Summer learning keeps young people engaged, safe, healthy and learning while helping prevent summer learning loss and preparing them for success in the new school year. This year's celebration highlights Literacy and Learning, Internships and Career, Arts and Sports, STEM, and Community and Leadership. Join organizations across the country in recognizing the impact of high-quality summer programs and sharing the incredible work happening in your community.
Summer for All Act Reintroduced in the U.S. Senate
Legislation to expand access to high-quality summer learning opportunities has been reintroduced in the U.S. Senate. The Summer for All Act would invest $4 billion over four years, followed by $1 billion annually, to help states and community organizations expand affordable summer programs, transportation, meals, and enrichment opportunities—particularly for underserved and rural communities. The proposal responds to growing demand for summer learning, with millions of children still unable to access programs due to cost and availability.
Recognizing Inspiring School Employees (RISE) Award
Nomination deadline: Aug. 30
The Pennsylvania Department of Education is accepting nominations for the 2026 Recognizing Inspiring School Employees (RISE) Award, which honors non-teaching school staff who make an extraordinary impact on students and school communities. Eligible nominees include paraprofessionals, bus drivers, custodians, food service workers, administrative staff, counselors, health services personnel, and other support professionals serving PreK–12 schools. Nominations are open through Aug. 30, offering an opportunity to recognize the dedicated individuals whose work helps students thrive every day.
Career Pathways and Workforce Readiness Priorities Finalized
The U.S. Department of Education has finalized new Career Pathways and Workforce Readiness priorities that recognize the value of work-based learning, industry-recognized credentials, career exploration, and apprenticeship opportunities. The updated priorities position afterschool and summer learning programs as key partners in helping young people build foundational skills, explore careers, and connect learning to future employment. The guidance also expands support for registered teacher apprenticeships, creating new pathways into the education workforce.
K-12 STEM Education and Workforce Development in Rural Areas Consensus Study
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine is conducting a consensus study examining how federal investments can strengthen STEM education and workforce development opportunities for students in rural communities. The study will identify barriers, highlight effective practices, and provide recommendations to improve access to high-quality STEM learning, career pathways, and partnerships among schools, higher education, industry, and community organizations. The final report is intended to inform policymakers, educators, and workforce leaders on strategies that expand equitable STEM opportunities and prepare rural students for future careers
The challenge of building a strong STEM workforce begins long before college. Many students lose interest or confidence in math and science during their K–12 years, while others leave STEM pathways before entering the workforce. The article emphasizes the importance of creating engaging, hands-on STEM experiences early in a child's education and sustaining that interest through mentoring, real-world learning opportunities, and career connections. Strengthening the entire STEM pipeline is essential to preparing the next generation of innovators and meeting future workforce needs.
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.
Career Opportunity: Director of Human Services, Allegheny County
Allegheny County is seeking a visionary and equity-focused leader to serve as the next Director of the Department of Human Services (DHS). The position oversees one of the nation’s most respected human services systems, with responsibility for strategic leadership, data-driven decision-making, community partnerships, and the management of more than 1,300 staff. The role offers an opportunity to shape policies and services that impact children, youth, families, older adults, and vulnerable populations across the region.
Pennsylvania's SUN Bucks (Summer EBT) program helps eligible families purchase groceries during the summer months when school meals are unavailable. Eligible children receive a one-time $120 benefit that can be used to buy food at participating retailers. Most eligible children are automatically enrolled through programs such as SNAP, TANF, Medicaid with qualifying income, or free/reduced-price school meals, while some families may need to apply. Benefits for Summer 2026 began in early June, and applications remain available for eligible households. Families can also access an online eligibility navigator, outreach materials, and multilingual application resources through the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services. The application deadline for Summer 2026 benefits is Aug. 31.
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
