to support training programs and ensure workers and learners are equipped for an AI-driven economy. The initiative encourages flexibility for different industries and sectors, promotes widespread AI understanding, and invites stakeholder feedback and participation in upcoming training webinars.
The NBA Foundation is helping expand economic opportunity for young people by investing in nonprofit programs that connect youth to education, career training, and workforce pathways. Launched in 2020 with a $300 million commitment, the Foundation partners with organizations across NBA communities to support mentorship, skill development, and employment opportunities that help young people transition from school to meaningful careers.
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
