Introducing the VA Youth STEM Ambassadors in your VPOST May 2022 News!

- Tweet0
- 0
- Pin It 0
- 0
- Subscribe to RSS
Subscribe

Subject: Introducing the VA Youth STEM Ambassadors in your VPOST May 2022 News!

May is Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month when we celebrate the culture and history of Americans of descent from the Asian continent and the Pacific Islands. Here are some resources to get your celebrations started:

Virginia.Gov: Here you'll find profiles of famous Asian Pacific Americans of Virginia like Jenny Han, author of To All the Boys series, which became a hit movie.

Facing History and Ourselves: Centering AAPI Students in the Classroom: An Expert Interview

Care.Com: This article has curated activities for educators and caregivers to celebrate AAPI month with children, including links for recipes and this list of AAPI centered children's books:

“Eyes that Kiss in the Corners” by Joanna Ho (ages 2-7).
“Like the Moon Loves the Sky” by Hena Khan (ages 3-5).
“The Proudest Blue: A Story of Hijab and Family” by Ibtihaj Muhammad (ages 3-7).
“I Am Golden” by Eva Chen (ages 4-6).
“Meet Yasmin!” series by Saadia Faruqi (ages 4-7).
“A Gift for Amma: Market Day in India” by Meera Sriram (ages 4-8).
“A Different Pond” by Bao Phi (ages 4-8).
“‘Ohana Means Family” by Ilima Loomis (ages 4-8).
“Watercress” by Andrea Wang (ages 4-10).
“The Name Jar” by Yangsook Choi (ages 5-9).
“Troublemaker by John Cho (ages 8-12).
“Dragonwings” by Laurence Yep (ages 8-12).
“Lalani of the Distant Sea” by Erin Entrada Kelly (ages 8-12).
“Front Desk” by Kelly Yang (ages 9-11).
“They Called Us Enemy” by George Takei (ages 11+).
“American Born Chinese” by Gene Luen Yang (ages 12-18).

Afterschool for All Challenge is May 17-20, 2022

The Afterschool for All Challenge is back for 2022! As most Congressional offices are only accepting virtual meetings, Afterschool Alliance is holding a series of virtual advocacy events from May 17 to 20, 2022 to make the case for sustained investments in afterschool and summer.

VPOST will be advocating on the behalf of Virginia programs and families. This year we are bringing our first cohort of Youth STEM ambassadors. (More below) To learn more about participating in virtual events, like joining the TweetChat, go here.

Congratulations to our Inaugural Cohort of Youth STEM Ambassadors

Historically, VPOST has hosted a Youth Ambassadors program where youth are coached on how to speak to legislators and other policymakers about the positive impact afterschool programs have had in their life. Building on this success, VPOST has launched our first STEM-focused Youth Ambassadors cohort. Our six ambassadors will be sharing their STEM stories with federal legislators at the Afterschool for All Challenge this month, to voice the unique experience of expanded STEM learning in the afterschool and out-of-school time settings. From Lego Robotics, Science Olympiad, and more, expanded STEM learning prepares young people for the future in Virginia. To learn more about STEM in Virginia's Afterschool Programs click here.

Power of Us Workforce Survey: Calling All Youth-Serving Professionals and Volunteers

Every person who works with young people is committed to helping them thrive. On athletic fields, in afterschool programs, in libraries, in faith-based institutions, youth-serving professionals and volunteers are making a difference every day. Through the Power of Us Workforce Survey, youth-serving professionals and volunteers can contribute to a national effort to explore, define, and elevate their profession. Take the survey today! www.powerofussurvey.org

Join us for the May Equity in OST STEM Coalition meeting on May 11, 2022, at 10:30 AM. Previous attendance is not required, just a desire to make more equitable STEM opportunities for children and youth participating in afterschool programs! Register here.

Applications Now Open for the Summer Food Service Program

The Summer Food Service Program operates at sites such as schools, public housing centers, community centers, playgrounds, camps, parks, and churches. Organizations that may qualify to participate in the program include public and private schools, local governments, public, and nonprofit private residential summer camps, and faith-based and community-based non-profit organizations.

The program — which is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture — allows organizations to combine a feeding program with another activity in communities where at least 50 percent of the children are eligible for free and reduced-price meals.

Full details here.

National Summer Learning Week is a celebration dedicated to elevating the importance of keeping kids learning, safe, and healthy every summer, ensuring they return to school ready to succeed in the year. This year the festivities will take place July 11-15. Get started with resources including different themes you can use to highlight activities during the celebration.

$500 Grants for Afterschool Programs to Engage 50+ Students in Service-Learning

With generous support from the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, YSA will award Afterschool Grants of up to $500 each to support youth-led service or service-learning opportunities in up to 60 afterschool programs. Learn more here.

Donate

Subscribe

Subject: Introducing the VA Youth STEM Ambassadors in your VPOST May 2022 News!

The Afterschool for All Challenge is back for 2022! As most Congressional offices are only accepting virtual meetings, Afterschool Alliance is holding a series of virtual advocacy events from May 17 to 20, 2022 to make the case for sustained investments in afterschool and summer.