April 2025

This Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week (April 21-25, 2025), let’s take a moment to recognize and uplift the incredible people who make out-of-school time meaningful for millions of kids.

Afterschool professionals do more than supervise — they inspire, empower, and transform lives. Whether they’re helping with homework, leading STEM projects, coaching sports, or simply being a listening ear, these dedicated individuals play a vital role in shaping the future.

Want to show appreciation? Try this!

✍️ Write a thank-you card—a personal note goes a long way!

📧 Send an email to an afterschool professional’s supervisor, recognizing their impact.

📢 Declare your appreciation on social media! Use the hashtag #HeartOfAfterschool to share a story, photo, or shoutout.

Want to shout someone out on IAA’s social media? Send their photo, title, organization, and a few words about why you appreciate them to aslaughter@iowaafterschoolalliance.org!

Let’s flood our feeds with appreciation! More ideas for APAW can be found here.

Lights On Afterschool Poster Contest!

The Lights On Afterschool contest is open! Submit any artwork that captures the spirit of afterschool. The winner will be featured at over 8,000 events, gain national recognition, and receive a $500 prize.

Fill out this entry form and send it, along with your artwork, to Afterschool Alliance, Lights On Afterschool Poster Contest, 1101 14th Street NW, Suite 700, Washington, D.C. 20005.

The deadline for submissions is June 30, 2025. For the full list of do's and don'ts (and helpful tips on creating a winning design), visit the Afterschool Snack.

Big News! IAA joins NAA!

The Iowa Afterschool Alliance is now the newest affiliate of the National AfterSchool Association. This partnership boosts support, advocacy, and professional development for out-of-school time (OST) programs across Iowa. As the 36th affiliate, IAA will help grow a stronger OST network—advancing equity, youth empowerment, and workforce development across the state.

What it means: IAA now has access to NAA’s national resources, events, and field leadership efforts focused on quality, equity, and connection. Keep an eye out as we begin sharing these resources across Iowa!

Upcoming Professional

Development Opportunities

Adopting a Mentor Mindset

Presented by Iowa MENTOR, this "first step training" explores critical attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors essential for effective mentorship. Participants will learn about youth development, the mentoring relationship cycle, and the critical thinking skills needed to support young people. The training fosters self-awareness and supportive engagement, equipping mentors with key competencies. Participants should come prepared to learn and interact with others.

Wednesday, April 30th - 10am-11:30am CST

Registration for the Iowa Afterschool Alliance hosted webinars can be found by scanning the QR codes above or visiting https://linktr.ee/iowaafterschoolalliance. These webinars are free for youth-serving professionals and are eligible for HHS credit via I-PoWeR.

Fall Impact Conference: Call for Presenters!

It's that time of year again! IAA has opened the Call for Presenters for the 13th Annual Impact Afterschool Conference. We're looking for dynamic and informative presentations to benefit the afterschool network in Iowa at this year's conference

Follow this link for more details!

Afterschool Assets

Does your community host a local Farmers Market? Consider partnering with organizers to bring the Iowa PBS Farmers Market program to your town this summer!

This initiative contains 12 weeks worth of activities that build on everyday literacy learning for children. There's a program guide, games, STEM activities, recipes that kids can make with their families, and more.

For more information, contact Iowa PBS Education Outreach Specialist Nicki Mullins!

Clover for Youth is offering a six-session curriculum for middle school youth programs in summer 2025. This engaging SEL program helps students develop self-awareness, social skills, and confidence through interactive activities. Programs with multi-day summer sessions are encouraged to apply.

APPLY NOW

Welcome to Joe Collins!

Joe Collins recently began a new position within the Iowa DOE to support Out-of-School Time (OST) programs, which covers supervised programs for youth before school, afterschool and during summer breaks. Joe oversees the Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) Title IV, Part B federal funds in Iowa and other state or federal programs like the Out of School Time Career Pathways (OSTCP) Grant and Learning Beyond the Bell Grant.

Have a question for Joe? Connect with him via email!

Need technical assistance? Access to materials? Professional development or trainings for your team? Visit our Linktree or website for guidance to IAA resources!

Iowa Afterschool Alliance | www.iowaafterschoolalliance.org