February 2026

Afterschool Helps Young People Realize Their Potential

Afterschool Alliance's new resource, Realizing Potential: Comprehensive Afterschool Programs, highlights the powerful role afterschool plays in helping young people grow into strong learners, earners, and leaders.

The first page shows how afterschool programs support academic success, build teamwork and problem-solving skills, keep youth active, and provide caring mentors and safe spaces within the community. The second page outlines the key principles that define high-quality, comprehensive afterschool programs. Use this resource to better understand and share the full impact of afterschool in your community.

Read the full one-pager here.

Read Across Iowa

Through Read Across Iowa, Iowa Agriculture Literacy Foundation (IALF) connects literacy, science, and real-world agriculture concepts to increase agricultural literacy among Iowa students using high-quality children's literature.

Read Across Iowa Resources

Read Across America: March 2nd

Professional Development

Afterschool Assets

Engineers Week: Feb 22-28, 2026

Engineers Week is a time to celebrate the people behind these innovations and to inspire the next generation of problem-solvers. This year’s theme, Transform Your Future, highlights how engineering opens doors for students and strengthens our communities. Consider recognizing engineers in your area and engaging young people in hands-on engineering activities. Free resources are available to help you spark curiosity and creativity all week long.

March is Women's History Month

Youth Voices: Women and Girls Shaping a Sustainable Future Through STEM

A powerful panel featuring young women from the National Girls Collaborative Project (NGCP) Youth Advisory Board will share their perspectives on how STEM can help address urgent global challenges, from climate and environmental issues to economic well-being and beyond.

Registration available at this link.

National AI Literacy Day: March 27th

Help your afterschool program bring AI learning to more youth with Code.org’s Hour of AI resources. These simple, high-quality activities introduce youth to what AI is, how it works, and how to use it responsibly. The activities work in any setting, including low-tech programs and mixed-age groups.

Bring AI Learning to Afterschool

STEM Next Career-Connected Learning Framework

Designed specifically for out-of-school-time providers, this framework helps programs embed career awareness, exploration and preparation into their activities in ways that are practical, age-appropriate, and grounded in both research and real-world relevance.

View the Framework here.

ESEA Programs Professional Learning Recordings

Iowa Department of Education will have monthly professional learning recordings available to implement the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA):

January 2026: Nonpublic School - Equitable Services

February 2026: Allowable Uses of Funds - Maximizing Resources

March 2026: Application Process

Visit IDOE ESEA

Funding Opportunities

STEM Learning Journeys for Afterschool Programs — Free educator resources + a stipend opportunity

Afterschool programs: STEM Next and Verizon have launched free STEM Learning Journeys designed for OST settings—plus a stipend opportunity of up to $1,500 for programs that complete the Nature & Sustainability journey.

Learn more at this link.