Afterschool Policy Pulse
2025-11-14 10:00 - 10:30, 2026-01-09 10:00 - 10:30 (America/Denver) | NM
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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Explora: AI for Early Childhood Workshop
2025-11-18 14:00 - 16:00
Join us for activities exploring artificial intelligence for young learners. You’ll immediately be able to apply these ideas with your students!
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GWC Workshop #3: Job Search Tips & Tricks
2025-11-18 16:00 - 17:00
Join Girls Who Code for this workshop to hear from multiple tech companies share best practices when job searching!

Want to learn more? We recommend viewing our resources under ‘Job Search Tips & Tricks’ in Upskill with GWC through IBM SkillsBuild.
If you have any questions regarding this event, please check out some of our FAQs below or here for additional questions.

If you are aged 18 – 26 and interested in elevating your early career tech journey, you are eligible to participate in Upskill Series! We are excited to offer this opportunity to our early career community.
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Career-Connected Learning Training: Engaging Families and Communities Part II
2025-11-19 13:00 - 14:00
In this follow-up session to the first Engaging Families and Communities training, attendees will focus on building community partnerships that bring STEM careers to life. Participants will learn how to connect with role models, professionals using STEM in everyday jobs, and hubs like libraries and museums. Attendees will leave with practical approaches for engaging local partners and three career-connected STEM activities to extend learning beyond the program.
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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Beyond the Conference: Foundations Webinar Series
2025-11-19 13:00 - 14:00
Keeping your OST program thriving beyond a grant? Easier said than done. In this second session of our Sustainability Series, we’re diving deeper into what it really takes to build lasting impact through strong partnerships, smart planning, and a vision for the long haul. Missed Part 1? No worries! You can catch up anytime on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8DXw0WSpTCQ Hosted by Chaz Sumner & Scarlett O’Dell, Education Specialists at Foundations, Inc.
Your voice matters — join the conversation live!
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Wrap-Up Spotlight with Dr. Tarika Barrett (GWC)
2025-11-20 13:00 - 14:00
Join Girls Who Code as they wrap up the first Upskill Series with Dr. Tarika Barrett!

If you have any questions regarding this event, please check out some of our FAQs below or here for additional questions.

If you are aged 18 – 26 and interested in elevating your early career tech journey, you are eligible to participate in Upskill Series! We are excited to offer this opportunity to our early career community.

EdFunders OST Impact Group Monthly Field Convening
2025-11-21 10:00 - 11:00
Please join EdFunders OST Impact Group on the third Friday of every month 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. ET / 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. PT. Register once for the series and join as your schedule allows. You will receive the Zoom info upon registration and one day before each program. Next meeting is November 21, 12-1PM ET. Supporting Youth Work Professionals Through Communities of Practice. There is no cost to attend these Grantmakers for Education programs.

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Supporting AI Education in Out-of-School Time Spaces
2025-11-25 11:00 - 12:00
Supporting AI Education in Out-of-School Time Spaces

Date: November 25, 2025 1-2PM ET / 10 – 11 AM PT
Facilitators: National Girls Collaborative Project
Description: Join the National Girls Collaborative Project (NGCP) and experts from the field of artificial intelligence (AI) and education to gain the confidence and actionable tools you need to prepare youth for an increasingly AI-driven world!
AI education in afterschool and other out-of-school time (OST) settings, such as clubs and camps, is vital because it offers equitable access to future-ready skills, reaching students who may lack exposure during the school day. These flexible, informal learning environments are ideal for hands-on, project-based learning that demystifies AI and fosters critical thinking about its societal impact. Join NGCP for this timely webinar to learn how (and why) the integration of AI into OST settings is increasingly important in today’s digital world. Guest speaker Karen Lang will share Technovation‘s resources on AI that can be used in afterschool and OST programs, and researcher Daniella DiPaola will share resources and strategies from the MIT Media Lab’s Student Voices in AI curriculum. This webinar will provide attendees with essential knowledge, practical strategies, and curricular resources for effectively empowering youth with AI – you won’t want to miss it! Register here

From Guide to Practice: Get Better Results for Jobseekers with AI: A Virtual Workshop Session
2025-12-02 12:00 - 13:30
In a new hands-on workshop, built on the principles of Jobs for the Future’s “Generative AI: A How-To Guide for Career Coaches,” JFF will show you how to thoughtfully integrate AI as a powerful partner in your practice. Through real-world examples, guided exercises, and peer-to-peer practice, you’ll move beyond the hype and learn practical strategies to boost your efficiency, tailor support to unique jobseeker needs, and free up more time for the human-centric coaching where you shine brightest. Whether you’re new to AI or ready to deepen your skills, this session will equip you with tools to create better outcomes for the people you serve.
Learn how artificial intelligence can enhance career navigation, pathways, and student support services—boosting efficiency, personalizing guidance, and strengthening the human connections that drive meaningful career outcomes.
Click here to register!

10 Grant Survival Tips presented by NMOST in partnership with The Grant Plant
2025-12-03 12:00 - 14:00
Register now for this upcoming 2-hour workshop presented by NMOST in partnership with The Grant Plant! The workshop, “10 Grant Survival Tips,” provides ten key tips for navigating the grant proposal process, moving from “survival mode to happy campers”. During the workshop, we will focus on practical insights for planning and writing successful proposals. The workshop covers the full grant lifecycle, including assessing the alignment of an opportunity to your organization’s needs, understanding the unique focus of different funders, and the critical importance of getting organized with tools like work plans and templates. The session also provides strategies for managing the project, identifying “dangers” or red flags early, and writing strategic, reviewer-friendly narratives that are compliant, complete, competitive, and compelling. This workshop will be held on Wednesday, December 3 at 12-2 pm Mountain Time!
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December 2025 Power Hour
2025-12-03 14:00 - 15:00
Topic: Financial Literacy
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PowerUp! Exploring Fluid Power: A Town Hall with Women in STEM
2025-12-03 17:00 - 18:00
Join the National Girls Collaborative Project’s Youth Advisory Board and the National Fluid Power Association for an inspiring Town Hall featuring women engineers who are shaping the future through fluid power technology. Designed for middle and high school students, this event invites participants to explore how creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving fuel exciting STEM careers.
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Description

Did you know that fluid power technology helps make things move—from airplane wings and construction equipment to theme park rides and electric vehicles? It’s the driving force behind innovation in industries like aerospace, entertainment, and transportation.
Join the National Girls Collaborative Project’s Youth Advisory Board and the National Fluid Power Association for an inspiring Town Hall featuring women engineers who are shaping the future through fluid power technology.
Designed for middle and high school students, this event invites participants to explore how creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving fuel exciting STEM careers. Women engineers Ada Leung, Cindy Cookson, and Sharvari Divey Teal will share their journeys and insights during a panel discussion facilitated by members of the Youth Advisory Board.
Discover how you can power your future with STEM!

Role Model Panelists:
Ada Leung, Vice President of Sales at Anfield Sensors Inc.
My career highlight was realizing that having an engineering background enabled me to be able to learn and adapt in various facets of an organization. It has allowed me to pivot into different roles, and now I very much enjoy the ability to travel and communicate with clients around the world. I started off as an engineer and had the opportunity to move into different technical roles and now into sales. My passion is driven by seeing success within the organization, traveling, and playing competitive sports.

Cindy Cookson, Vice President and General Manager, North America Fluid Power at Gates Corporation
I have served as Vice President and General Manager for Gates Corporation’s North America Fluid Power business unit for nearly two years of my 12 years with Gates. In this critical role, I lead the team responsible for both growth and operational success. Over my two decades in the rubber industry, I’ve built a career that spans engineering, manufacturing, and product leadership, providing me a 360-degree view of what it takes to deliver innovation and impact. As a lifelong Girl Scout and a new student of Mahjong, I bring curiosity, resilience, and a sense of community to everything I do.

Sharvari Divey Teall, Group Leader – Hydraulics at Crown Equipment Corporation
I began my career as a fluid power engineer immediately after graduating from college. I have applied my expertise in system design and modeling across various sectors, including agriculture, forestry, off-highway vehicles, and, most recently, the material handling industry. Currently, I serve as the Group Leader for Hydraulics at Crown Equipment Corporation, where I lead a team of four hydraulic engineers. I have always been passionate about Fluid and Thermal Sciences, and my work in hydraulics aligns perfectly with my interests. Fun Fact: I graduated alongside an incredible cohort of 45 female Mechanical Engineers!

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Afterschool Webinar: The STEM Talk | Your 30-Minute, Monthly STEM Pulse Check
2025-12-04 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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Holiday Sweater Networking 2025
2025-12-04 13:00 - 14:00
Join NGCP for a fun-filled hour of networking with other individuals who are passionate about STEM equity!
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Description

Join NGCP for a fun-filled hour of networking with other individuals who are passionate about STEM equity!
Grab your hot cocoa and your favorite winter or holiday sweater for this fun and festive collaboration networking event! During this interactive event, you will get the chance to meet and exchange information with individuals who are interested in STEM equity through a combination of large group and breakout group activities. This event will serve as an opportunity to create collaborations among individuals and organizations committed to engaging youth in STEM so that we can improve opportunities by leveraging resources and expertise. From educators to researchers, college students to caregivers, we welcome ALL interested individuals to register and join the fun!

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The Power of Stories
2025-12-18 11:00 - 12:00
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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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
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.
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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.
