January 15, 2025

This is your weekly newsletter featuring program spotlights, innovative resources, and training opportunities for the out-of-school-time industry in Florida. Together, we can ensure all children and youth in Florida have access to affordable, available, high-quality expanded learning opportunities to foster their success in school and beyond.

Florida Afterschool Advocacy Fellowship Launches with Inaugural Cohort!

Florida After School, Inc. is proud to announce the launch of its inaugural Florida Afterschool Advocacy Fellowship. This program empowers ten outstanding individuals to champion high-quality out-of-school-time (OST) programs across the state.


Throughout the year, these fellows will engage in training sessions, advocacy activities, and collaborative opportunities, culminating in an Afterschool for All Rally in Orlando, celebrating Lights On Afterschool. 

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If you have an idea for an afterschool spotlight or would like to be featured, email Holly to help share your story!

Sharing the science of reading: Florida Center for Reading Research hosts open house for educators

A Florida State University research center is making a positive impact on literacy, at home and around the world. At an open house last month, the Florida Center for Reading Research (FCRR) opened its Innovation Park site to the public to showcase initiatives to help educators and the groundbreaking research led by the center’s dedicated faculty, students and staff.

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Wu Family Foundation gift launches capital campaign for Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County

The Maylene and Wen Wu Family Foundation has pledged a $1 million gift to kickstart Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County's capital campaign to renovate its Park Meadows Community Club.

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2 Northwest Florida districts see boost in high school graduation rates for 2023-24

Florida reported the state’s high school graduation rate increased for the 2023-24 school year. Governor Ron DeSantis says it boosted to 89.7%, which is up from the 86.9% during the pandemic.

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2024 in review: New state investments help grow support for afterschool and summer

This year, six states were added to the growing list of states investing in afterschool and summer learning programs through their budgets.

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We're turning 25! Here's what is on the horizon.

Welcome to 2025! It’s a big year for us – our Silver Anniversary – and we are hitting the ground running! The year is packed full of new policy updates, data releases, and resources for the field. We will kick off 2025 by educating new leaders about the importance of afterschool and summer. We’re expecting a tough year for funding so we will need to raise all voices.


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Florida School Boards Association announces statewide campaign: 'Florida Public Schools - Endless Opportunities'

The Florida School Boards Association (FSBA) announced the launch of their statewide campaign, "Florida Public Schools - Endless Opportunities." The campaign is aimed to showcase the achievements, transformative programs, and dedication to public schools across Florida.

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Watch FSU PBS KIDS

Watch for free your favorite PBS KIDS shows like Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood, Wild Kratts, Odd Squad, and Sesame Street anywhere, on any device, on your family’s schedule.

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Find grants and funding opportunities with our updated funding database!

Funding for programs can come from a wide variety of sources - federal, state, and local governments, foundations large and small, and other donor groups. That’s why we are so excited to reveal our updated Funding Database! Newly refreshed for 2025, the database has the latest information and leads on funding applications to fit your program.

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LEARNING FROM OTHERS: Parks and Recreation secures grant to bring physical activity education to youth in afterschool program

A $13,000 grant is helping Parks and Recreation positively impact elementary school students through "Let's Move!", a 12-week physical activity education program.

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Don't Procrastinate on Filling Out the 2025-26 FAFSA if You Need Money for College

Don't wait to fill out this financial aid form. Getting an early start can help maximize your award.

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Register Here

YES Enrichment: Unlocking STEM Potential through Informal Learning

Webinar: Wednesday, January 15 from 7PM-8PM


Join us for an engaging webinar designed for enrichment educators, where we’ll explore a dynamic engineering curriculum tailored to inspire creativity and problem-solving in young learners. Participants will learn how to foster critical thinking, collaboration, and innovation through engineering challenges, while also gaining practical tips on integrating these activities into afterschool or enrichment programs. Whether you're new to engineering education or looking to expand your teaching toolkit, this webinar will provide valuable strategies to engage students in STEM learning.

Register Here

STEM Leader Institute: Engineering in PK-8

Webinar: Wednesday, January 22 & Thursday, January 23 from 8:30AM-3:30PM


During this two-day workshop, participants will engage with our professional learning team in hands-on explorations of the PreK-8 curricular resources and pedagogical frameworks that define high-quality engineering education. Participants will feel prepared to facilitate immersive workshops and support educators implementing our YES and EiE curriculum.

Register Here

Prime Time Offers STEAM Opportunities in Out-of-School Time Programs

Trainings: Every other Friday morning beginning January 24 at 9AM


This fall Prime Time's STEAM training series will be back and better than ever! Participants will learn and practice engaging activities that explore the worlds of science, technology, engineering, arts and math. This series will boost practitioners’ confidence in science knowledge, demonstrates activities that link youth development strategies and intentional STEAM learning opportunities and guides participants in implementing STEAM in their program that is easy and effective.

Register Here

STEM Leader Institute: Engineering in PK-8

Webinar: Wednesday, January 22 & Thursday, January 23 from 8:30AM-3:30PM


During this two-day workshop, participants will engage with our professional learning team in hands-on explorations of the PreK-8 curricular resources and pedagogical frameworks that define high-quality engineering education. Participants will feel prepared to facilitate immersive workshops and support educators implementing our YES and EiE curriculum.

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Youth Mental Health First Aid Course

Youth Mental Health First Aid is a course for participants 18 years and older who want to learn how to help an adolescent (age 12-18) who may be experiencing a mental health or addictions challenge or is in crisis. This course is designed for adults who regularly interact with young people, including parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, school staff, peers, neighbors, health and human services workers, and other caring citizens.

Afterschool Virtual Resource Fair

Wednesday, February 26 at 11:30 AM

Join us for a Virtual Resource Fair where you'll discover valuable tools, services, and partnerships to support your programs. Connect with vendors, explore new resources, and gain insights-all from the comfort of your home or office!

Register Now

SAVE THE DATE

Join us at NAA25!

Celebrate yourself and others at NAA 2025 Convention from March 9-12, 2025 at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville, Tennessee! Learn & Connect: Afterschool professionals will be recognized in their work and gain practical tips, proven strategies, and new ideas at NAA25. Every learning session values human connection and inspired learning.

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SAVE THE DATE

Afterschool Symposium 2025 - Prime Time Palm Beach County

On May 9, 2025, out-of-school time professionals are invited to attend Prime Time's annual Afterschool Symposium. Prime Time hosts its Afterschool Symposium every year to celebrate the exemplary efforts of our local out-of-school time practitioners while offering professional development workshops that deliver the tools to Empower Young Minds, Engage Communities and Create Lasting Impact so together we can help children and youth succeed by strengthening and expanding quality in the out-of-school time field.

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REGISTRATION OPENS NEXT WEEK

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Florida After School, Inc. | FLafterschool.com

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