March 2026

Monthly Newsletter

We have a new name! The North Dakota Afterschool Network is now the North Dakota Out-of-School Time (OST) Network. After a year of strategic planning, we made the decision to change the Network's name to better reflect the programs and communities that we serve in North Dakota.

Along with our name change, the Network has a new look! You'll find fresh logos, colors, and a refurbished website that represent our commitment to North Dakota and the people that believe in the power of out-of-school time. Our updated look is exemplified on the homepage of our website (ndostnetwork.org). We invite you to explore resources and opportunities to get involved with the Network!

ND Advocates on the Hill

ND Afterschool Network Lead, Dawn Hunt, and Afterschool Ambassador, Lori Zahradka, recently participated in the Afterschool for All - Day on the Hill in Washington D.C.

They had the opportunity to meet with the offices of all North Dakota legislators to share about the importance and impact of out-of-school time programming in the state! One of the key drivers of conversation focused on the North Dakota After 3PM survey results.

Wondering how you can get involved in advocacy efforts? Contact Dawn Hunt or join the Policy & Outreach Workgroup.

Child Care & Development Block Grant Fact Sheet

The Afterschool Alliance recently developed a fact sheet summarizing the importance of the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG). Check out this article from the Afterschool Alliance to learn more about the proposed increase for the CCDBG and its impact on communities and out-of-school time programs.

School's Out: How Out-of-School Time Programs are Shaping North Dakota's Youth

The Network has been working with TellWell to produce a short documentary on the importance of out-of-school time programming in the state. We are so excited to share the teaser trailer for our upcoming documentary with you!

The film highlights the impact of four out-of-school time programs:

• Regional After School Program (RASP)
• North Dakota's Gateway to Science
• Boys and Girls Club of the Red River Valley
• North Valley Career and Technical Center

Follow along on our Facebook page over the next months as we release the full trainer and announce more information about film premiere events!

With support from the Network, OST programs across ND can access over 100 on-demand courses specifically designed for school-age youth program providers at no cost. Sign up as an individual or program to assign, track, and manage training for your staff. Contact Keely Ihry to sign up!

This month's highlighted CypherWorx courses:

Exploring Developmental Needs and Characteristics of Different Age Groups [2 hours]: This course will help staff understand the general developmental traits of younger, middle, and older school‑age children so they can plan appropriate activities and guidance strategies for different ages.

Providing Homework Support [2 hours]: This course explains how school‑age programs can develop a homework philosophy that aligns with their overall mission, reflects research on best practices, balances homework needs with other out‑of‑school experiences, and equips staff to design effective environments, materials, and strategies that support children’s efforts.

Walmart Spark Good Local Grants | Applications Open Feb. 1

Each year, Walmart U.S. stores, Sam’s Clubs and Distribution Centers award local cash grants ranging from $250 to $5000. These local grants are designed to address the unique needs of the communities where they operate. Spark Good Local Grants are awarded through an open application process to eligible organizations operating locally and directly benefiting the service area of the facility from when they are requesting funding.

Costco Charitable Giving & Grants | Applications Accepted on a Rolling Basis.

Costco Wholesale’s primary charitable efforts specifically focus on programs supporting children, education, and health and human services in the communities where they do business.

To apply for Costco support, organizations must meet the following general requirements:

• Must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
• Focus on supporting children, education, and/or health and human services
• Monetary requests only

Contact Dawn Hunt, ND OST Network Lead

dawn.hunt@k12.nd.us

701-997-2614

Mission: To champion out-of-school time programs by enhancing quality, developing leaders, and ensuring every young person can discover, grow, and thrive beyond the school day.