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When the President released his FY2026 budget proposal that puts funding for afterschool and summer programs at risk, afterschool advocates across the country united to send a strong message to Congress: keep funding for the local programs that keep kids safe, inspire them to learn, and help working families.
In just one week:
- 8,500 people have contacted their representatives in Congress, for a total of roughly 25,500 emails and calls over the past week.
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On Monday, May 5, a letter coordinated by the Afterschool Alliance was sent to Congressional Appropriators in support of 21st CCLC funding, signed by 260 local, state, and national organizations, representing all 50 states.
- On Tuesday, May 6, a corps of 55 advocates from 19 states went to Capitol Hill and met in person with nearly 70 offices as part of the Afterschool for All Challenge.
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AfterschoolWorksforAmerica.org went live, providing tools for supporters to join the campaign to save funding and help get the word out.
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A map was launched showing the potential impact in every state
This is the first step in what will be a long process – keep your advocacy going! Keep getting the word out on social media. Educate families about what’s at risk and encourage them to take action. Dive into more afterschool research. Invite your representatives in Congress and their staff to come visit your program. Every action you take helps build the case to protect and expand access to the programs youth and families count on. #AfterschoolWorks #AfterschoolforAll
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What can you do?
Make sure your name and organization are represented on the Iowa Afterschool Alliance Pledge of Support for Afterschool!
Investing in afterschool programs is an investment in Iowa's future.
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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.
| | | Upcoming Professional Development Opportunities | | |
Impact Afterschool Conference
September 24-25, 2025
Evening Reception - September 24
7:30am-4:30pm - September 25
Drake University Olmsted Center
2875 University Ave,
Des Moines, Iowa 50311
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Get ready to play!
Join the National Girls Collaborative Project for this fun and interactive webinar on June 9th at 1:00 CST to learn how to leverage an interdisciplinary STEAM approach to foster young children's curiosity through authentic play-based learning.
Register here: https://bit.ly/4izblml
| | | Join Iowa Department of Education on June 5th-6th for Teaching for Impact! This free training event is for educators of all levels to develop and expand knowledge and skills related to learners with disabilities from birth to age 21. Emphasis will be placed on integrating information into practice across a variety of educational settings. Registration is open until May 21st at this link. | | |
Join teens from across Iowa June 24–26, 2025, at Iowa State University for the state’s premier leadership experience. Open to all youth in grades 8–12—4-H members and non-members alike—this three-day adventure offers hands-on workshops, leadership training, and a taste of campus life. Dive into spark areas like STEM, agriculture, the arts, and more. Come build your future and lifelong friendships!
Registration and more info can be found here.
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The Career Ready Collective is a career development program to prepare youth for the future of work. Attendees will be inspired by nationally recognized keynote speakers, develop their professional skills and network with interns and business professionals from across the region.
The program will run over six weeks and meet every Friday. Participants in the program will receive a stipend for the events they attend, but registration and parent/guardian permission are required.
To learn more about the program or to enroll, please contact Lexi Shafer, Director of Workforce at the Greater Des Moines Partnership.
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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!
| | | | | The Statewide Youth Broadband Advisory Council (SYBAC) is an opportunity for high school students to research and discuss broadband and Internet topics, learn about Iowa technology companies, and discover technology careers. SYBAC is open to 10th – 12th grade Iowa students. | | Need technical assistance? Access to materials? Professional development or trainings for your team? Visit our Linktree or website for guidance to IAA resources! | | | | |
