Looking Ahead: Afterschool and Summer Policy in 2026
As we enter 2026, the afterschool and summer learning landscape will continue to face significant policy and funding challenges, alongside some promising opportunities to expand support for programs nationwide.
Key takeaways for the year ahead:
Federal funding and agency changes will remain a major focus, with potential shifts in how afterschool resources are administered and accessed.
Congressional action on budgets and legislation could bring both opportunities and uncertainty, especially in an election year that may affect policy momentum.
State budget decisions will continue to influence local afterschool and summer program investments, with mixed fiscal outlooks across states.
Despite hurdles, the field is poised to meet challenges and seize opportunities through collaboration and advocacy.
This year underscores the importance of staying informed and engaged as we work together to strengthen expanded learning opportunities for all children.
Education and Awareness Action Day at the Capitol: Investing in Youth, Strengthening Our Workforce
May 6, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. | Pennsylvania State Capitol, Harrisburg
Register by April 1!
Join PSAYDN and partners from across the Commonwealth for a powerful day of advocacy, education, and awareness highlighting the critical role of out-of-school time programs in supporting youth and strengthening Pennsylvania’s workforce.
From Systems Leadership to Ecosystems Stewardship: A New Vision for OST Intermediaries
Out-of-school-time (OST) intermediaries have long played a critical role in coordinating afterschool and summer learning programs, helping nonprofits share resources, training and support. But as education and youth development evolve, so must their role. A new Youth Today article explores how these leaders can move beyond systems leadership toward ecosystems stewardship—intentionally connecting young people’s learning experiences across schools, workplaces, community organizations, and other settings to create vibrant, equitable learning ecosystems.
NAA Names 2026 Next Generation of Afterschool Leaders!
The National AfterSchool Association has announced the 2026 honorees for its prestigious Next Generation of Afterschool Leaders program, recognizing 30 outstanding professionals age 30 and under from across the afterschool field. Selected from a competitive national pool of nominees, these emerging leaders are being honored for their innovation, commitment to youth development, and contributions to strengthening afterschool and out-of-school time programs.
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 new Psychology Today article highlights a groundbreaking study showing how school psychologists are adopting AI tools in their work—from report writing to generating recommendations and supporting professional tasks—and what they see as the benefits and ethical concerns of this growing trend. The piece offers an insider look at how AI is being integrated responsibly into educational settings and what it means for the future of student support services.
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 Collective for Youth Empowerment in STEM and Society (CYESS), a project of the Afterschool Alliance, is excited to share the release of its new Youth-led STEM Action Guide, developed in partnership with Youth Service America.
This resource is perfect for practitioners who are interested in supporting students in their programs to lead STEM-driven community change. If resources like this are of interest, keep an eye out for CYESS’s new monthly resource roundup, which will highlight upcoming opportunities for youth, professional learning, and practical tools to support your program.
A recent Kars4Kids small grant recipient is bringing hands-on computer science, digital skills, and STEM learning to elementary and middle school students especially in under-resourced communities. What began in 2017 with just 15 students has grown into a multi-site program serving thousands through in-school lessons, afterschool activities, and summer camps designed to spark curiosity, build problem-solving skills, and prepare young learners for success in the digital economy.
Connecting STEM Education, Startups, and Jobs in Western Pennsylvania
A Pittsburgh-based nonprofit, STEMup Science and Technology Foundation, is pioneering a new model to better connect STEM education with real career opportunities and regional economic growth. With support from a $300,000 grant, STEMup is expanding its “Coop Model,” which simultaneously advances workforce training and company creation rather than treating them as separate steps. The initiative combines industry-aligned education in areas like AI, life sciences, robotics, and biomanufacturing with internships, mentorships and partnerships among universities, employers, nonprofits and community groups. The goal is to create clearer pathways from learning to high-demand jobs and entrepreneurship, reduce fragmentation in STEM training, and build an inclusive, sustainable STEM talent ecosystem in Western Pennsylvania that could serve as a model for other regions nationwide.
NASA’s Artemis II mission—the first crewed flight returning humans toward the Moon—offers an exciting opportunity to spark curiosity in your afterschool program. STEM Next has compiled ready-to-use, hands-on Artemis II activities that help youth explore space science, engineering design, and STEM career pathways while connecting learning to this historic milestone.
Bring the excitement of space exploration into your OST program and inspire the next generation of innovators!
Deadline Extended for Mott Million Dollar Challenge
NEW submission deadline: March 8
Your students have big, bold ideas that deserve a million-dollar stage!
The #MottMillion Dollar Challenge is the ultimate national pitch competition for K-12 dreamers, innovators and changemakers.
Entering is easy.
🎥 Students submit a simple 30-90 second video. (No fancy editing needed!) 👥 They can enter solo or with a team of up to 3 🏆 They could win real cash prizes! 📅 Deadline: March 8, 2026
It’s all about sharing ideas that improve their very own schools, homes, or communities.
The City of York has established a new Youth Council Committee — a dynamic initiative that gives local high school students a real voice in city leadership and community change. Designed for rising 10th–12th graders who live in the city, the Youth Council offers a hands-on opportunity to connect with city officials, share ideas on issues that matter, and help shape local policy and projects.
The 2026 Student Lyme Art Competition is now open! Encourage creativity and health awareness by submitting a poster or short video that highlights how to Protect. Check. Remove. when it comes to ticks and Lyme disease. Entries should show how to avoid tick exposure, check for ticks, and/or safely remove them. Winners will be chosen for each grade category—and selected artwork may be featured!
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.
National AfterSchool Association 2026 Convention (NAA26)
March 11-14 | Washington, D.C.
As the field navigates change and uncertainty, NAA26 offers more than professional development. It’s a space to recharge, reconnect, and reaffirm your purpose. Gain practical tools and strategies while building relationships that sustain your work. Every session is designed to value human connection, inspired learning, and collective strength. Step into something extraordinary at the Gaylord National Resort, a stunning destination on the Potomac River just minutes from Washington, D.C. With its iconic 19-story indoor garden atrium, it’s the perfect setting for an event that sparks ideas, deepens connection, and elevates every moment.
Receive actionable strategies to support a comprehensive approach to school safety, climate, and student well-being. Leave inspired and equipped to take school safety and climate to the next level! The conference provides advanced and focused professional development for school administrators, educators, school safety coordinators, school resource officers, law enforcement partners, mental health providers, and youth violence prevention partners.
April 7, 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. | Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) invites you to join them in person for its statewide combined It's On Us PA and PA EmpowerU convening.
The PA EmpowerU Convening brings together postsecondary institutions, community-based organizations, and state agencies to connect and strategize supports for Pennsylvania students to thrive while reaching their college and credential goals. All tenets of collegiate basic needs are essential for students’ success, but this year’s focus is on intersections with Mental Health, Safety and Belonging, and Financial Wellness.
Registration is free, and breakfast and lunch will be provided.
Join the PSSE Advocacy Virtual Meeting Series: Building Voice, Leadership & 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 Math of Food, Session 1: Finding Math in Family Meals and Traditions
March 4, 2 p.m. | Virtual
The New Jersey Family Engagement Hub and The Center for Family Math invite you to the first session in a three-part webinar series exploring the math of food. This interactive kickoff session will highlight how fractions, ratios, data, and geometry naturally come to life through cooking, sharing meals, and family food traditions across cultures. Participants will discover how food can serve as a joyful, hands-on entry point to making math meaningful and connected to everyday life.
Special guests from PBS SoCal’s Cooking Counts YouTube series will share how simple, family-friendly recipes can spark early math thinking and strengthen family engagement. Join this inspiring conversation that blends math, culture, and cuisine—because when we cook together, learning truly adds up!
Youth Educational Services with Tobacco Free Adagio Health Free Programs
Tobacco Free partners with schools, youth programs, and community organizations to provide education on vaping, nicotine, and tobacco use, with the goal of creating healthier, smoke-free communities. All programs are offered at no cost.
New Wallace Foundation Report: Creative Expression, Caring Relationships, and Career Pathways
A recent Wallace Foundation report explores how participation in community-based youth arts programs leads to lasting positive outcomes for young people. Drawing on surveys and interviews with alumni across the U.S., U.K., and Australia, the research identifies two main types of long-term benefits: relational outcomes (such as strong peer and mentor connections, self-confidence, and personal growth) and opportunity outcomes (like expanded career aspirations, workplace skills, and exposure to professional resources). The report introduces a taxonomy of outcomes that arts programs can use to better design, evaluate, and communicate their impact to funders and policymakers, showing that arts engagement supports youth well-being and future success well beyond short-term participation.
Protecting Teacher Well-being: Small Shifts That Matter
Educators are under more pressure than ever—but the things we think will help us feel better often don’t, because our minds mislead us. In a recent Edutopia article, Yale cognitive scientist and Happiness Lab host Laurie Santos shares research-backed insights on supporting teacher well-being. She explains how prioritizing time affluence (feeling like you have enough time) over productivity, tuning into real needs instead of “toxic productivity,” and building small daily habits (like noticing wins or taking intentional breaks) can make a meaningful impact. Santos also urges structural support from schools and leaders, grounded in teacher feedback, alongside these practical, evidence-based strategies.
Strengthening Education-to-workforce Data Systems Matters for States
Strengthening Education-to-workforce Data Systems Matters for States highlights the importance of strong, aligned data systems that track learner progress from early education through the workforce. It introduces the Education-to-workforce Indicators Framework, which helps state leaders ask essential questions, assess data gaps and improve how education and workforce data are collected and used to inform policy decisions.
Discover how students, faculty, and alumni across the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) are turning education into real-world impact! From hands-on career experiences and global learning opportunities to community partnerships and entrepreneurial achievements, System Success highlights how PASSHE graduates are ready for today’s workforce and tomorrow’s challenges. Read inspiring stories that showcase exceptional student achievements, innovative programs, and meaningful contributions happening at universities throughout the state
How Project-based Learning Can Help With Chronic Absenteeism
A recent Edutopia article explains that while chronic absenteeism can make classroom projects tricky, well-designed project-based learning (PBL) can actually support student engagement and help reduce absences. The article shares practical strategies—like structuring projects so absences don’t derail group work, giving students clear expectations and reentry plans, and balancing individual and collaborative tasks—to keep all learners connected to their work and feel successful even when they miss time. These approaches make PBL more flexible and welcoming, helping students stay motivated and on track.
A federal scholarship tax credit created in 2025 could become a new funding source for afterschool and summer programs in 2027. This credit would allow taxpayers to receive up to $1,700 back on their taxes for donations to nonprofit Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs), which in turn provide scholarships for education services—including afterschool and summer learning. The policy’s final rules and how it will work in each state are still being defined, and local leaders, parents, and programs have a role in shaping how much support reaches out-of-school time learning.
$50,000 Funding Opportunity: Building AI Readiness for Nonprofits
Application deadline: March 13
Citizens is now accepting applications for its Champions in Action® program, recognizing nonprofits that are strengthening their communities. For July–December 2026, the focus is Building AI Readiness and Capacity in Nonprofits.
Selected organizations will receive $50,000 in funding, media coverage, promotional support, and volunteer engagement from Citizens colleagues. This opportunity is designed for mission-driven nonprofits exploring practical, responsible ways to use AI to improve program delivery, upskill staff, streamline operations, expand reach, and strengthen fundraising efforts.
Eligible nonprofits must be located in select markets, including Greater Philadelphia and Greater Pittsburgh, have an operating budget between $250,000–$5 million, and provide volunteer engagement opportunities.
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
