Subject: VPOST Conference Registration and more in your September 2020 VPOST News.

You’re Invited to Join Us at:

Roadmap to Resiliency in Out-of-School Time

VPOST’s Virtual 11th Annual Conference

Tuesday, October 13, Wednesday, October 14, and Thursday, October, 15, 2020, 9:00-1:00 EST

This year’s conference theme was born from the context of 2020. It has been a year like no other, forcing us all to navigate a pandemic and it’s resulting impacts. Adding further complexity, we are in a pivotal moment in addressing individual and systemic racism. OST educators strive to meet the resulting needs of youth, the community, and themselves, in a fluid and unprecedented environment.

At VPOST, part of our adaption to this moment is offering our conference in a virtual format. On every level, we have created space for connection, strategic solutions, and inspiration.

What You Get With your Conference Ticket

Admission to our 3-day Conference (9:00 a.m -1:00 p.m. EST)
15 live workshop presentations
Additional pre-recorded on-demand sessions
Post-event access to presentation recordings
Member account, including profile pic and bio
Direct message, group message, and forum posts
Physical conference bag and materials limited to the first 300 to register
SOHO Center Book Bundle for the first 300 to register (valued at $650)
Virtual Expo Hall with vendor pages
3-D Virtual Lounge
Fun social activities including chances to win door prizes!

Speakers and additional information will be continuously added. Visit our conference site often for updates!

Tickets are $120.00. Register as soon as possible to ensure you receive your bag with conference materials and your book bundle!

Last, we have Exhibitor and Sponsor Opportunities available, learn more here.

Visit our Conference Website

Lights on Afterschool is October 22, 2020

Keeping students supported, engaged, and learning is one of the most vital benefits afterschool programs can bring to their communities during COVID. Show the world all the amazing ways afterschool programs are helping to innovate and lead the movement to rethink the school day. Register your program now! Even if you are not doing a typical event, Afterschool Alliance has new offerings and developments that all can take part in, no matter your circumstances. Visit the virtual event planning kit for ways to showcase and celebrate your program during COVID, and check out thier new graphics and social media tools. Programs that register by Sep. 10 will be entered to win 50 Lights On Afterschool swag bags, with commemorative buttons, stickers, and more.

Congrats to the new 2020 21st CCLC Grant Awardees

Superintendent of Public Instruction James Lane announced that Virginia Department of Education is awarding 51 grants to fund 21st Century Community Learning Centers in communities across the commonwealth.

View the awardees by reading the August 25, 2020 press release here.

Department of Education grants states more flexibility through 21st CCLC waivers

The U.S. Department of Education announced that SEA (State Education Agencies) may submit a waiver requests to allow 21^stCCLC grantees to use 21^st CCLC funds during virtual and hybrid school days for the 2020-2021 school year. Removing this major barrier and being able to serve students during traditional school day hours for the limited duration of the 2020-2021 school year will help children, families and school districts during this time of need. Read the full details here.

Funding

Afterschool Alliance and the Bipartisan Policy Center along with a host of other organizations, including VPOST, has called on Congress to include at least $6.2 billion in 21st Century Community Learning Center afterschool program support in the upcoming COVID relief package being negotiated now in Congress. Check out Afterschool Alliance's action alert tool for a template and be sure to add your own experiences!

Take Action Now!

Guidance for Out-of-School Time Learning at a Distance

The Michigan Afterschool Network has released Guidance for Out-of-School Time Learning at a Distance (GOLD) is a set of program standards and self-assessment questions for OST program managers and staff who are responsible for delivering OST services to young people in their new individual learning environments. The standards described in the GOLD apply to a diverse range of program delivery models, including 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) and other community-based programs. View them here.

Rebuild Virginia

The Rebuild VA Grant Fund is a program to help small businesses and non-profits whose normal operations were disrupted by COVID-19. Rebuild VA grantees may receive up to 3 times their average monthly eligible expenses up to a maximum of $10,000. Applications became available on August 10, 2020. Learn more here.

Virginia Humanities Grants for Fall are Open

Virginia Humanities grants support projects that explore the stories of Virginia—its history, people, communities, and cultural traditions—as well as issues and questions that impact the lives of Virginians in the present day.

Any non-profit organization may apply for a Virginia Humanities grant. Projects of interest are those addressing the following themes:

Equity and Democracy
Amplifying Virginia’s Stories
Cultures and Communities in Transition

Learn more here!

Million Girls Moonshot Engineering Practice Support Equity Part I [three- webinar series]

Tuesday September 22, 12:00 pm PST / 3:00 pm EST (Part I)

Tuesday October 13, 12:00 pm PST / 3:00 pm EST (Part II)

Tuesday November 10, 12:00 pm PST / 3:00 pm EST (Part III)

Participants will dive into three of the critical features of an engineering mindset and will discuss specific ways to broaden participation of girls in engineering.

Registration Links

Part I: https://bit.ly/34Aouc5

Part II: https://bit.ly/31vGORJ

Part III: https://bit.ly/3hwAIWJ

Looking for a fun and safe way for youth to learn more about their area's biodiversity? BioBlitz is the learning experience for you! Join National Geographic staff and educators for a series of free webinars for out-of-school time professionals that share resources on exploring biodiversity from home and within your local communities. The webinar series is supported by the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation. Learn more and register at NatGeoEd.org/BioBlitz!

Join the National Afterschool Association (NAA)

Did you know VPOST is the state affiliate for the National Afterschool Association (NAA)? If you have not already, join NAA, the national professional membership association for afterschool professionals and leaders. An Ambassador membership is a free, starter membership designed for entry-level and developing afterschool professionals. Join at or upgrade to the Executive level membership for just $99/year to receive benefits designed specifically for afterschool leaders.

Virginia Autism Council Lunch Webinar Series

This is a series of free webinars hosted by the Virginia Autism Council on the 3rd Wednesday of every Month from 12:00-1:30 PM

September 16, 2020- The Spectrum of Transportation With Mary Breister & Anne Brie
October 21, 2020- Trauma and Resilience Oriented Care at Home and in the Classroom with Dr. Allison Jackson
November 18, 2020- Helping Police and First Responders Better Communicate with People with autism with Christina Giuliano
December 16, 2020- A review of the 2021 Competencies with Sharon Jones & Daniel Irwin

The new Mizzen by Mott app helps afterschool programs serve kids wherever they are. Activities feature STEM, arts, music and more. Supported by the Mott Foundation, Mizzen by Mott is free to download from your favorite app store.

Learn More

Garden Educator (seasonal part-time position)

Fit4Kids, Richmond

The Learning Garden Educator is a part-time, seasonal position that will work under the direction of the Fit4Kids Learning Garden Coordinator. This is a great part-time position for a college or graduate student or retiree to gain valuable experience, be part of a dynamic non-profit, and earn an income. Full details here.

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Subject: VPOST Conference Registration and more in your September 2020 VPOST News.

Guidance for Out-of-School Time Learning at a Distance

Garden Educator (seasonal part-time position)