The Power of Stories
2025-12-18 11:00 - 12:00 (America/Denver)
Meet talented authors creating stories that matter! Join NGCP for an interactive conversation with writers who are inspiring curiosity, building confidence, and helping the next generation envision themselves in STEM.
Children’s books have the power to counter stereotypes, challenge norms, and open minds to new perspectives and ideas. Join us for a conversation with Terysa Ridgeway, author of the Terysa Solves It books, Dr. Gaby A. González, author of Giana’s Mission, and Kim Collazo, author of the Emersyn Blake books. Discover the real-life inspiration behind their characters and gain insight into how these books are actively encouraging young children to embrace their inner scientists, engineers, and innovators. If you are a parent, educator, or caregiver of young children, you won’t want to miss this event!

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Afterschool Policy Pulse
2026-01-09 10:00 - 10:30
Welcome to the Policy Pulse! Every second Friday at noon ET, Afterschool Alliance Senior VP of Policy, Erik Peterson, will recap the latest policy developments, what we know (or don’t know!) about how they may impact afterschool and summer programs, and what may be coming up next. Submit your questions in advance so we know what’s top of mind for you: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScatCxIspYzqu7wSl2T-OWV2iipwr4CHsZF8Ttyn2UDbD_4jQ/viewform

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Applying for the New York Life Foundation's 2026 Aim High Grants for Middle School OST Programs
2026-01-15 12:00 - 13:00
The New York Life Foundation will make 40 grants to out-of-school time programs serving youth through their Aim High local grant program. Join us for this webinar to learn more about the funding opportunity, eligibility requirements, and expectations. The speakers will be Jan Brown, Senior Program Officer at the New York Life Foundation, and Dan Gilbert, Director of Whole Child Initiatives at the Afterschool Alliance and administrator of the grant application and review process. Review the application and FAQ beforehand and have your questions ready, and hear tips on submitting a strong application.
The Aim High program is part of the New York Life Foundation’s ongoing investment in middle school OST programs to help eighth-graders reach ninth grade on time. The grant program will fund a total of 40 afterschool, summer and expanded learning programs nationwide, based on a competitive application process.
Applications are due February 6, 2026 at 5 p.m. ET. To learn more about this grant opportunity, view the full RFP and submit your application here.
Speakers:

Jan Brown, Senior Program Officer, New York Life Foundation
Dan Gilbert, Director of Whole Child Initiatives, Afterschool Alliance

Resources:

Aim High Grant Program – Homepage
Aim High Grant Program – Application Portal
Aim High Grant Program – Full Request for Proposals (PDF)

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Brite Practices: Research-Based Guidance for Supporting STEM Identity Online
2026-01-15 13:00 - 14:00
Join us for an insightful webinar based on the successful Brite program, where experts will share research-based guidance for supporting girls’ STEM identity development in online spaces.

Brite is an online, interdisciplinary science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) program built for girls ages 13-16 offered by National Girls Collaborative Project (NGCP) and Smart Girls HQ, through initial funding from the National Science Foundation and continued funding from The Volgenau Foundation. During this exciting webinar, Dr. Roxanne Hughes, Associate Professor in Science Education at Florida State University, will share research findings from the Brite program, and the Brite team will walk participants through six “Brite Practices” that educators and program leaders can integrate into their own programming. Leave this webinar with the resources you need to cultivate an inclusive and engaging environment that creates a deeper connection to STEM and empowers young people to see themselves as future innovators!
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EdFunders OST Impact Group Monthly Field Convening: Youth Leadership and Youth Grantmaking
2026-01-16 10:00 - 11:00
Monthly Field Convening Calls
Join us on for the first Monthly Field Convening Call of the year on Friday, January 16th from 12-1pm ET. We’ll highlight examples of youth leadership and youth grantmaking as well as share tools and resources for integrating best practices into your programming and grantmaking strategy.
This webinar is free and open to all. Register here.

January 2026 YEI Educator Power Hour: Igniting New Ideas for the New Year
2026-01-20 14:00 - 15:00
January 2026 YEI Educator Power Hour: Igniting New Ideas for the New Year
Register: http://pages.services/powerhour.youngentrepreneurinstitute.org/january-2026-power-hour-sign-in/?ts=1764793232140

Career-Connected Learning Training: Building Engineering & Awareness in Pre-K and Kindergarten
2026-01-21 13:00 - 14:00
STEM Next is accelerating our efforts to advance career-connected learning in afterschool and summer learning programs with our Career-Connected Learning Framework for Out-of-School Time Providers. In this training, we will dive deep into the first phase of Career Awareness. With our partners at the Museum of Science in Boston, we will explore curricular resources that are tailored to preschool and kindergarten contexts. Attendees will learn how engineering and career awareness can be integrated into existing activities to support literacy development, number sense, creativity, and collaboration.
Audience: This training is designed for out-of-school time program providers and staff, including directors, professional development and quality specialists, and facilitators. It is also ideal for out-of-school time organizations, including museum and library staff.
Attendees who complete the post-training survey will be entered into a raffle to win a $100 Amazon gift card for their program.

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Unlock Funding for Girls' STEM Programs: AI Tools to Transform Your Grant Finding and Proposal Writing Webinar
2026-01-28 13:00 - 14:00
This 90-minute workshop is designed to explore and practically examine the current applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within the critical work of fundraising and grant development. The session will focus on several key stages of the process, including identifying potential funders (prospect research), the careful review and understanding of grant solicitations, making strategic decisions about which opportunities to pursue, navigating proposal review processes, and techniques for writing strong, successful proposals. Participants will be introduced to relevant AI tools that can be leveraged to streamline the funding search and significantly enhance the efficiency of their grant writing efforts.
This workshop is hosted by the California Girls STEM Collaborative.
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Centering Youth Voice in Adult-Centric Spaces
2026-01-29 11:00 - 12:00
Young people have the insight, passion, and lived experience to lead meaningful change—yet too often their voices are excluded from decisions that directly affect their lives. In this dynamic Thought Leader session, we’ll explore what it truly means to center youth voice in traditionally adult-centric spaces such as school boards, policymaking, nonprofit leadership, and community planning.
Join us as we unpack the challenges and opportunities of shared leadership with youth. Through powerful examples and practical strategies, participants will learn how to authentically engage young people as equal partners in decision-making, shift adult mindsets and structures to make space for youth leadership, and create environments where intergenerational collaboration thrives.
Whether you’re an educator, nonprofit professional, policy leader, or advocate, this session will offer fresh insights and actionable tools for transforming your space into one that uplifts and centers the voices of young people.
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Durable Skill Development and Career Exploration in Middle School
2026-02-05 13:00 - 14:00
Date: February 18, 2026, 2026, 3–4 p.m. ET / noon–1 p.m. PT
Facilitator: Museum of Science, Boston
Grades 6-8 | Featuring YES Engineering Antivirals Unit
This workshop highlights free, ready-to-use resources that help youth connect the YES Engineering Antivirals challenge to real health careers—from biomedical engineering to nursing—while building skills like collaboration and critical thinking. Educators will leave with downloadable activities and strategies they can use immediately with YES engineering units. Attendees who complete the post-training survey will be entered into a raffle to receive a STEM kit for 20 youth.
REGISTER TODAY!

The Heart of Technology: The Science of YOU
2026-02-10 18:00 - 19:00
Ever wonder how your smartwatch actually knows your heart rate? Or how engineers design tech that can literally save lives?
Join STEM Next and Flight Crew member James on February 10th for an exclusive Career Chat diving deep into the science of the human body and the future of health tech. We’re bringing together a panel of top STEM professionals who spend their days building the next generation of biometrics and heart-monitoring gear.
The Details:

When: Tuesday, February 10th

Time: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM ET

Where: Virtually on Zoom Webinar

Who: Teens ready to see where science and tech can take them!

Learn more and register at https://stemnext.org/event/the-heart-of-technology-the-science-of-you/

The Summer Nutrition Landscape: Setting the Scene for Summer 2026
2026-02-12 13:00 - 14:00
Join FRAC for a look at the summer nutrition landscape as we gear up for Summer 2026. This webinar will provide a picture of where summer nutrition programs stand today, highlight opportunities for growth, and explore best practices that help ensure every child has access to nutritious meals when school is out.
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Understanding Young People’s Political and Civic Engagement as a Counter to Democratic Backsliding
2026-02-25 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-03-12 10:00 - 11:00
As democracies around the world face increasing pressure, from voter suppression and disinformation to disengagement and distrust, young people are stepping up to defend and reimagine civic life. This session examines how youth political and civic engagement is not only a sign of hope, but a strategic response to democratic backsliding.
Together, we’ll explore how young people are organizing movements, influencing policy, and demanding representation in systems that have historically marginalized their voices. We’ll dive into the data and real-world examples that show how youth-led action can reinvigorate democratic institutions and create a more equitable future.
Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of what drives youth civic participation, the systemic barriers they face, and how educators, organizations, and institutions can support their leadership in meaningful, lasting ways.
This session is a must-attend for anyone committed to youth empowerment and the future of democracy.
Register

NMOST's 16th Annual Spring into Summer Conference
2026-03-03 08:00 - 17:00
The New Mexico Out-of-School Time Network (NMOST) invites you to attend our IN-PERSON 16th Annual Conference: Spring into Summer 2026! This is our first in-person conference since 2019 and we can’t wait to see you there! It will be held at the Embassy Suites in Albuquerque on March 3rd.
Registration will open early January 7th.
For planning purposes

Early Bird Registration will be $145 and available through February 1st
Regular Registration will be $185 starting on February 2nd
The group room rate at the Embassy Suites will be $159 and the block will open when registration opens

Save the date…mark your calendars…you won’t want to miss it!

Rethinking Behavior from the Flourish Lab
2026-03-05 10:00 - 10:45
March 5, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM MST
Register HERE

Is it time to give up the behavior charts? Unlearning Traditional behavior management practices are rooted in the belief that youth behaviors develop as a result of rewards and punishments. In this workshop we discuss why these practices are limited and outdated. A fresh approach will be explored that shifts the narrative about how we think about student behavior.

Afterschool Webinar: The STEM Talk
2026-03-05 10:00 - 11:00
In just 30 minutes on the first Thursday of each month, join experts from across the STEM landscape as they provide factual information, practical strategies, and actionable resources to help you navigate the ever-changing world of STEM education, workforce development, policy, and advocacy.
Hosted by the Afterschool STEM Hub, STEM Education Coalition, and STEM Ecosystems, TIES, “The STEM Talk” creates a safe space for dialogue while maintaining a focus on information that matters to you and the communities you serve.
Whether you’re an educator, administrator, policymaker, or advocate, this monthly pulse check will equip you with the knowledge and tools needed to effectively champion STEM initiatives in today’s dynamic environment.
Featured Speakers:

James Brown – Executive Director, STEM Education Coalition (Regular Presenter)
Della Cronin – Bose Public Affairs Group (Regular Presenter)
Plus guest, expert voices from across the STEM field.

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The Quest for Student Success Starts With School Breakfast
2026-03-05 13:00 - 14:00
A nutritious morning meal can shape a student’s day, and their future. Strong school breakfast programs are linked to better health, improved academic performance, increased attendance, and more focused classroom behavior. In other words, school breakfast isn’t just a meal; it’s an educational tool and a frontline defense against childhood hunger and food insecurity. This National School Breakfast Week, join FRAC and a panel of child nutrition leaders for an inspiring conversation about how schools are expanding breakfast access and setting students on the path towards lifelong achievement. We’ll explore innovative strategies, real world success stories, and the growing movement to ensure every student starts the day nourished and ready to thrive.

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Navigating Challenging Conversations with Courage and Care
2026-03-05 17:00 - 18:00
In times of uncertainty, division, and strong emotions, having conversations across differences can feel intimidating, especially for young people who are still finding their voices. This workshop creates a supportive space for young people to build the skills and confidence needed to engage in respectful, meaningful dialogue, even when conversations are hard.
Through interactive activities and real-world scenarios, participants will practice listening with empathy, expressing their perspectives with clarity, and responding thoughtfully when emotions run high.
NYLC is proud to partner with InnerView to bring you this session on a platform designed to support & inspire youth.
Click here to register now!

Strengthening State Funding Approaches for Multilingual Learners
2026-03-06 08:00 - 17:00
On March 6, starting at 1:00 p.m. ET, AIR experts Rebecca Bergey and Tammy Kolbe will lead a webinar for state education leaders, policymakers, researchers, local education leaders, and others who are committed to building stronger systems for multilingual learners. This session will examine what the evidence says about effective funding approaches and explore how states can build finance systems that fairly and accurately reflect the cost of serving multilingual learners.
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Girls Who Code's Pathways FAQ Session
2026-03-10 17:00 - 18:00
Join Girls Who Code for a live FAQ webinar all about Pathways, our free, virtual summer program! Our team will walk you through everything you need to know about Pathways, including program structure, tech tracks, eligibility, and the application process. We’ll answer frequently asked questions and help you decide if Pathways is the right fit for you. Along the way, you’ll hear more about what students can expect from the experience and the lasting impact of joining the Girls Who Code community. This webinar is for anyone interested in Pathways, including prospective applicants, parents and families, educators, and community members. Pathways is open to current 8th–12th grade girls and nonbinary students, including graduating seniors and returning participants, with beginner to advanced coding experience.
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GWC Panel: Building Your Future - Careers in Emerging Tech with IBM & GWC
2026-03-11 16:00 - 17:00
Join Girls Who Code for an interactive panel featuring IBM professionals and Girls Who Code alumni, discussing fast-growing fields like emerging technologies and quantum computing. Panelists will share insights about their career paths, the skills they’re building now, and ways they are engaging with new and emerging technology. The session will include time for live Q&A, giving attendees the chance to ask questions and get real-world advice, as well as a preview of unique learning opportunities available through IBM’s SkillsBuild platform to help you continue building in-demand technical and career-ready skills.
Attendees can expect:

Webinar-style format, meaning you won’t need to come camera-ready for this event.
To engage with their peers and guest speakers in the chat.
Audience Q&A at the end – bring your questions for our panelists!

Attend this event if you are…

Curious about new and emerging technology and how to position yourself for a career in one of these fields.
Looking to get connected to a community of peers also building their futures in tech.
Interested in asynchronous learning opportunities, including digital credentials, to expand your skills and resume.

Register

Schools and Summer EBT
2026-03-12 13:00 - 14:00
Join FRAC for a webinar exploring the connection between schools and Summer EBT, including what responsibilities schools have to ensure eligible children receive their benefits, as well as additional supports schools can provide to expand access. Hear from a state agency who has supported schools’ involvement with the program, an anti-hunger organization who is creating space for school districts to get involved, and from a school district about what they are doing on the ground.
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Policy Pulse
2026-03-13 10:00 - 10:30
Every second Friday at noon ET, our own Senior VP of Policy, Erik Peterson, will recap the latest policy developments, what we know (or don’t know!) about how they may impact afterschool and summer programs, and what may be coming up next. Submit your questions in advance so we know what’s top of mind for you.
Register

Feast on Pi: An Indigenous Pi Day Celebration
2026-03-14 09:00 - 15:30
We welcome community members, parents, students of all ages, and educators to the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center for a FREE Indigenous Pi Day Celebration!
Join us anytime throughout the day and indulge in delicious food from the Indian Pueblo Kitchen, with prizes, hands-on activities, and travel support for families!
Meet Indigenous Mathematicians, Artists, Dancers and represent your community.
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Service Learning is Civic Learning
2026-03-18 10:00 - 11:00
Service-learning is a teaching strategy that blends meaningful service with intentional learning. When designed thoughtfully, it strengthens civic engagement by empowering young people to actively address community needs and real-world challenges. The result? Young people build critical thinking skills essential for informed civic participation. Join us for this 45-minute session to listen, share, and learn about the powerful intersection of service-learning and civic engagement.

For questions, or to schedule a consultation, please contact us at nylcweb@nylc.org.
This event will take place on March 18 at 11:00 AM CT via Zoom. You will receive the link to join the Zoom call closer to the date.

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March 2026 Educator Power Hour
2026-03-18 14:00 - 15:00

Operating Strong Summer Meals Programs
2026-03-19 13:00 - 14:00
Building and sustaining strong Summer Meals programs requires thoughtful planning and effective operations. This webinar will walk through the key components of operating high‑quality summer meal programs – whether you are a returning sponsor or operating for the first time in 2026.

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