Subject: Lights on Afterschool in Your October News!

Celebrate the 25th annual Lights On Afterschool Oct. 24, 2024!

Launched in October 2000, Lights On Afterschool is the only nationwide event celebrating afterschool programs and their important role in the lives of children, families, and communities. The effort has become a hallmark of the afterschool movement and generates media coverage across the country each year. We are please to announce the Governor Youngkin has proclaimed October 24, 2024 Lights on Afterschool in Virginia! Check out the full proclamation here. 

 

The Afterschool Alliance organizes Lights On Afterschool to draw attention to the many ways afterschool programs support students by offering them opportunities to learn new things—such as science, community service, robotics, Tae Kwon Do, and poetry—and discover new skills. The events send a powerful message that millions more kids need quality afterschool programs.

Are you already planning to host a Lights On Afterschool event? We want to highlight it! Please share with Christine at christine.jones-monaccio@v-post.org or tag us on social media (Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn) @vpost4vakids

Lights on Afterschool X NASA!


On Wednesday, October 16 at 4 p.m. ET, NASA and STEM Next Opportunity Fund will be celebrating Lights On Afterschool with a virtual event featuring Charlie Blackwell-Thompson, NASA's first female launch director!

 

During the event, NASA will host a live Q&A with Charlie to answer all your space and STEM career questions. Organize a watch party in your afterschool program and help celebrate STEM in afterschool.

 

Register now to claim your spot!

 

Alexandria Beyond the Classroom releases Youth Program Locator

 

Alexandria Beyond the Classroom (ALX Beyond) released a Youth Program Locator, highlighting the array of programs for children and youth in the City of Alexandria. Through the Youth Program Locator, families, youth, community members, and supporters can learn about opportunities for youth and connect with providers to learn more about their programming.

 

Program providers serving children and youth (ages 3-19) in the City of Alexandria are encouraged to create an account to list their programming using the ALX Beyond Provider Portal. Providers may be nonprofit organizations, businesses, city agencies, and/or faith-based organizations. Providers who list their programming on the locator agree to requirements, including regularly updating their listings.

 

The development of the locator is a response to the recommendations in the community-wide landscape study, Increasing Opportunities for Alexandria City Youth: A Community Report. The study recommendations inform the development of ALX Beyond and serve as a community-wide call to action about the importance of high-quality programming for our children and youth. To view the locator or learn more about ALX Beyond the Classroom click here.

City of Richmond Announces $328,823 in Positive Youth Development Funding for School Year Programs 


NextUp and The City of Richmond are proud to announce the allocation of $328,823 in Positive Youth Development (PYD) funding to 20 organizations across the city. These funds will support afterschool programs during the 2024-2025 School Year that provide safe, enriching environments for youth during after-school hours, fostering their growth and development. 


The PYD Fund is an essential part of the City of Richmond’s Gun Violence Prevention and Intervention (GVPI) Framework. The programs target youth aged 11-19, offering opportunities to learn, grow, and develop in a nurturing environment. By connecting youth with caring adults, building essential life skills, and creating supportive community settings, these initiatives aim to foster resilience and drive positive outcomes for Richmond’s youth. Learn more about the Positive Youth Development Fund and NextUp here.


North Carolina Center for Afterschool Programs

Hurricane Helene Resources for WNC Youth Development Programs 


Our hearts and thoughts are with our neighboring state of North Carolina where so many are coping with the catastrophic impacts of Hurricane Helene. We know that there are many kids, families, and youth development professionals throughout Western NC who have been affected and are in need of food, water, and shelter. Recovery needs in Western North Carolina will remain great in the months and years to come.


Our sister network NCAP has compiled a resource list of organizations that are providing resources and support to kids, families, and communities in Western NC. Click here to view the list and offer support.

Every Hour Counts Membership Now Open


The Every Hour Counts network is expanding! Applications are now open for intermediary organizations committed to advancing equity and improving outcomes for young people furthest from opportunity. Every Hour Counts provides members with access to valuable resources, collaborative opportunities with visionary leaders, and a platform to influence national policies. Don’t miss this chance to join a national movement that we are proud to be a part of, making a difference across the country. 


Learn more and apply by November 22: everyhourcounts.org/joinournetwork


Join the informational webinar on October 16th at 2pm (ET) to hear from current members Dr. Traymanesha Lamy (Next Up RVA), Chris Smith (Boston Beyond), and Suzette Harvey (Prime Time Palm Beach County) about the benefits of joining! Register here: https://shorturl.at/ENY0B

Now Open: Call for Proposals for NAA25


The National AfterSchool Association (NAA) invites afterschool professionals from all backgrounds to gather and celebrate the People, Potential, and Possibilities of out-of-school time at the NAA25 Convention. This is more than a slogan — it's a call to honor the unique contributions and potential of every individual in our community.

The proposal portal is open through October 21, and this is a fantastic opportunity for those in the field to share their stories, expertise, and experiences by presenting at NAA25.

NAA is looking for sessions that align with the 2025 convention theme and their Core Knowledge, Skills, & Competencies. They are especially interested in sessions that offer relevant and actionable professional development, actively engage participants, and foster a culture of empowerment where every person has the opportunity to thrive.

To help interested individuals prepare their proposals, NAA provides these valuable resources:

Let’s come together to elevate our field at NAA25! More information on the Call for Proposals may be found here.


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