This is your weekly newsletter featuring program spotlights, innovative resources, and training opportunities for the out-of-school-time industry in Florida. Together, we can ensure all children and youth in Florida have access to affordable, available, high-quality expanded learning opportunities to foster their success in school and beyond. | |
5 Ways Mayors Can Support K-12 Education in Their Cities | A strong education system is the backbone of a thriving community. While schools are primarily managed at the district and state levels, mayors have a powerful role in shaping policies, programs and partnerships that support students’ success. From expanding afterschool opportunities to advocating for education funding, city leaders can take meaningful steps to enhance learning experiences for all children. | | | | | If you have an idea for an afterschool spotlight or would like to be featured, email Holly to help share your story! | |
New Executive Order Would Dismantle U.S. Department of Education, But Shuttering It Won't Be Quick or Easy | On March 20, 2025, the Trump Administration issued an Executive Order asking the Secretary of Education to take all the steps necessary to facilitate the closure of the U.S. Department of Education. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon will oversee compliance with the Order, which asks the Secretary to identify which of the Department’s functions, programs, and offices are not mandated by statute and eliminate them. | | | | |
3 Florida students named STEM national champions | Three high school students from Florida had a chance to showcase their projects in Washington, D.C., after being named national STEM champions for their innovations. | | | |  |
Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade Hosted its 58th Annual Golf Classic in Memory of Charles "Bebe" Rebozo All 'Fore' a Good Cause | The event raised $250,000 that will support Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade’s services and programs at its six Clubs and sites combined which provide educational after-school programs, tutoring and homework assistance, STEM, social skills, dance, arts and crafts, mentoring and summer and athletic programs for area youth. | | | | |
Children's Services Council invests $2.5 million in summer camps and afterschool programs | The bulk of the money will support seven programs that will operate all year, a first for the agency which usually focuses on summer programs. | | | | |
LEARNING FROM OTHERS: School-day social worker supporting students' passions in afterschool STEM | We often say that afterschool STEM is complementary to school-day learning—it is a great way to engage young people in STEM through their personal interests. But did you know that schools and school-day teachers, social workers, and support staff often work beyond the school day to support afterschool programs as well? | | | | |
From March 24-28, we're amplifying young people's voices as they share the issues that matter most to them. We'd love for you to join us. | | | | |
Report: Afterschool benefits kids for life | "Organized Afterschool Activities as a Developmental Context for Children and Adolescents," a longitudinal study led by Dr. Deborah Vandell of the University of California, Irvine, finds that participating in afterschool programs benefits kids for life. | | | | |
March Resource of the Month! | In partnership with Verizon™, STEM Next has curated bundles of lessons and activities from Verizon Innovative Learning HQ and created the following STEM Learning Journeys to help you implement these exciting STEM lessons and activities in your afterschool programs. | | | | |
SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY: FPL Offers STEM-Based Scholarships for High School Seniors | FPL’s FIRST Robotics Scholarship will award one high school senior a $20,000 scholarship, while the NextEra Energy Scholarship for Students in SECME (Science, Engineering, Communication, Mathematics and Enrichment). The scholarship will grant 10 high school seniors $20,000 each. | | | | | Celebrate Afterschool Professionals April 21-25, 2025! | Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week (APAW) is a time to recognize, appreciate and advocate for those who work with young people during out-of-school hours. The week is marked by celebrations, public relations, and advocacy efforts encouraging appreciation and support for afterschool professionals who make a profound difference in the lives of youth. | | |
| | ACRES Coaching Resources Info Sessions | |
Info Session: Wednesday, April 16 from 11:30AM-12:30PM
The ACRES project is thrilled to usher in an exciting new chapter. Starting in mid-March, we'll be offering all of our STEM coaching materials for FREE-giving leaders like you the tools and resources to keep reflecting on the STEM lessons offered at your sites and within your programs. ACRES and its team of coaches have already made a lasting impact, with educators across 50 states embracing these tools and strategies.
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| | Leveraging Youth Sports to Support Positive Youth Development- Afterschool Alliance | |
Watch the Webinar Recording
Physical activity has the power to unlock transformative benefits for young people-fostering connections with peers and caring mentors, improving mental health and mood, boosting academic performance, and promoting healthy lifestyles. Out-of-school time programs that incorporate sports are uniquely positioned to create supportive environments where youth can grow, thrive, and realize their full potential. See how these programs have successfully integrated sports into their programming and hear strategies for implementing or enhancing sports programming to support positive youth development.
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| | Youth Mental Health First Aid Course | Youth Mental Health First Aid is a course for participants 18 years and older who want to learn how to help an adolescent (age 12-18) who may be experiencing a mental health or addictions challenge or is in crisis. This course is designed for adults who regularly interact with young people, including parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, school staff, peers, neighbors, health and human services workers, and other caring citizens. | | | | Registration Coming Soon! | | |
Florida After School, Inc. | FLafterschool.com
For more information about Florida After School, Inc. and its many partners, connect with us on social media.
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