The STEM Talk: FY27 - What's At Stake
2026-05-07 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Denver)
The FY2027 White House budget request proposes eliminating 21st CCLC for the second straight year, cutting NSF by more than half, and consolidating dozens of K-12 programs into a single block grant. This episode breaks down the biggest threats to STEM funding and what the appropriations process means for advocates right now.
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Explora: Bubble Bubble Workshop
2026-05-07 14:00 - 16:00
Bubble Bubble Teacher Workshop

May 7, 2026
2 pm – 4 pm
Virtual – zoom link sent the day before
Professional Development Workshop for educators, early childhood teachers, librarians, and out-of-school time staff.
Explore the power of surface tension as you try out a variety of wands, build bubble sculptures, create bubble art, and observe colors in bubbles. Gain ideas on how to integrate literature and science. You’ll immediately be able to use the ideas with your students!

Register by April 29 for kit pick up or shipment for first 20 registrants. Sharing a login and kit of materials!

Please contact Explora with questions – education@explora.us
This workshop is funded with the support of the United Way of North Central New Mexico and offered at no cost to participants.

This professional development workshop is intended for adults and requires collaboration amongst peers. We encourage interested classrooms to inquire about our virtual and in-person program offerings found in the Explora Program Guide or email reservations@explora.us

Register

Afterschool Policy Pulse
2026-05-08 10:00 - 10:30, 2026-06-29 08:00 - 17:00
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.
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Flourish Lab Workshop: Reaction to Response
2026-05-12 10:00 - 10:45
We all have emotional hot buttons that cause us to show up as less than our best. Once we see and recognize these triggers, we can regain control over them. One part of the process is to understand what sets us off. Add to that clear action steps for what to do in these moments, and we can quickly get back to showing up fully for our youth.

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YEI Educator Power Hour
2026-05-12 14:00 - 15:00
Tuesday, May 12 at 4:00pm ET

Fun with Entrepreneurial Kits and Activities

Come hear about the latest entrepreneurial tools for teaching.

Who: K-12 Educators
What: YEI Educator Power Hour
Topic: Fun with Entrepreneurial Kits and Activities
When (U.S.): Tuesday, April 21 from 4:00-5:00pm ET. Convert to your time zone here.
Where: Online via Zoom (you will receive a link after registering)

Register for May 12

Beautification Youth Summit
2026-05-16 09:00 - 15:30 | National Hispanic Cultural Center
Are you a high school student? Interested in leadership? Want to make a difference in your state? Thinking about becoming a Youth Ambassador? Join the Land of Enchantment Youth Ambassadors for a day filled with leadership, hands-on workshops, a community clean-up, and fun activities.
Be one of the first 1000 to register. The deadline is May 9.
Registration Link Coming Soon!

America After 3PM: The Summer Struggle for Everyday Families
2026-05-19 11:00 - 12:00
Join us for the release of brand new national and state data on summer program participation, unmet demand, and parent perspectives. This data is drawn from our hallmark America After 3PM nationwide household survey, conducted roughly every five years.
You’ll learn what the latest figures reveal, what this means for families and communities today, and our policy recommendations moving forward. Afterschool Alliance Executive Director Jodi Grant will share top takeaways and engage in a conversation with special guests on the importance of the data from their unique perspectives.
Speakers:

Jodi Grant, Executive Director, Afterschool Alliance
Gigi Antoni, Vice President of Youth Development, The Wallace Foundation
Carlos M. Gonzalez Jr., Superintendent, Roma Independent School District
Additional speakers to be announced

The America After 3PM summer findings are based on research funded by The Wallace Foundation.
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Lunch & Learn: New Mexico Guiding Principles for Quality Out-of-School Time Programs
2026-05-19 11:30 - 12:30
NMOST is hosting a Lunch & Learn Workshop on Tuesday, May 19 at 11:30 AM on the New Mexico Guiding Principles for Quality Out-of-School Time Programs!

Join presenter and NMOST Capacity Building Director Amanda Lujan as we relaunch the Guiding Principles, a flexible set of quality guidelines designed to support practices that lead to positive outcomes for youth. Learn about the structure and content of the 9 Guiding Principles, the new Self-Assessment tool, and the Action Plan, and how these tools can be used to support continuous quality improvement in your organization.

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Summer Meals: Outreach that Works
2026-05-21 13:00 - 14:00
Effective outreach is essential to ensuring that families know when, where, and how to access Summer Meals. This webinar will explore outreach strategies that help programs reach more children and boost participation throughout the summer.
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Voices for the Field: Resources for Navigating the Changing STEM Landscape
2026-05-28 13:00 - 14:00
In our 2025 Voices from the Field Program Survey, STEM practitioners across the country spoke clearly: funding uncertainty and shifting equity policies are significant challenges facing our community today. Join NGCP for this strategic session to stay informed of these issues and gain the resources and actionable insights needed to navigate the complex landscape.
Our survey findings reported that while about half of organizations felt secure in continuing their STEM equity work, a significant portion (41%) expressed deep concerns about the future due to unstable funding and changing diversity-related policies. Since then, there have been many real consequences: many programs lost funding, leading to reduced services, staff layoffs, and a limited capacity to serve youth.
This virtual gathering is part of our commitment to sustaining the momentum of STEM equity and providing practitioners with the information they need to thrive. Join NGCP for this webinar to learn about emerging funding sources, critical policy updates, and effective strategies to support programs and educators. Together, we will bridge the gap between national policy and local impact, ensuring that the field remains resilient and connected.
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Supporting Indian Tribal Organizations to Expand Summer EBT Access
2026-05-28 13:00 - 14:00
The Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (Summer EBT) Program is a permanent, federally funded program that helps families access the nutrition they need during the summer months. Both Indian Tribal Organizations (ITOs) and states have successfully operated this program for the past two years, but not every entity eligible to administer the program has opted in. Join FRAC and the Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative to discuss a new resource that examines Summer EBT from an ITO lens, including who is eligible to operate, the benefits of ITO-operated Summer EBT programs, the challenges faced by ITOs, and what supports could be provided to expand participation.

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Lunch and Learn: Get in the Game: Telling Your Unique Story to Stand Out and Win Funds
2026-06-02 11:30 - 12:30
Programs Presented by Laurel Meister Schmuck, The Grant Plant, Inc.
In this imaginative, gamified session, participants will work side-by-side to explore fundraising strategies to grow out-of-school time programs, via brainstorming and storytelling activities, small group discussions, and a Shark Tank-style pitch competition using cards to represent different funder profiles.

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The STEM Talk | Your 30-Minute, Monthly STEM Pulse Check
2026-06-04 10:00 - 11:00
The STEM Talk | Episode 14: Strategic Signals
The federal landscape is sending clear signals — and STEM leaders need to be ready to act. Join us for the latest federal policy updates, a deep dive on emerging ED and Department of Labor solicitations, plus an exclusive preview of new research on career-connected learning ahead of its official release.
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Explora: Get Charged Up
2026-06-09 09:30 - 11:30
Get Charged Up!

June 9
9:30 am – 11:30 am
Virtual – Zoom link sent the day before
Professional Development Workshop for educators, early childhood teachers, librarians, and out-of-school time staff.
Get charged up about electricity! We’ll integrate literature and use balloons, tissue paper, hobby motors, and pool noodles to explore and play with static electricity and basic circuits. Use what you discover to make your own scribble bot that wiggles and draws on paper. Ideas you can immediately use with your students.
Register by June 2 for kit pick up or shipment for first 20 registrants. Share a login and kit of materials!
Please contact Explora with questions – education@explora.us
This workshop is funded with the support of NMAEYC and offered at no cost to participants.

This professional development workshop is intended for adults and requires collaboration amongst peers. We encourage interested classrooms to inquire about our virtual and in-person program offerings found in the Explora Program Guide or email reservations@explora.us.
Register

YEI Educator Power Hour
2026-06-09 14:00 - 15:00
More information coming soon!

Deep Dive into FRAC’s 2026 Large School District Report
2026-06-10 13:00 - 14:00
Discover the key findings from FRAC’s new report, Large School District Report: A Snapshot of School Meals Participation and Operations in October 2025. This webinar highlights how 96 large school districts are navigating rising food and labor costs, school meal debt, and policy threats like cuts to SNAP and Medicaid, all while working to ensure students can access nutritious school meals. We’ll explore how districts are using strategies such as the Community Eligibility Provision and breakfast after the bell to boost participation, and how Healthy School Meals for All is reducing stigma, eliminating meal debt, and supporting academic success. The session will also examine the implications of upcoming USDA nutrition standards and the urgent need for federal action to protect children’s access to healthy school meals.

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Understanding STEM Stereotypes: A Look at the Newest Research and Strategies
2026-06-11 13:00 - 14:00
Join NGCP and Dr. Allison Master for a deep dive into the latest evidence on how STEM stereotypes are evolving—and where the most critical work remains.
While progress has been made in fields like math and science, new research reveals that computer science and engineering stereotypes remain a significant barrier, forming as early as age six. In this webinar, we will explore how specific stereotypes impact interest and belonging differently across STEM disciplines. Participants will leave this webinar with practical strategies on how to empower all young learners to be the innovators of tomorrow.
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Afterschool Webinar: Policy Pulse
2026-06-12 10:00 - 10:30
Every second Friday at noon ET, 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

Future Ready AI Session 1: Getting Started with AI: Concepts, Tools, and Real-World Uses
2026-06-16 14:30 - 16:30 | The University of New Mexico-Valencia Campus, 280 La Entrada Rd, Los Lunas, NM 87031, USA Room LRC 101
​The New Mexico Technology Council’s summer workshop series, Future Ready: AI Pathways, will bring accessible, hands-on AI education to Valencia County, helping residents, particularly high school students and young adults, build the skills needed for emerging careers.
​Each session will equip participants with practical AI skills they can use in school, early career opportunities, and everyday problem-solving. Sessions will cover topics like prompt writing, AI career pathways, digital literacy and AI best practices, ethical considerations, and future readiness with adopting emerging technologies. The program is designed to meet young people where they are, ensuring they leave not only understanding what AI is, but how to use it confidently, safely, and creatively.

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The Flourish Lab: Summer Tools
2026-06-17 10:00 - 10:45
This summer tools workshop brings together mindset shifts, planning practices, and in-the-moment strategies that help staff stay grounded, connected, and proactive with young people. You’ll learn how to respond with clarity when things get hard and use simple tools that support belonging, regulation, and strong relationships all summer long.
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The Flourish Lab Workshop: Pack Your Toolbox: Strategies For Your Best Summer Yet
2026-06-17 10:00 - 10:45
June 17 | 12:00 – 12:45 ET
Summer camp moves fast—and the small moments matter. In this practical and engaging workshop, staff will explore simple, actionable strategies rooted in relationships, planning, and presence to help create a camp experience where young people feel connected, engaged, and supported. Participants will leave with mindset shifts and ready-to-use tools that strengthen belonging, reduce stress, and help both youth and staff thrive throughout the summer.
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Grantmakers for Education Monthly Convening: Youth Development Credentials & Registered Apprenticeships
2026-06-18 10:00 - 11:00
Join the OST Impact Group on Thursday, June 18, 12:00-1:00PM ET. Please note we changed our usual third Friday cadence to avoid conflicting with Juneteenth. We’ll discuss how national and state leaders are creating and implementing a registered apprenticeship and a youth development credential to build a thriving workforce. This webinar is free and open to all. Register here.
Speakers:

kourtney andrada, Senior Director of School-Based Programs, Girls Inc. of Alameda County
Briceid Garcia, Apprentice, Girls Inc. of Alameda County
Heidi Ham, COO, National Afterschool Association
Aleah Rosario, Co-CEO, Partnership for Children & Youth

State Opportunities to Champion CACFP
2026-06-18 13:00 - 14:00
Join FRAC for a webinar that spotlights how states are working to strengthen and expand access to the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). This session will highlight innovative strategies, partnerships, and policy approaches that state partners are using to reach more children and adults with nutritious meals and snacks.
Speakers: — Keely Agan, Hunger Free Vermont — Kayla Snyder, Hunger Solutions New York

Register

State Opportunities to Champion CACFP
2026-06-18 13:00 - 14:00
Join FRAC for a webinar that spotlights how states are working to strengthen and expand access to the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). This session will highlight innovative strategies, partnerships, and policy approaches that state partners are using to reach more children and adults with nutritious meals and snacks.

Speakers:
— Keely Agan, Child Nutrition Initiatives Manager, Hunger Free Vermont
— Kayla Snyder, CACFP Outreach and Engagement Specialist, Hunger Solutions New York

Register

Future Ready AI Session 2: AI for School Success: Tools to Learn, Study, and Create
2026-06-23 14:30 - 16:30 | The University of New Mexico-Valencia Campus, 280 La Entrada Rd, Los Lunas, NM 87031, USA Room LRC 101

Virtual Roundtable on Youth Digital Safety and The Role of Afterschool Programs featuring Attorney General Torrez
2026-06-24 10:00
NMOST invites you to join us at a Virtual Roundtable on Youth Digital Safety and the Role of Afterschool Programs on June 24 at 10 AM Mountain Time.

This Roundtable brings together afterschool professionals, educators, community leaders, and youth to examine the intersection of afterschool safety and digital risk, with a focus on the implications of the New Mexico v. Meta Platforms, Inc.

The Roundtable will include a presentation from Attorney General Torrez and a panel discussion from afterschool providers sharing lessons learned from digital safety programs in the afterschool space:
Sandy Campbell, Executive Director, True Kids 1
Robert Stokowy, Executive Director, Warehouse 505
Christian Naea, Assistant Executive Director, Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Fe/Del Norte

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Strategies for Increasing Redemption Rates in Summer EBT
2026-06-25 13:00 - 14:00
As Summer EBT enters its third summer, the program continues to play an important role in reducing summer hunger for children and families. To strengthen implementation and increase benefit use, state agencies, advocacy organizations, and other partners need effective outreach and communication strategies. Join FRAC and partners for a discussion of promising practices to improve Summer EBT redemption rates, with examples and lessons that can help strengthen programs in future summers.

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Future Ready AI Session 5: Jobs, Skills, and Opportunities in New Mexico
2026-06-28 14:30 - 16:30 | The University of New Mexico-Valencia Campus, 280 La Entrada Rd, Los Lunas, NM 87031, USA Room LRC 101

Transforming Cybersecurity: Why Women Must Lead the Way
2026-06-30 12:00 - 13:00
JUNE 30 | Transforming Cybersecurity: Why Women Must Lead the Way Women are the fastest-growing segment of the global talent pool, but they hold less than 25% of cybersecurity roles worldwide. Join Girls Who Code CEO Dr. Tarika Barrett, VP of Research and Strategy Ryan Clarke, and Women in Cybersecurity Executive Director Lynn Dohm for a conversation on what it takes to build a more equitable and sustainable cybersecurity workforce. Register today.
