On June 11-12, VPOST proudly represented Virginia's afterschool programs at the Afterschool for All Challenge in Washington, D.C. This pivotal event brought together advocates from across the country to to call for increased federal funding for afterschool.
Highlights from the pictures: (Top right) Inspiring participation of the World Changers Youth Advocates from Alternatives in Hampton, VA, who eloquently shared their experiences and the positive impact of afterschool programs. Special thanks to Michelle Simpson and Charles Robinson, staff of Alternatives, for guiding these young leaders. (Top right and bottom middle) Meetings with legislative representatives underscored the critical work being done in Virginia and reinforced our commitment to advocating for the resources necessary to continue and expand these vital programs. (Bottom left) Blaire Denson, Executive Director, shares Virginia's success with securing state level funding with our sister networks across the nation (Bottom right) Senator Bernie Sanders delivered compelling remarks on the importance of investing in afterschool programs.
For more info on the Afterschool for All Challenge, including how you can voice your support, learn more here. | | VCU Now Accepting Applications for the Youth Development Management Certificate | | The VCU Advanced Certificate in Youth Development Management is designed for educators, youth program staff and professionals working with youth who aspire to lead and make impactful changes in the field of youth development. This comprehensive program integrates theoretical knowledge with practical skills through a series of specialized courses, each targeting the unique aspects of youth development. Cohort members will engage in deep explorations of foundational principles, restorative practices, and leadership strategies essential for effective, inclusive and positive youth engagement.
For inquiries and applications, please visit VCU Mary and Frances Youth Center or contact Dr. Vaughn Whitney Garland at garlandvw@vcu.edu Applications now open! | | | | The GLSEN National School Climate Survey finds consistently that students with inclusive curricula have a greater sense of belonging to their school community, hear fewer homophobic remarks, and are less likely to be victimized or feel unsafe at school than those without an inclusive curriculum. Pride month is a great time to create safe spaces all year. Here are some resources: Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network (GLSEN) has educator resources for increasing your own knowledge plus lesson plans, LGBTQ+ themed/inclusive books, and more. Live Out Loud inspires, nurtures, and empowers LGBTQ+ youth to build a successful future by connecting them to positive role models and affirmative experiences in the LGBTQ+ community. They have multiple lesson plans and resources for Gay-Straight Alliances, Diversity Clubs, and more. The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ+ young people under 25. Side by Side is one of Virginia's leading LGBTQ+ serving organizations whose services include youth programs and training for youth-serving organizations across Virginia.
| | | | Juneteenth annually falls on June 19th and commemorates the day that enslaved Texans learned they would be free. This came 2.5 years after President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation that legally ended slavery.
Juneteenth is both a learning opportunity and a cause for celebration for youth, families, and staff alike. There are numerous local events. Honor the day in your program with historical lessons of the fight for freedom and celebrate the enduring resiliency and empowerment of Black American culture and people. Here are some resources to get you started.
VPM: In this lesson, students will explore and discuss the history and context of the Juneteenth holiday in the United States. Topics include the history of racial injustice and the limitations of the Emancipation Proclamation. Additionally, students will explore the modern significance of Juneteenth. Teaching Juneteenth from Teaching for Justice provides historical information and educators can sign up for a learning plan. Teach For America has a number of resources including clips/links to popular media.
| | | | 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 15-19, 2024. Celebrating is easy with this toolkit that has ready-to-go resources. | | | Young Entrepreneur Pitch Challenge, Out-of-School Time is Now Open. Register your program by June 15, 2024. Young Entrepreneur Pitch Challenge helps kids learn creativity, problem-solving, critical thinking, and presentation skills. Students in Out-of-School Time programs can compete for a chance to win prizes and be featured in our winners showcase! They will compete against other students in their grade range: K-4, 5-8, or 9-12 for over $3,000 in prizes. Register your program here. |
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