Celebrating Summer, Preparing for Afterschool Success
As summer draws to a close, PSAYDN extends our sincere appreciation to the thousands of out-of-school time professionals, educators, community organizations, and volunteers who dedicated their time and talents to serving Pennsylvania's children and youth throughout the summer months. Across the Commonwealth, summer programs provided safe spaces, meaningful relationships, academic enrichment, STEM exploration, workforce experiences, healthy meals, and opportunities for young people to discover their strengths and build confidence. Your commitment has made a lasting difference in the lives of countless youth and families.
As we prepare for the 2026–2027 school year, we also look ahead with excitement to the tremendous opportunities that high-quality afterschool programs bring to students, schools, and communities. Afterschool programs continue to play a vital role in supporting academic success, improving attendance, fostering social and emotional growth, and preparing young people for future careers. Together, we have an opportunity to ensure every child has access to engaging learning experiences beyond the school day.
This month also reminds us of the importance of continued advocacy and partnership. We are grateful for the Commonwealth's ongoing investment in out-of-school time through initiatives such as the PA BOOST program and for the sustained federal support of 21st Century Community Learning Centers. These investments, combined with the dedication of local providers and community partners, strengthen opportunities for youth across Pennsylvania and reinforce the essential role of afterschool and summer learning.
On behalf of PSAYDN, thank you for your commitment to Pennsylvania's youth. As you launch a new school year, know that PSAYDN remains committed to supporting your work through professional learning, resources, advocacy, and statewide collaboration. Together, we will continue building high-quality opportunities that help every young person learn, grow, and thrive.
The Community Empowerment Association (CEA) recently convened youth, community leaders, and public safety officials in Pittsburgh to discuss the rise in large youth gatherings and identify constructive, youth-centered solutions. While some gatherings have resulted in public safety concerns, young people emphasized their desire for safe spaces to connect with peers, participate in positive activities, and have their voices heard. The discussion reinforced that investing in high-quality out-of-school time programs, youth engagement, and community partnerships is essential to creating environments where young people feel connected, valued, and supported.
This investment reaffirms the Commonwealth's commitment to ensuring more young people have access to high-quality afterschool and summer learning opportunities that inspire learning, build workforce-ready skills, and support families across the state.
We extend our appreciation to Governor Josh Shapiro, the Pennsylvania General Assembly, and the many advocates, educators, youth, and community partners whose voices helped make this investment possible. Together, we are creating brighter futures for Pennsylvania's children and strengthening communities through high-quality out-of-school time programs.
More States Receive ESSA Waivers: What This Means for Afterschool and 21st CCLC Funding
The U.S. Department of Education has now approved ESSA waivers for four states, providing greater flexibility in how certain federal education funds are managed. While the waivers do not reduce funding for local 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) programs, they allow states to consolidate a portion of state-level administrative and support funds across multiple federal programs. Afterschool leaders should stay informed as these changes may influence how states deliver technical assistance, professional learning, and program oversight in the future.
Congress has not yet finalized the Fiscal Year 2027 appropriations process, making it unlikely that all 12 federal spending bills will be completed before the September 30 deadline. To avoid a government shutdown, the U.S. House approved a continuing resolution that would extend FY2026 funding levels through December 4, maintaining current funding for the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) program and other federal education initiatives through the fall. The measure now awaits Senate consideration, with final FY2027 funding decisions expected to be made by the next Congress following the November elections.
There is still time to make your voice heard. Contact your members of Congress and encourage them to support strong federal investments in afterschool and summer learning programs that provide critical academic, workforce, and youth development opportunities for Pennsylvania's children and families.
Building on the success of previous PSAYDN STEM initiatives and Pennsylvania’s implementation of the STEELS Standards, the 2026 PSAYDN STEM Workforce Ambassador Cohort engaged five outstanding leaders to champion career connected STEM learning across Pennsylvania’s out-of-school time (OST) community.
The cohort included Dr. Erica Lynn Willis (Agriculture), Maisha Sturdivant (Energy), Timothy Frank (Manufacturing), Eritrea Abdulhadi (Robotics and Technology), and Anthony Michael Edmond Pinckney (Life Sciences). Their work has created lasting resources that connect youth to high demand career pathways while strengthening STEM education and workforce development throughout the Commonwealth.
Rural out-of-school time (OST) programs are demonstrating innovative approaches to youth development despite limited resources. A recent Afterschool Alliance article highlights how these programs excel by building strong community relationships, using meaningful data to demonstrate impact, and sharing compelling stories that showcase their value. The piece encourages the broader OST field to learn from rural programs' strengths in quality programming, authentic partnerships, and effective storytelling to strengthen advocacy and sustainability efforts.
Pennsylvania educators are encouraged to explore the latest resources featured in the Pennsylvania Department of Education's August Science E-Blast. Highlights include professional learning opportunities, STEELS implementation supports, instructional resources, and upcoming events designed to strengthen high-quality science, technology, engineering, environmental literacy, and sustainability education across the Commonwealth. These tools can help educators and out-of-school time providers integrate engaging, standards-aligned STEM learning experiences for youth.
In recognition of World Youth Skills Day, SLB highlights the importance of preparing young people for the future through hands-on STEM learning, career exploration, and workforce development. The article emphasizes that partnerships among schools, industry, and community organizations are essential for helping youth develop the technical, digital, and problem-solving skills needed in today's rapidly evolving workforce. For out-of-school time programs, the message reinforces the critical role afterschool and summer learning play in inspiring the next generation of innovators and connecting young people to high-demand STEM careers.
A recent Times Higher Education article highlights practical strategies for sparking children's interest in STEM from an early age. The authors emphasize that hands-on, inquiry-based learning, real-world problem solving, and partnerships with STEM professionals help make science and engineering relevant and engaging. They also stress the importance of listening to students, supporting teachers, and creating inclusive learning experiences that build curiosity and confidence. These recommendations reinforce the valuable role that afterschool and summer learning programs play in introducing youth to STEM careers through exploration, creativity, and authentic community partnerships.
The Mott Million Dollar Challenge is showcasing the incredible creativity and innovation of young people from across the country. Through this national entrepreneurship competition, students are developing real-world solutions to community challenges while building critical skills in leadership, communication, problem-solving, and innovation. The Challenge reinforces the important role that afterschool and out-of-school time programs play in nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs, equipping youth with the confidence and experiences needed to transform ideas into action.
PSATS Youth Awards and Scholarships – Applications Now Open
Application deadline: Dec. 31
The Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors (PSATS) is accepting applications through Dec. 31 for its annual Youth Awards and Scholarship programs. Youth groups in grades K–12 that completed community service projects benefiting their townships in 2026 are eligible to apply for one of four $500 Youth Awards. High school seniors pursuing postsecondary education, technical training, or career certificate programs may also apply for one of four $1,500 scholarships, recognizing both academic excellence and local government achievement. These opportunities celebrate youth leadership, civic engagement, and community service across Pennsylvania.
Respective application forms are available at PSATS.org and must be submitted with all supporting materials by Dec. 31, 2026.
Olweus Bullying Prevention Program Community Youth Organization (CYO) Coach Course
Sept. 22-23 | Camp Hill, PA
Your organization can help prevent bullying beyond the school day. OBPP can help.
The friendships, conflicts, and bullying behaviors young people experience at school often continue into afterschool programs, camps, recreation programs, mentoring organizations, and other community youth settings.
Your organization has a unique opportunity to reinforce positive behaviors and create an environment where every young person feels safe, respected, and included.
The OBPP Community Youth Organization Coach Course provides an evidence-based framework to help staff and volunteers build a proactive approach to bullying prevention and strengthen your organization's culture.
The Free Library of Philadelphia is hiring for several positions that support literacy, lifelong learning, and community engagement across its network of neighborhood libraries. Current openings include library services, facilities, and administrative roles, with most positions hired through the City of Philadelphia. If you're passionate about education, youth development, and serving your community, explore these opportunities and consider joining one of Pennsylvania's leading public learning institutions.
Pennon Education is seeking an Education Program Coordinator to help deliver engaging educational experiences for students and educators across Central Pennsylvania. The position combines classroom instruction with leadership of a youth media initiative, offering opportunities to develop STEM, literacy, media, and career exploration programs while supporting camps, family engagement events, and community partnerships. The ideal candidate has Pennsylvania teaching certification, classroom experience, and a passion for innovative, student-centered learning.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania: Director of Clubhouse Operations
Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania is seeking a Director of Clubhouse Operations to provide leadership across multiple Clubhouse locations throughout the region. This position oversees operational excellence, supports Clubhouse Directors, strengthens program quality, and advances positive youth development for thousands of young people. The full-time position offers a salary of $70,000–$75,000 plus benefits and is ideal for experienced leaders in youth development, education, nonprofit management, or organizational leadership.
State of Human Services Series Highlights Child and Family Well-Being
Aug. 6, 9 - 10 a.m. | Virtual
The Allegheny County Department of Human Services (DHS) will host the next session of its State of Human Services virtual series on Aug. 6, focusing on the current state of child welfare and family strengthening supports. The public webinar will feature updates from Department of Human Services (DHS) leadership on key initiatives, emerging trends, and opportunities to strengthen outcomes for children, youth, and families across the region. Providers, community partners, advocates, and public officials are encouraged to participate.
Lights On Afterschool (LOA) returns on Oct. 22, 2026, celebrating the vital role afterschool and summer learning programs play in supporting youth, families, and communities. Register your event to receive a free event starter kit, gain visibility through the national event directory, qualify for weekly prizes, and access planning resources, promotional materials, and event ideas. Join thousands of programs across the country in shining a light on the impact of out-of-school time!
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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
