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AFTERSCHOOL OBSERVER
SEPTEMBER 2020
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CONVENE
The virtual Synergy Conference 2020 was a huge success. This year's conference, "Future in Focus", featured over 60 pre-recorded workshops and live plenaries in Arts & Literacy, Closing Gaps, College & Career Readiness, Mentoring, Organizational Capacity, Public/Private Partnerships, S.T.E.M., and Youth Development. We hope that all of this year's attendees enjoyed the engaging keynote speakers, dynamic range of workshop topics and opportunities to network with providers from across the state.
We would be remiss if we didn't take the time to acknowledge and thank everyone that made this year's conference a success. Thank you to all of our sponsors and partners, especially the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, for making the conference possible! We couldn't have done it without you. Thank you to our amazing keynote speakers and panelists, who inspired us and challenged us to persevere in our efforts to build tomorrow's leaders. Thank you to the amazing vendors who shared invaluable resources with our conference attendees that can be utilized within programs statewide.Thank you to our workshop presenters who offered an extensive array of workshop sessions. Your expertise and passion is unrivaled. Last, but certainly not least, thank you to all of our attendees who were flexible and embraced the virtual conference platform with grace. Thank you for everything that you do through your programs to support, inspire and prepare our youth for their futures.
All aspects of the virtual Synergy Conference 2020 will be accessible on the iCohere platform through Friday, September 25th. This provides registered attendees with nearly two additional months beyond the live conference week to engage with every feature of the virtual conference experience including live meeting and plenary recordings, workshop sessions, vendors and the networking lounge.
We can't wait until next year! Plans for Synergy 2021 are underway and details will be forthcoming. In the meantime, please save the date for April 27-30, 2021! We hope to see you then!
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ADVOCACY
NC CAP CALL FOR ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERSHIP
The North Carolina Center for Afterschool Programs (NC CAP) is a statewide Network dedicated to increasing access to high-quality afterschool and expanded learning programs for all children and youth in North Carolina, helping them to succeed in and out of school. Our work includes research and best practices in the afterschool and expanded learning environment; convening key stakeholders (statewide and regional); advocating for policies to support afterschool and expanded learning; and professional development and technical support for afterschool programs.
NC CAP is currently seeking dynamic and dedicated individuals to join our advisory board. If selected, advisory board members will serve a 2-year term with a mid-term review.
If you are one or more of the following, we are interested in you:
- Leaders within out-of-school time programs or partnering agencies focused on our priority areas - youth development, STEM, literacy, nutrition & physical activity, equity & access - interested in implementing impactful statewide programs and initiatives.
- Energetic and entrepreneurial business people, who are not already overextended with other commitments, eager to put their enthusiasm for changing the world to work for our state's children.
- Community leaders and philanthropists willing to engage their peers to ensure access to high-quality programs for all youth.
- Astute governmental or state agency advocates who can assist in navigating the political landscape of policy development, funding and legislation.
- Scholars/academics who want to put their expertise in youth development, STEM, literacy, nutrition & physical activity, equity & access, to work for youth statewide.
If you hold yourself to high expectations, then you'll find service on our advisory board very rewarding. We are looking for passionate individuals who will:
- Attend four (4) quarterly (in-person or virtual) advisory board meetings annually
- Actively engage in NC CAP events and communications
- Support planning of events including the annual Synergy Conference
- Advocate for the Network's mission and vision locally and statewide
Interested candidates can complete the application form here. The deadline to apply is September 16, 2020 at 5pm. Applications will be reviewed by a selection committee. Selected individuals will be notified mid-late September for an interview.
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INFORM
NC CAP'S REOPENING SUPPORT & RESOURCES
In North Carolina, schools have already reopened and are serving youth in-person, virtually, or a combination of both. Out-of-school time programs are playing a vital role in supporting youth, families, and communities during this unprecedented time. To support out-of-school time providers, the North Carolina Center for Afterschool Programs developed a Reopening Resource page. The Reopening Resource page highlights guidance materials from local and national organizations such as the Center for Disease Control, the Afterschool Alliance, and more. It also spotlights recommendations that program providers can utilize to support and partner with schools, districts, communities, and government agencies. Additionally, the page includes creative ways to discuss COVID-19 and transform programming to a virtual landscape.
To learn more about the Reopening Resource page, click here.
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ADVOCACY
Join us to reflect, celebrate, and call attention to the afterschool programs that are so critical to youth and families during the 21st annual Lights On Afterschool. We know it has been a hard year, and Lights On will look very different this year. We have new ways for everyone to take part.
Registration is open! Even if you are not doing a typical event, register! We will have new offerings and developments that all can take part in, no matter your circumstances or operating status. Afterschool programs are rising to the moment to support youth and families during the pandemic - from innovative virtual programming to meals to caring for children of essential workers to well-being check-ins. We need to celebrate and recognize your efforts, and call attention to the importance of afterschool supports as our nation moves ahead.
Here's what the Lights On team is planning:
- A new tool to help you identify activities and promotion strategies right for you;
- Activity ideas for virtual or in-person, small group settings;
- Tools to showcase your program and student work virtually, on social media, or in your community via lightings, art installations, and more;
- Plus, they are bringing back the Lightbulb Challenge on social media for its biggest year ever!
Registration kicks off with a giveaway from 4-H's STEM Challenge. Register your program to enter the drawing for 25 free Mars Base Camp Kits!
To learn more about Lights On Afterschool, click here.
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INFORM
As champions for children, program providers are doing everything they can during this time to keep youth safe and continue to serve them. NC CAP wants to continue to support providers during this time. In every way, providers throughout North Carolina and the nation have risen to the challenge in every way.
In support of your efforts, NC CAP has a new resources to share, Mizzen by Mott. Mizzen by Mott is a new app built with and for afterschool professionals to provide high-quality, engaging learning content to the afterschool field.
To meet the needs of this moment, the Mizzen team has added new activity playlists and multi-week modules that can be done at home or in a small-group setting. The app's content focuses on youth learning and well-being and is provided by organizations like Jazz at Lincoln Center, the California Academy of Sciences, After-School All Starts, OregonAsk, and VentureLab. Through support from the Mott Foundation, the app and all of its content is available for free to afterschool providers.
To learn more about the Mizzen app, click here.
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SUPPORT
BROADBAND SURVEY OUTREACH GUIDE AND MATERIALS
The North Carolina Broadband Survey is designed to gather information on locations in the state without adequate internet access and speeds. The information gathered from the survey will: (1) provide clear data to guide investment of funds through the state's Growing Rural Economies with Access to Technology grant program; (2) inform research and policy recommendations; and (3) support strategic targeting of funding streams.
The survey is a collaboration between the North Carolina Department of Information Technology's Broadband Infrastructure Office and the Friday Institute for Education Innovation at North Carolina State University.
The Broadband Infrastructure Office has developed the North Carolina Broadband Survey Outreach Guide, as well as some supporting materials, to provide support as communities develop outreach plans to help neighbors who do not have access to high-speed broadband take the North Carolina Broadband Survey.
Local leaders serving as champions are the best resource for creating outreach plans that connect with communities. To help spread the word, there is a guide that includes outreach suggestions for survey efforts and outlines strategies, tactics and tools that communities can use for outreach, as well as an example outreach plan for a launch week. The marketing materials provided are designed for your community to use as a part of your outreach plans and to help you reach your data aggregation goals.
Use the guide or the outreach materials to help spread the word about your community's broadband surveying efforts. Be sure to use the hashtag, #NCBroadband, on Twitter.
To learn more about the Broadband Survey, click here.
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INFORM
REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN FOR THE REGIONAL POLICY INSTITUTES
NC Collaborative for Children, Youth, and Families, NC Child, Prevent Child Abuse NC, i2i Center for Integrative Health, MomsRising, and the Foster Family Alliance of NC invites you to virtually attend their 2020 Regional Policy Institutes. There will be four institutes and you can attend one or all four. The institutes are free, but space is limited. There will be a variety of keynotes, presenters, and legislators at each of the institutes.
Western North Carolina
September 14th, 2020
9:00 AM to 11:30 AM
Keynotes: Deputy Secretary, Juvenile Justice, Billy Lassiter
Advocacy 101: Adam Sotak, NC Child
Legislative Panelists:
Terry Van Duyn, Buncombe
Representative Sarah Stevens, Alleghany/Surry/Wilkes
Counties Include: Cherokee, Graham, Clay, Macon, Jackson, Swain, Haywood, Transylvania, Madison, Buncombe, Henderson, Polk, Yancey, McDowell, Rutherford, Cleveland, Lincoln, Burke, Caldwell, Mitchell, Avery, Watagua, Ashe, Alleghanny, Surry, Wilkes, Yancey, Catawba, Alexander, Iredell, Yadkin, Davie, Stokes, Forsyth
Central North Carolina
September 28th, 2020
9:00 AM to 11:30 AM
Keynotes: Deputy Director, Child Welfare Services Lisa Cauley
NC Child Welfare Family Advisory Council, Gina Brown
Advocacy 101: Melea Rose-Waters, Prevent Child Abuse NC
Counties Include: Gaston, Mecklenburg, Union, Rowan, Rockingham, Caswell, Person, Guilford, Davidson, Randolph, Montgomery, Cabarrus, Stanly, Alamance, Lee, Moore, Anson, Richmond
Eastern North Carolina
October 6th, 2020
9:00 AM to 11:30 AM
Keynotes: Deputy Secretary, Behavioral Health & Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Kody Kinsley
Associate Director, NC Families United, Stacy Justiss
Advocacy 101: i2i Center for Integrative Health
Legislative Panelists:
Senator Don Davis, Greene/Pitt
Representative Donna White, Johnston
Counties Include: Vance, Warren, Halifax, Northampton, Nash, Edgecombe, Wilson, Harnett, Cumberland, Hoke, Scotland, Robeson, Bladen, Harnett, Sampson, Duplin, Wayne, Pender, New Hanover, Brunswick, Columbus, Onslow, Jones, Lenoir, Greene, Pitt, Carteret, Beaufort, Craven, Pamlico, Hyde, Dare, Washington, Martin, Bertie, Currituck, Perquimans, Pasquotank, Gates, Hertford, Camden, Chowan, Tyrell
Triangle Area
October 26th, 2020
9:00 AM to 11:30 AM
Keynotes: Youth Transition Program Director, NC Families United, Lacy Flintall
MomsRising, Sheila Arias
Advocacy 101: Beth Messersmith, MomsRising
Legislative Panelists:
Senator Valerie Foushee, Chatham/Orange
Senator Natalie Murdock, Durham
Representative Verla Insko, Orange
Counties Include: Wake, Johnston, Chatham, Orange, Durham, Franklin, Granville
SUBMIT YOUR LEGISLATIVE PANEL QUESTIONS
What are the issues that impact children, youth, and families that matter the most to you? Click the link below to submit up to 3 candidate questions per person.
Some ideas for topics for you to consider: Child Care, Unemployment Benefits, Substance Misuse, Child Abuse and Neglect, Paid Family and Medical Leave, Medicaid Expansion, Medicaid Transformation, Affordable Housing, Food Insecurity, School Based Mental Health, and the Response to COVID-19.
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ADVOCACY
LET'S GET PHYSICAL! BUT HOW, DURING COVID-19?
Youth crave physical experiences with heights, speed, and rough-and-tumble play, and as they mature, they seek more strong sensations, new experiences, and intense feelings.
Because youth programs are more successive when they engage youth, are nature-immersed, and provide appropriate challenge and social interactions, it's important for adults to consider how to meet children's needs for new, intense experiences so they don't act out to soothe those cravings. The NAA Healthy Eating and Physcial Activity 2.0 standards set an expectation that out-of-school time (OST) programs provide moderate-to-vigorous physical activity of 30 minutes for a three-hour program and 60 minutes for a full-day program. Yet only one in three children is physically active on a daily basis. The research is pretty clear about what works, but how can it work when COVID-19 recommendations are isolating and prompting people toward individual, technology-based interactions? There aren't easy answers, but here are some ideas that can be refined and modified to work with your OST rules during this pandemic: Because time spent outside is recommended over indoor activity-the more time outdoors, the better-these ideas emphasize outdoor, non-competitive, low-contact opportunities for physical activity that require minimal equipment. It's best if programs provide individual, labeled equipment, in addition to youth washing their hands before and after using any equipment. If equipment is shared: Sanitize or provide airing time between uses, as directed by CDC guidelines.
As your OST team heads into the fall, it may be helpful to pause and evaluate how well you are doing at providing engaging, varied physical activities for the youth you serve. This handout can help with that task. If you would like to learn more, check out the newly released Penn State Better Kid Care professional development module, School-Age Youth Programs: Health and Safety Best Practices. While this module does not have specific COVID-19 guidance, it does comply with the most recent NAA competencies and HEPA.
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SUPPORT
JOIN THE STEM COALITION TODAY!
The STEM Coalition, or STEMco, is intentionally designed to convene individuals from various sectors to discuss and develop strategies and solutions focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion within STEM career pathways. During the Synergy Conference 2020, NC CAP was able to kickoff the STEM Coalition with an amazing panel featuring individuals engaged in STEM across sectors (spotlighted below). During the kickoff, the panelists participated in a discussion that focused on the importance of STEM in North Carolina, particularly for girls and minorities, and addressed challenges within the STEM pipeline. The invitation is open for individuals that are invested in youth STEM engagement to join the STEM Coalition. To join the STEM Coalition, complete this form.
To learn more about NC CAP's STEM initiatives and the STEM Coalition, click here.
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INFORM
SERVICE LEARNING BY DESIGN
Are you ready to enhance the academic power of your service learning instruction? Seeking to increase students' academic engagement through a project-based learning approach? Interested in helping students become better citizens by involving them in solving critical problems? Take your service learning practice to the next level with Dr. Sue Root, NYLC Senior Academic Fellow and Service Learning by Design author in this 14-week asynchronous online course offered in partnership with Augsburg University's Education Department. Backward design is an approach to service learning which yields more powerful student learning. It's what used in schools - because it works. Now NYLC wants you to know what they know.
Participants will:
- Develop a standards-based service learning unit plan including inquiry, problem-solving, and citizenship skills;
- Design authentic formative and summative assessments for service learning
- Build strategies for strengthening academic and civic learning throughout a service learning unit, including literacy learning; and
- Understand how to incorporate students into the development and implementation of service learning unit.
K-12 educators, both U.S. and international, curriculum developers, and administrators are encouraged to register. Participants should be familiar with service learning. This course is not recommended for those new to service learning instruction.
This class is scheduled for September 14th to December 18th, 2020 and is asynchronous within a weekly time-frame. Weekly participation is required but within your own schedule. Participants will receive three Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and an electronic copy of Service Learning by Design by Dr. Sue Root, NYLC 2019. The fee for this course is $350, it is due at the time of registration.
Learn more about the NYLC Service Learning by Design course, click here.
To register for the course, click here.
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INFORM
2020 KIDS COUNT DATA BOOK
The 31st edition of the Annie E. Casey Foundation's KIDS COUNT Data Book describes how children across the United States were faring before the COVID-19 pandemic began. This year's publication continues to deliver the Foundation's annual state rankings and the latest available data on child well-being. It also identifies multi-year trends - comparing statistics from 2010 to 2018. As always, policymakers, researchers, and advocates can continue using this information to help shape their work and build a stronger future for children, families, and communities.
Trends Prior to the Pandemic
Data over a recent period of eight or so years reveal encouraging trends in child well-being nationally, with improvements documented in 11 out of 16 indicators. In 2018, the latest year of data available, more parents were economically secure and lived without a high housing cost burden. In addition, more teens graduated from high school and delayed childbearing and children's health insurance coverage continued to be something to celebrate.
Broadly speaking, kids nationwide experienced gains in the Economic Well-Being domain and promising-but-mixed results in the Health, Education, and Family and Community domains. The positive strides realized - driven by effective policies and achieved before the COVID-19 pandemic - serve as an encouraging reminder that the nation can advance the substantial work now needed to improve the prospects of its youngest generation.
To learn more about the 2020 Kids Count Data Book, click here.
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ADVOCACY
ELECTION TOOLKIT
Election season presents an important opportunity to put afterschool on the radar of policy makers and the public in a visible and meaningful way. The Afterschool Alliance has created an Election Toolkit that will help providers spark conversations about afterschool with candidates for office in their local communities. Included in the toolkit are talking points, sample materials, and information on how programs can participate in the electoral process.
To learn more about the Election Toolkit, click here.
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SUPPORT
CODELICIOUS
COMPUTER SCIENCE CURRICULUM
Codelicious provides full-year computer science curriculum for K-12. Codelicious courses are delivered with all the instructional resources teachers need to teach computer science, including lesson plans, assessments, and standards alignment mappings. The curriculum is updated regularly to stay current with new technology, so teachers spend less time writing lessons and more time engaging students. By bringing Codelicious into the classroom, teachers provide their students with opportunities to learn skills including collaboration, critical thinking, and problem solving. These are the 21st-century skills students need to be college and career ready.
Educators are focused on providing the best opportunities for every student in their school. Computer science coursework provides students with the skills they need to be college and career ready. However, finding the resources to research, write, update, and staff computer science classes year after year can be difficult. Codelicious believes computer science education is a cornerstone for future ready learners, and supports educators in their efforts to educate, enrich, and engage every student in their classroom. Codelicious believes computer science curriculum should provide the resources teachers need, without adding additional requirements on their time. Giving educators the confidence to teach computer science gives students the foundational skills that will prepare them for college and/or a career.
To learn more information about Codelicious, click here.
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INFORM
SKILLED PROFESSIONALS, NOT SUPERHEROES
According to Stan Lee, former editor and publisher of Marvel comics, a superhero is a person who does heroic deeds and has the ability to do them in a way a normal person couldn't. Lee says in order to be a superhero, you need a power that is more exceptional than any power a normal human being could possess, and you need to use that power to accomplish good deeds. Many afterschool and youth development professionals are expected to perform superhuman feats, yet calling them superheroes when they demonstrate stellar relationship building skills, extreme creativity, uber flexibility, and unbelievable resilience is disingenuous.
Research shows that skilled staff are key to quality out-of-school time programs that result in positive youth outcomes. People who do this work are part of the afterschool profession and the broader youth work fields. The afterschool and youth development profession share a body of knowledge and skills, professional dispositions, a code of ethics, and public recognition. The people who have chosen this noble profession are not equipped with bullet-deflecting gold bracelets, x-ray vision, super speed, or the ability to fly. These folks are real humans with real skills in core knowledge and competency areas that we know provide the best supports for young people.
No doubt, afterschool and youth development professionals should be respected for the work that they do. They provide amazing supports for young people, families, and communities. But rather than looking at them as superheroes doing superhuman feats, let's identify and celebrate the professionals they are!
With recent disruptions in the traditional K-12 education environment, we have the opportunity to create a revised learning and development ecosystem that acknowledges "how", "where", and "when" learning and development happens, and includes ALL the skilled adults who support young people - including afterschool and youth development professionals.
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ADVOCACY
WILL COMMUNITY-BASED AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAMS BE ABLE TO PROVIDE MEALS TO STUDENTS AND FAMILIES THIS FALL?
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Last spring and throughout the summer as communities, schools, and afterschool program providers worked to respond to the impact of COVID-19, providing meals to families in need became a critical part of the response. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) timely leadership in allowing flexibility and issuing waivers at the national level (as well as approving state waiver requests) allowed millions of families to access healthy meals in absence of the free and reduced-price meals that children would have normally received at school through the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP). Community-based programs, park and recreation departments, Boys and Girls Clubs, YMCAs, and many other partners stepped up to complement the work done by school nutrition programs in making sure families got the meals they needed as a result of the flexibility granted by USDA. In fact, a survey of afterschool providers released last week found that 48% of providers served or delivered meals to families.
As the new school year gets underway, and many school districts consider opening in virtual and hybrid models, community-based providers are again prepared to step in and help ensure families in need have access to healthy meals. However, while USDA has opted to extend several nutrition waivers through the 2020-2021 school year, the current waiver limitations will drastically impede the ability of sponsors - specifically nonprofit and community sponsors - to maintain the same level of meal service in the fall that was provided during the spring and summer.
A wide range of national organizations have come together to urge USDA to maintain the flexibility and waivers from last spring and summer that support both school nutrition departments and non-school sponsors, and which allow for a continuation of the meal service seen over the last three months. While an ongoing dialogue continues with Congress, USDA, and stakeholder groups, time is of the essence to resolve these challenges.
To learn more about the waivers, click here.
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INFORM
CHECK OUT THE NEW STEM LESSONS!
NC CAP has a new STEM Lesson, Cosmetic Science. This lesson is designed for grades 3-12. The Cosmetic Science lesson has students assume the role of a cosmetic scientist to create their own cosmetic products such as bath bombs or body scrubs. Students will test their own hypothesis, evaluate consumer reviews, and design their product. There is a virtual and in-person option for the lesson.
The lesson contains video guidance to assist program providers and educators. Videos encompass an overview of the lesson and addresses potential misunderstandings with the lesson for adults and students. Lessons can be completed at home with adult assistance. Materials used within the lesson are budget friendly and can be purchased online or at local stores.
To learn more about implementing the NC CAP STEM Lessons in your programming, email Sheneika Simmons at ssimmons@ncforum.org.
To learn more about the STEM Lessons, click here.
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SUPPORT
TOOLS FOR OUTREACH
As millions of families are struggling financially and cannot afford child care, afterschool programs are joining local efforts to ensure that kids have a safe place to learn every day and parents are able to work.
Many afterschool providers have been innovating throughout the spring and summer to safely serve students in-person and virtually, even while struggling to keep their own doors open. These providers stand ready to partner with schools and communities to help meet the needs of our children and families, including by providing academic support, access to technology, trauma informed care, meals, and resources for families in crisis. These are challenges we can plan for and solve to keep kids safe, connected and learning -- and help parents return to work.
Please share these graphics on your social platforms to help us reach families in need and encourage them to connect with a local afterschool program. Together, we can ensure that no children are home alone!.
To access the graphics and the language for social media platforms, click here.
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INFORM
STEM AFTERSCHOOL EXPANSION VISTA
The North Carolina Center for Afterschool Programs
(NC CAP) is embarking on exciting new work to expand the amount of STEM opportunities in afterschool programs. High quality afterschool programs have shown to increase student academic performance, behavioral improvements and have been a factor in supporting regular school attendance. To increase these types of opportunities for children and youth throughout the state, it is necessary to develop partnerships and identify resource gaps. The STEM Afterschool Expansion VISTA will increase access to high-quality afterschool programs focusing on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields for youth statewide, particularly those that are growing up in poverty, and establish a community support system that links established afterschool programs with potential partners and STEM resources. This position is based in Raleigh, NC.
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SUPPORT
Betabox empowers students to enhance their STEM skills whether it's in a virtual setting with
students, or on a campus in one of the Betabox Labs. Their Virtual Field Trips and eCamps cover multiple disciplines including building websites, game design, coding concepts, self-driving cars, and more! All of the Betabox classes are aligned with state standards and caters primarily to ages 8-16. Betabox has the ability to customize virtual curriculum and content based on district and organizational needs.
Some of the eCamps that Betabox has to offer are:
- Self Driving Cars: Assemble and code your very own self-driving robot car! Learn about network engineering, Raspberry Pi, algorithms, and automotive engineering with the eCamp.
- Music with Ruby: Learn how to create music using the power of code! Using coding in the Ruby language to compose your own jingles and songs! By creating sounds with computer science and programming skills with Sonic Pi, you will learn about variables, loops, conditionals, threads, and arrays and how they work together to make sweet music.
- Roblox with Lua: Is your child obsessed with Roblox? This course will help teach them the ins and outs of Roblox from creating their own games to writing their own scripts. Lua is a popular programming language that is easy to pick up but hard for students to put down! Before they know it, they will be raking in the Robux as Roblox Masters after designing their very own mini games!
- Godot Game Design: Want to create different games by writing your own code? This eCamp is perfect for any students interested in building their own video games using a professional game development engine. Students will not be traveling alone in the adventure - led by their guides, together we will learn the details of game development using the Godot game engine and honing computer science skills.
- Python Game Design: Do your kids love to play games online? DO you find them talking about Friv, Minecraft, or CoolMathGames? In this eCamp, Betabox will help kindle that interest in video games into a passion for programming. By using the coding language, Python, your child will be able to quickly create their own playable games. These games can range from Space Invaders to Platformers to Snake or even Clicker Games!
- CS Animation: A wonderful introduction to coding through Scratch programming, this eCamp goes over the motion of game sprites and teaches students how to animate characters using basic coding techniques. Get creative with our guides and see what you can make come to life using computer science skills!
- Building Websites with HTML+CSS: Design your own website in this Betabox eCamp! This eCamp will give students all the skills they need to go from a blank page to creating a beautiful, functional website! They will learn the basics of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript while using best practices for website development.
- Mobile App Developement: Is your child always playing games on your phone or their tablet? Have they ever wondered what goes into making those games? This course is a perfect introduction to designing games for mobile devices! Using Thunkable, studnets will be able to create their very own versions of Flappy Bird, Whack-a-Mole, and so much more using only a drag-and-drop interface! This course is great for curious students who want to start programming.
To learn more about Betabox, click here. Anyone that uses the link can use the discount code, NCCAP15, to receive a 15% discount on any Betabox eCamp!
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INFORM
NC CAP has developed a series of webinars focused on STEM experiments, resources, careers, and engagement opportunities that can be leveraged by out-of-school time programs, schools, families, and communities. There are two available STEMinars for providers to view: Summer Planning Amid COVID-19 and the North Carolina Science Fair Foundation.
Summer Planning Amid COVID-19 spotlights the work of the summer program, ENC STEM, and their transition to a 100% virtual program and ensuring that student culture and engagement were prioritized. To view the STEMinar, click here.
The North Carolina Science Fair Foundation STEMinar showcases their hard work to ensure that educators are able to engage students in rigorous, high-quality science and research. To view the STEMinar, click here.
If you have an idea for a STEMinar, please complete this form with additional information.
To learn more about the STEMinars, click here.
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PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT
NC CAP wants to highlight your program!
The North Carolina Center for Afterschool Programs would like to highlight program successes statewide. Tell us about your program and you might be our Program Spotlight in the next edition of the Afterschool Observer or on Social Media. Click the Program Spotlight below to be redirected to the updated survey link to tell us about your program.
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SUPPORT
FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
The After School Advantage Program is a signature education program and flagship community involvement initiative. The program is devoted to providing young people with access to technology in a safe, nurturing afterschool environment, whole promoting opportunities in digital learning centers in varying communities. Applications are accepted on rolling basis.
The Aldi Smart Kids program partners with organizations that make positive impact on the health and wellness of youth. The mission of the organization should support youth through education, arts, athletics, or any other program that inspires them to be active and healthy. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
The Cornell Douglas Foundation offers small grants to non-profit organizations that work to advocate for environmental health and justice, promote stewardship, and encourage respect for sustainability. With grant amounts averaging $10,000, the Foundation supports programs in environmental health, sustainability, and education for elementary and high school students. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
The Costco Charitable Contributions Committee oversees charitable donations to nonprofit organizations focusing on supporting children, education, and health and human services. Award amounts vary, and previous grants have gone to organizations such as United Way, Children's Miracle Network Hospitals, and the Red Cross. Grant-giving focuses on communities in the markets where Costco does business. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
The D'Addario Foundation is a non-profit grant-making organization providing monetary and product support to high-quality sustainable music instruction programs on the front line to improve access to music education. They support programs that bring music back into communities and schools and get kids playing as early ans as frequently as possible. The D'Addario Foundation believes in the transformative power of music and that mentoring and building communities through music can positively affect social change. Grant proposals are due September 30th, 2020.
Schools, public libraries, and nonprofit organizations who help students who are below grade level or having trouble reading are eligible to apply. Grant funding is provided to assist in the following areas: (1) implementing new or expanding existing literacy programs, (2) purchasing new technology or equipment to support literacy initiatives, and (3) purchasing books, materials, or software for literacy programs.
Through the E2 Energy to Educate grant program, Constellation offers students in grades 6-12 and college opportunities to experience problem-solving today's and tommorow's energy challenges. Grant funds support projects designed to enhance students' understanding of science and technology, and inspire them to think differently about energy. Applications are due October 1st, 2020.
The Kars4Kids Small Grant Program is dedicated to supporting educational initiatives and youth development programs in the country. Kars4Kids provides year-round educational and mentoring opportunities and support to develop youth into productive and engaged members of society. Areas of interest include youth development, mentoring, and education. Grants range from $500 to $2000. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
The Public Welfare Foundation offers grants to groups that work to advance fair, effective, community-based justice for all youth across the country, particularly those geared towards fighting the criminalization and incarceration of youth of color. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Triangle Community Foundation is made up of over 800 philanthropic funds, which are used in a variety of ways to provide support for nonprofit organizations. Grants from the Foundation are made in two ways: (1) from discretionary grant programs and (2) through donor-advised grants.
The Sparkplug Foundation funds start-up organizations and new projects of established organizations in music, education, and community organizing. Their particular focus is on "the development of democratic movements and communities, especially those that work on issues of local democracy, justice, and sustainable energy. The Sparkplug Foundation has two grant cycles per year, spring and fall.
Westinghouse Charitable Giving Program provides financial support to communities in one or more strategic areas of giving including: education with a focus on STEM, environment sustainability, and community safety and vitality. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
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MISSION
To influence policy and serve as a catalyst, convener, and clearinghouse for afterschool programs through advocacy, professional development, and quality improvement.
VISION
High quality afterschool programs accessible to all North Carolina children and youth helping them to succeed in and out of school.
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