NMOST

Capacity Building in Today's OST Policy Environment
2026-08-05 10:30 - 12:00 (America/Denver)
Join the Forum for Youth Investment, the Afterschool Alliance, and the American Institutes for Research (AIR) for a conversation on capacity building and the policy environment facing 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) today. We’ll look at how capacity building drives better outcomes, the current funding and policy realities programs face, and how the ESSA/ESEA waiver environment is affecting state-level capacity-building and quality investments — with firsthand examples of what’s at stake. Hear from researchers and advocates on the front lines of this work, and explore what it means for your own program and community.

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The STEM Talk: Beyond the Funding
2026-08-06 08:00 - 17:00
This month, STEM leaders have new moves to make. The WIOA overhaul in the Stronger Workforce for America Act, fresh state waivers reshaping Title fund control, and 134 state AI-in-education bills are all converging on classrooms right now. In this August episode, we’re skipping the recap and going straight to the actions you need to take in response to these federal and state signals.

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R4Creating STEM Festival
2026-08-08 09:00 - 12:00 | R4Creating, 1650A Rio Rancho Blvd E, Rio Rancho, NM, United States
The STEM Festival is R4Creating’s free annual community celebration of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Families, students, and educators enjoy hands-on activities including robotics, drones, 3D printing, makerspace projects, coding, engineering challenges, and interactive exhibits hosted by community and industry partners. The festival inspires curiosity, introduces participants to STEM careers, and connects families with year-round educational and workforce development opportunities.

Warehouse 505 End of Semester Showcase
2026-08-08 12:00 - 15:00 | Warehouse 505
Learn more at https://warehouse505.org/

IGNITE: A New Framework for Democracy Service-Learning
2026-08-12 11:00 - 12:00
This is the moment to IGNITE your service-learning practice. Born out of years of research and practice, IGNITE is NLYC’s newest framework for service-learning, built to help schools and youth organizations move young people from civic knowledge to civic action. In this session, you’ll be among the first to see the framework unveiled in full: what it is, how it works, and why it’s different from what’s come before. nylc staff will walk through each element live, showing exactly how IGNITE translates into real classrooms and real programs, not just theory on a slide. You’ll leave with an early look at the tools and resources behind the framework, plus a clear sense of how to bring IGNITE to your own program or classroom.
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Build Back-to-School Skills Through Hands-On Engineering
2026-08-12 12:00 - 13:00, 2026-08-26 17:00 - 18:00
Start the school year building a positive classroom culture with hands-on engineering experiences that foster collaboration, communication, and problem-solving skills. In this interactive webinar, educators will explore the Engineering Design Process and complete a design challenge to create a pencil case that holds five pencils and survives a four-foot drop test. Participants will leave with engaging, classroom-ready engineering activities.

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The Flourish Lab No Cost Workshop: The Ripple Effect
2026-08-13 10:00 - 10:45
The response you choose in each moment has an inevitable ripple effect on the youth in your program, co-workers, parents, guardians and others in your program community. When we are intentional about our actions, we can maximize the chance of making a positive impact on those we care about. In this workshop, we consider the multitude of ways to respond to common scenarios in youth development, and the possible outcomes of those choices.
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Policy Pulse
2026-08-14 10:00 - 10:30
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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CYESS Civic Saturday: The Future Is Now: Youth Making A Difference
2026-08-15 10:00 - 11:00
Join the Collective for Youth Empowerment in STEM & Society (CYESS) for a quarterly virtual event to hear from incredible young people and their experiences creating change in their community. CYESS aims to bring young people, 6th-12th graders, from around the country to learn from one another and ask questions that help spur their civic action. Following the panel, the meeting will transition into small group discussions to help youth make connections with one another, share ideas, and learn from one another.
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Building AI Literacy for Inclusion in STEM: Resources and Strategies from a National Landscape Study
2026-08-19 10:00 - 11:00
As usage of artificial intelligence (AI) increases, supporting educators in understanding how to use AI safely, effectively, and ethically in K-12 learning settings is crucial to empowering the next generation to navigate a digital future with confidence and responsibility. Join us for this timely webinar to explore the current state of AI literacy and learn about resources for exploring AI in STEM learning environments. This webinar will share findings and recommendations from a national landscape study conducted as part of the Building AI Literacy for Inclusion in STEM initiative, developed by NGCP in partnership with Ingenia Learning and STEM Next Opportunity Fund, made possible through the generous support of the AMD Foundation.
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Afterschool Webinar: America After 3PM: Special Report on STEM
2026-08-26 11:00 - 12:00
On behalf of the Afterschool Alliance and in collaboration with AAAS – STEMM Opportunity Alliance, we are pleased to invite you to join us for the release of the America After 3PM: Special Report on STEM.
The event will feature an overview of the national report findings that reveal parent priorities and expectations for STEM learning in afterschool, STEM subjects and skills young people are accessing in afterschool, and where the gaps are. It will be followed by a panel discussion featuring speakers with diverse perspectives on afterschool STEM – a funder, an expert on workforce, and perspectives from afterschool STEM program providers.
You will leave with a new appreciation for the critical role of afterschool programs in the STEM learning ecosystem and a clear understanding of actions we can all take to support more STEM learning opportunities in afterschool programs.
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Afterschool Meals Matter: Strategies and Practical Takeaways
2026-08-27 13:00 - 14:00
Afterschool meals are more important than ever for reducing hunger, helping students stay engaged and ready to learn, and strengthening connections among schools, community partners, and families. This webinar will explore strategies for strengthening and expanding afterschool meal programs, including outreach, partnerships, site engagement, and menu planning.

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YEI Power Hour: Financial Literacy for All Ages
2026-08-27 14:00 - 15:00
Topic: Financial Literacy for All Ages
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The STEM Talk | Your 30-Minute, Monthly STEM Pulse Check
2026-09-03 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.
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Explora: Renewable Energy: Water Power
2026-09-03 17:00 - 19:00 | Explora, 1701 Mountain Rd NW, Albuquerque, NM, 87104, United States
Renewable Energy: Water Power

Sept 3, 2026
5 pm – 7 pm at Explora – 1701 Mountain Rd NW, Albuquerque NM
Explore clean renewable energy from the waves, tides, and currents. Roll up your sleeves for some fun activities ready for your classroom that connect to math and science standards. Learn about local research as you explore clean renewable energy! You’ll be ready to immediately apply your learnings with students.
Please contact Explora Education with questions – education@explora.us
This workshop is funded with the support of Sandia National Laboratories Water Power Organization and offered at no cost to participants.

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Explora: Renewable Energy: Water Power Workshop (In Person)
2026-09-03 17:00 - 19:00 | Explora, 1701 Mountain Rd NW, Albuquerque, NM, 87104, United States
An in-person workshop for middle and high school educators, librarians & out-of-school time providers. Stipend provided.
Explore clean renewable energy from the waves, tides, and currents. Roll up your sleeves for some fun activities ready for your classroom that connect to math and science standards. Learn about local research as you explore clean renewable energy!
Register

Lights On Afterschool 101
2026-09-09 12:00 - 13:00
Whether this is your first Lights On Afterschool or your 27th, join us for this webinar to discover new ideas and put a fresh spin on your event this year!

Like afterschool programs, Lights On Afterschool celebrations come in all shapes and sizes and don’t have to be huge to be effective. Whether this is your first Lights On Afterschool or your 27th, join us for this webinar to discover new ideas and put a fresh spin on your event this year!

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Mapping the Money, Building the Vision: Strategic Public Financing 101 with N﻿ative Communities
2026-09-10 11:00 - 12:00
What would thriving look like for Native children and youth in your nation or community? What would it look like to answer that question with your own data, on your own terms? Join us for a webinar to learn more about a new training built by and for Tribal citizens, designed to help Tribal communities answer these questions.
Our training is built on Children’s Funding Project’s strategic public financing framework and adapted specifically for Tribal sovereignty and governance contexts by a team of Tribal citizens. It organizes around three questions many communities are asking:

Who is investing in our Native children and youth—and how much?
What does it truly cost to deliver what our children deserve?
How do we close any gaps without compromising our sovereignty?

During the webinar, we will preview what Tribal leaders, administrators, and practitioners can expect from the training coming this fall and the important role they will play in co-creating and developing the training for Tribal nations to improve funding for our Native children and youth. Attendees also will meet the members of the team behind the Strategic Public Financing 101 with Native Communities training, and learn more about their personal connections to this work. There is no wrong door. Success is Tribally determined. Interested nations, Native communities (including urban Indian communities), organizations, and partners are invited to join us during this webinar to learn more.

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Youth as Solutions Film Festival
2026-09-11 17:00 - 18:00
Experience the stories. Meet the filmmakers. Be inspired to take action. The Youth as Solutions Film Festival features a curated collection of short films created by youth leaders documenting how they are addressing real challenges in their communities through service-learning and civic engagement. After the screenings, audiences will hear directly from the student filmmakers and story-telling experts during a live panel discussion exploring the challenges, triumphs, and impact behind storytelling. This unique event celebrates the power of youth changemakers while offering a unique opportunity to learn from experts in filmmaking. Leave inspired by the creativity, resilience, and leadership of a generation that is already making a lasting difference.
Sponsored by the Shinnyo-en Foundation.

This event will take place via Zoom. You will receive the link to join the Zoom call closer to the event date.

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Girls Who Code: AI and the Modern Hiring Process, a Fireside Chat
2026-09-15 16:00 - 17:00
Tune in virtually on Tuesday, September 15th at 6 PM ET for a candid fireside chat about how AI is shaping hiring, the ethical questions these tools raise, and how to use them responsibly as you navigate your job search.
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Boosting Budgets With Sustainable Afterschool Meal Programs
2026-09-17 13:00 - 14:00
Join FRAC for this webinar to learn how afterschool meals can help strengthen program budgets by maximizing federal reimbursements, offsetting food and operating costs, and supporting more sustainable afterschool programming.

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Explora: Place-Based STEAM Workshop (Virtual)
2026-09-17 17:00 - 18:15
A virtual workshop for educators, librarians, and out-of-school time providers (1 CEU)

You’ll explore how to leverage students’ cultural and linguistic strengths as assets to enhance STEAM learning experiences in place-based activities. Get ready to use these activities immediately with your students!
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Virtual Zoom link sent one day before.
Register by Sept 9 for kit-pick up or shipment for first 20 registrants.

YEI Educator Power Hour
2026-09-24 14:00 - 15:00
Topic: Market Research and Prototyping
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Girls Who Code: Technical Interview Prep: Software Engineering
2026-09-24 14:00 - 15:00
Get hands-on virtual interview practice on Thursday, September 24th at 4 PM ET with a live mock interview, a software engineering prompt, and supportive feedback from industry volunteers to help you build confidence for your next technical interview.
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From EiE to YES: The Evolution of Engineering Education
2026-09-24 17:00 - 18:00
Discover how Engineering is Elementary evolved into Youth Engineering Solutions and how our STEM resources continue to grow to support today’s learners and educators. This webinar explores the evolution from EiE to YES, highlighting updated curriculum, educator supports, and engineering challenges like Pumpkin Pollinators that reflect authentic, hands-on learning experiences.

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Explora: Renewable Energy: Wind Power Workshop (In Person)
2026-09-26 12:30 - 14:30 | Explora, 1701 Mountain Rd NW, Albuquerque, NM, 87104, United States
Investigate the science and engineering behind renewable energy! Explore hands-on activities with motors and generators and design your own wind turbine blade using everyday materials.
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Explora
1701 Mountain Rd NW
Albuquerque, NM 87104

Building AI Literacy for Inclusion in STEM: Recommendations in Action in OST Settings
2026-09-29 11:00 - 12:00
As AI continues to reshape educational landscapes, Out-of-School Time (OST) programs play a pivotal role in ensuring all youth have equitable access to AI learning. Join NGCP and the STEM Next Opportunity Fund for actionable strategies and real-world examples to empower OST educators, program leaders, and community partners.
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Summer Starts in September Webinar + PLC Open House
2026-09-30 11:00 - 13:30
Bring your team and join summer learning leaders from across the country as we reflect on what worked, what we learned, and what we can do even better in 2027. You’ll gain practical insights, promising strategies, and resources you can put to work right away as you begin planning for next summer.
Don’t miss the PLC Open House during the final 30 minutes! Connect directly with peers from across the country, meet NSLA’s Professional Learning Community leaders and key partners, and explore opportunities to learn and collaborate through interactive breakout rooms.
You’ll leave with:

Fresh ideas and lessons from Summer 2026
Practical resources & Partners to strengthen your 2027 planning
New connections with summer learning leaders nationwide
Actionable next steps you can put into motion this fall

Summer doesn’t start in June. It starts with the planning we do in September.
Register yourself—and invite your team—to join us September 30th.
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STEM Pathways for All
2026-10-17 09:00 - 16:00
Join STEM Santa Fe Saturday, October 17, 9am–4pm, at Santa Fe Community College (NM) for the 2026 STEM Pathways for All Conference — hands-on workshops, a keynote speaker, and a STEAM fair, all designed to help students explore pathways in science, technology, engineering, and math. Open to students in grades 5–8. New Mexico Higher Education Department Santa Fe Public Schools

Registration is free upon request. Opting to pay the $40 fee covers a portion of the conference cost.

Register: tinyurl.com/Fall2026STEMConference
