Celebrate Lights On Afterschool Next Week

Celebrate Lights On Afterschool on Thursday, October 20! Shining a light on afterschool programs helps build awareness of the critical need for more afterschool resources and affordable programming. Need some easy last-minute ideas? The Afterschool Alliance has lots of great suggestions! Click here. And consider sharing the joys of STEM learning! NASA and Million Girls Moonshot will host a virtual event featuring a pre-recorded International Space Station (ISS) interaction with astronaut Jessica Watkins and actor Keke Palmer on Thursday, October 20 at 2:20pm. Learn more and register. 

Wyoming Afterschool Alliance Builds Connections with Leaders Learning Network 

This fall, WYAA will gather dynamic youth professionals for a series of conversations that will introduce evidence-based practice through concrete examples in action, showcase innovation and ideas happening in Wyoming, and cultivate connections among peers across the state.  

The Leaders Learning Network webinars will be held via Zoom on Tuesdays from 11:00am-12:30pm on October 26, November 9, and November 30.  The first session will feature Joey Burke, Director of the Boys & Girls Club of Douglas. She will share her experience and journey of transitioning the club to a trauma informed organization. Register here.

Register for 3rd Annual Open Minds, Open Spaces

Afterschool professionals have been working around-the-clock to support youth, families, and our staff. We are focused on elevating safety, well-being, and engaged learning. We are flexible, resilient, nimble, clever and powerful. Afterschool professionals are committed to our work lifting up young people, families, and communities. On November 17-18, we will convene virtually to learn, collaborate, and connect so we can Celebrate Afterschool together. Attendees can register for the chance to win a free registration to BOOST or the NAA Convention!

 Million Girls Moonshot: Calling the Next Flight Crew! 

The Million Girls Moonshot launches a nation-wide search for the second cohort of its Flight Crew, a group of youth advocates promoting the value of STEM learning and equity in STEM for young people across the nation.  The Flight Crew will participate in eight months of youth development and public speaking training to share:  

• First-hand, impactful STEM experiences beyond the classroom that inspire, 
• Aspirations to break down stereotypes and spark their peers' curiosity in STEM, and  
• The ability to connect their STEM experiences to everyday life.  

Help recruit youth (13-18) who identify as female, gender-expansive, or outside of the identity of cis-gender male, with experiences in out-of-school time STEM, to become a Million Girls Moonshot Flight Crew member! 

Classroom Ready Art Lessons about Wyoming  

WyomingPBS will host a webinar to help educators learn how to make the most out of their Wyoming Art and Culture resources on Wednesday October 19 at 4:30pm. Art teachers Brett Schwieder and Tyler George will explore resources they have created for the WyomingPBS Education Collection. Resources include How Art Saved Yellowstone, Drawn to Yellowstone, and A Lesson in Street Art. Find the resources on wyoming.pbslearningmedia.org  

Family Resource Center Information and Feedback Sessions 

The National Resource Center and Wyoming Children's Trust Fund are hosting information and feedback sessions on Family Resource Centers. There will be four Zoom sessions divided by geographical locations, but attendees are invited to join any of the sessions as schedules allow.

• Southwest Wyoming: Wednesday, October 19 from 9:30-10:30am | Click Here 
• Southeast Wyoming: Wednesday, October 19 from 4:00-5:00pm | Click Here 
• Northwest Wyoming: Thursday, October 20 from 9:30-10:30am | Click Here 
• Northeast Wyoming: Thursday, October 20 from 4:00-5:00pm | Click Here 

For more information, please contact Wyoming Children's Trust Fund Executive Director Sara Serelson, [email protected] or 307-777-5452.

WDE Seeks Input on Digital Learning Plan 

The Wyoming Department of Education is updating the statewide Digital Learning Plan, which supports school districts in addressing education technology opportunities and priorities. The WDE is hosting listening sessions to gather information from educators, parents, students, colleges, businesses, and community members about their digital learning ideas, needs, and hopes. The next session will be held via Zoom on Tuesday, October 25 at 4:30pm. Register here.

Wyoming Department of Health Young Adult Survey 

The Wyoming Department of Health is reaching out to Wyoming residents between the ages of 18 and 29 to share their thoughts and experiences about health issues in our state. After completing the survey, they can enter a drawing to win a $25 or $100 gift card. Information gathered will help inform health and prevention programs. Learn more and find the survey linked on their Facebook page.