Featured
Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week
How about a standing ovation for afterschool professionals? The last week of April (April 22nd through 26th) is Afterschool Professionals Appreciation week.
Out-of-School Time STEM Learning Opportunities Inspire Young People to Explore, Discover & Create
November 13, 2018
The process of teaching and learning science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) offers youth opportunities to make sense of the world they live in and prepare them for the future workforce. High-quality STEM opportunities help youth develop critical-thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving skills; enhance creativity; and engage in an investigative process.
STEM Celebrations in November
October 22, 2018
Family Literacy Day, International Games Week, National STEM Day, National Day of Design, International Science Center and Science Museum Day, Project Feeder Watch, Veteran's Day, American Education Week, America Recycles Day
Staff are the Key to Quality OST Programs
October 16, 2018
Even though our legislators and government don't always appear to see the importance of out-of-school time (OST) programs, those of us who have worked in the field or have children who attend these programs, know that they make a huge difference in the lives of children and families. Why are they so effective in supporting youth success?
STEM Celebrations in October
October 2, 2018
Computer Learning Month, Campus Sustainability Month, World Architecture Day, World Farm Animals Day, World Space Week, World Teacher Day, National Nano Day, Astronomy Day, Train Your Brain Day, Earth Science Day, World Students Day, Nuclear Science Day, Conflict Resolution Day, International Observe the Moon Night, National Chemistry Week, Animation Day,
Making Connections to STEAM Careers
September 25, 2018
At an early age, I discovered a talent for drawing and painting. I recall my Kindergarten classmates telling me, "You should be an artist when you grow up." Over many years, that talent grew into a passion. However, as I got older I had a difficult time seeing potential careers within my passion for the arts and creativity. I ended up pursuing a career in graphic design.
What is STEAM?
September 11, 2018
Recently, STEAM has caught on as a buzzword in K-12 and afterschool learning. Short for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math, STEAM is more than a subject area. It is meant to be an interdisciplinary way to develop creative problem-solving skills in youth. The arts have a profound impact on youth, educators, and educational environments (Fiske, 1999). In fact, the arts have the ability to:
STEM Celebrations in September
August 30, 2018
Read a New Book Month Month of September It's read a new book month! The perfect time to add a few books to your STEM afterschool program! Here are four titles I love that take on STEM topics and practices.
Secrets to Successfully Onboarding New Staff
August 21, 2018
Everyone wants to get new employees onboard and working effectively with youth as quickly as possible. What does it really take to prepare a new employee to work in out-of-school time programs?
Four Back to School Tips to Share with Families
August 14, 2018
Across the country, August can be a time of transition and stress. Starting the school year is a change for the whole family. Here are some tips to share with the families in your summer programs to help them prepare for these changes.