August 2025

The Impact Afterschool Conference is just around the corner & planning is in full swing!

Registration is open, so be sure to get your team signed up.

We also still have exhibitor opportunities available if you’d like to showcase your organization or resources.

Take a look below for a sneak peek at some of the exciting sessions on deck.

Stay tuned—our full schedule and speaker lineup will be announced soon!

Impact Afterschool Conference

Thursday, September 25, 2025

7:30am-4:30pm

Drake University Olmsted Center

2875 University Ave,

Des Moines, Iowa 50311

NEW THIS YEAR! Afterschool Evening Reception

Join us the evening before the Impact Afterschool Conference for a special reception honoring the heart of afterschool - afterschool and out-of-school time providers, advocates, supporters, and youth! Enjoy light refreshments, connect with peers from across the state, and help us celebrate the power of thriving together.

RSVP with the number of attendees you plan on bringing with you (family is more than welcome!) at this link or the QR code above.

Please note: Registration for Impact Afterhours is separate from the main Impact Afterschool Conference. There is no cost to attend Impact Afterhours. All are welcome!

Questions regarding the Impact Afterschool Conference or Impact Afterhours?

Don't hesitate to reach out!

Links are also available at https://linktr.ee/iowaafterschoolalliance.

Professional Development Opportunities

Building Bridges: Meaningful Family Engagement in Afterschool Programs

Wednesday, September 10th

10am-11am CST

Virtual

Join us to explore best practices for engaging families in afterschool programs. Discover creative strategies to involve caregivers, support early literacy at home, and align your efforts with the school day. You’ll leave with practical tools and fresh ideas to strengthen connections and build lasting partnerships with families.

Afterschool Assets

Welcome Back Students!

Welcome back to a brand-new school year! The Iowa Afterschool Alliance is excited to stand alongside students, families, educators, and program providers as we begin another year full of opportunity. Afterschool and summer programs play a vital role in helping young people discover their passions, build lasting relationships, and thrive both in and out of the classroom.

As students return to school, we celebrate the commitment of dedicated staff and community partners who work tirelessly to ensure every child has access to safe, enriching, and inspiring spaces beyond the school day.

Lights on Afterschool

Lights On Afterschool is back for its 26th year, celebrating afterschool programs, students, and staff! Taking place this year on October 23, 2025, this nationwide event brings together more than 8,000 programs showcasing the important role that afterschool plays in supporting youth, families, and communities. 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 26th, join us for this webinar to inspire you to get the most out of your event!

Learn more about Lights on Afterschool and Plan an Event

A Family's Guide to Teaching Good Character

Check out the new Family Guide to Teaching Good Character from Character Counts and Drake University. This free guide includes helpful tips and innovative tools including Family Pact, Family Conversation Tools, Quick Questions, and more. Each of the Six Pillars of Character (trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, and caring) are represented in this useful guide.

Free Family's Guide to Teaching Good Character

SAVE THE DATE:

Celebrate the 26th annual Lights On Afterschool

Oct. 23, 2025!

Start prepping for your event in the fall with resources from the Afterschool Alliance .

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