Subject: VPOST Conference and More in Your July News!

Plus New OST Job Quality Report!

Register Today! VPOST 15th Annual Conference!


This year VPOST is taking our annual conference on the road! Paving the Way: Connecting Out-of-School Time Locally and Across Virginia, is more accessible to you by bringing professional development right to your backyard at an affordable rate!


Registration Now Open for Richmond OR Newport News!


Join us for networking, community building, and professional development on topics such as behavior supports and strategies, restorative justice, family engagement, and more. VPOST will be unveiling new Quality Standards for the field.

Plus each attendee will receive:

  • COSI STEAM Kit  (valued at $39.95)

  • An entry to win door prizes from area attractions including amusement parks, breweries, coffee shops and local restaurants!

  • Free NAA Membership (valued at $25)

  • Breakfast and lunch

Central Virginia

August 5, 20224

VCU Commons,

Richmond

Hampton Roads

August 20, 2024

Denbigh Community Center, Newport News

Upcoming Dates and Locations

  • Southwest Virginia: September 12, 2024, City Market in Roanoke

  • Northern Virginia: September 20, 2024, Old Town Hall in Fairfax City

We Need You! VA OST Access Map Refresh

Two years ago VPOST launched its Virginia Out-of-School-Time Program Access Map, which currently displays all known programs in Virginia. This map shows where there are program deserts and high-needs areas so that VPOST and OST champions have a tool when advocating for funding and resources in the field. After two years, we need to refresh our map to make sure it's still accurate. We must have the data to make the case for increased investment. But we can't do it alone. We need you!


Please take a quick two minutes to add your program to the map. Even if you are on the current map, we still need to have you add yourself so we know your program is still in operation. Plus, this year there is a question about funding sources so we can strengthen our understanding and efforts.


Since the inception of the map, VPOST has secured $9 million dollars for out-of-school time programs. By adding your program to the map, you will help us gain more funding for kids, families, and staff!

VPOST at Girls Build Solution, STEM Convening!

Last month, VPOST was in sunny San Diego for Girls Build Solution. This 3-day event from STEM Next focused on bringing afterschool and youth leaders, along with industry STEM partners, together to reimagine who can engineer and build solutions for our future.


VPOST is returning feeling inspired by the Flight Crew who are youth advancing STEM equity. We were thankful we were able to share on our own VPOST Youth STEM ambassadors program. Out-of-school time programs are proving, backed by data, that afterschool works at sparking STEM career interest!

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, or questions about financial assistance please visit VCU Mary and Frances Youth Center or contact Dr. Vaughn Whitney Garland at garlandvw@vcu.edu Applications now open!

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.

Out-of-School Time Job Quality Standards


The National AfterSchool Association’s OST Job Quality Standards provide a standard structure for defining and discussing “good jobs.” The Standards ground the conversation in the available empirical evidence demonstrating how job quality relates to worker outcomes and outline effective practices that support workforce development — including recruitment and retention — and workforce stability by promoting high-quality, equitable jobs. 

The Standards are based on the Job Quality Framework and include:

  • 4 Pillars: Overarching categories representing key job quality areas

  • 16 Elements: Critical pieces of each pillar

  • 67 Indicators: Observable practices that support each job quality element

  • An annotated bibliography of supporting evidence

The JQS Usage Guide & Assessment tool provides audiences with a roadmap for effectively using the OST Job Quality Standards, including concrete steps for those in advocacy, funding, policy, and out-of-school time leadership to improve job quality in their respective roles.


Learn more here.


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