June 2024

Local News and Program Updates

New Hampshire Afterschool Network Recognized by the National Afterschool Association for Leading the Charge to Secure Digital Equity Funding for NH OST Programs

We are thrilled to announce that the New Hampshire Afterschool Network has been recognized by "Afterschool Snack," a publication by the National Afterschool Association, for our pioneering efforts in advocating for funding and integrating afterschool programs into state digital equity plans.


In the latest issue, "Afterschool Snack" highlights our organization’s leadership: "For instance, the New Hampshire Afterschool Network is leading the charge in their state to make sure afterschool has a seat at the table. The New Hampshire network has begun relationship-building and coordination to find ways of integrating the afterschool ecosystem into their state digital equity plans. They are submitting grant requests to implement programming and build capacity. By aligning their initiatives with the broader state goals for digital equity, they have established themselves as key stakeholders in discussions around broadband access and digital inclusion."


This recognition shows our dedication to making afterschool programs a key part of the digital equity conversation. We’ve been advocating for broadband funding to help afterschool programs give our youth the chance to really engage with digital spaces. It’s not just about using digital media, but about getting involved in creating content, exploring STEM skills, finishing homework, and finding ways to express themselves and be active citizens.

Click Here to read the entire article:

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Earn an Associate or Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education for FREE!

The Community College System of NH (CCSNH) now provides multiple programs, that can be combined, to offset educational expenses as students complete ECE Certificates and Degrees. These include:

Early Childhood Tuition Assistance offers tuition assistance for one course per term to individuals working in a NH licensed preschool program as early childhood teachers or directors.


Granite Steps for Quality offers up to three tuition awards per term for ECE courses. Individuals working in NH licensed/licensed exempt programs, working as child care providers, elementary school paraprofessionals, and out-of-school time workers can also receive assistance for designated Education and Human Services related coursework.


CCSNH ECE GAP Scholarship supports costs for students, living and/or working in NH, who are connected to one of our ECE certificate or degree programs.

Learn More About CCSNH Grant & Tuition Assistance Opportunities

Early Childhood Grant Options through UNH College of Professional Studies


Available to NH educators, paraeducators, and childcare workers, this grant is available to individuals working in NH-licensed centers, including:


  • Individuals working a minimum of 15 hrs. per week in an out-of-school time center
  • Childcare teachers working a minimum of 20 hours per week
  • Elementary school paraprofessionals working a minimum of 20 hours per week
  • Childcare directors working a minimum of 30 hours per week
Learn More About UNH CPS Early Childhood Grant Opportunities 

Taproot Farm & Environmental Education Center Has Summer Employment & Volunteer Opportunities

Our work is guided by our mission, which is educating, inspiring, and connecting communities to the land, to their food, and to each other. While our work is varied, each of our programs stems from the central principle that nourishing food, a healthy environment, and a strong community are intimately linked and mutually supportive. With this principle in mind, Taproot’s programs support three impact areas: economic viability, restorative food systems, and environmental education.

Employment Opportunities:


  • School Garden and Community Educator- Do you love working with children outside? Do you have a green thumb? Do you enjoy cooking and preparing meals? If so, we are looking for a fun colleague to join our education team!
  • Lead Crew and Farm to School Coordinator- We're looking for a thoughtful, community minded individual who is passionate about increasing consumer demand for local food to join our Marketplace team!
  • Assistant Camp Counselor- Join us for a summer full of outdoor adventures!
Click Here for Full Job Descriptions & Volunteer Opportunities

Taproot Farm & Environmental Education Center, 101 Main Street, Lancaster, NH

Training and Professional Development

Feel the Love When You Walk In: Future Directions for Afterschool

Step into a world where afterschool is seen through the eyes of young people! Join our upcoming webinar for an exciting grand release of our Powered by Youth Voice: Future Directions for Afterschool survey report that shares insights from over 1,000 young people across the country. Hear from research and youth partners to discover what young people find meaningful about their afterschool experiences and their ideas to make them even better so they feel truly welcomed, engaged, and loved when they walk in.


FEATURED SPEAKERS:


- Hikma Sherka, Every Hour Counts

- Jenna Sethi, Informed Change

- Tamara Hamai, Hamai Consulting

- Youth leaders from the Powered by Youth Voice communities

- Project partners including Youthprise and more!


Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to hear from the incredible researchers at Informed Change and Hamai Consulting as well as youth from our Powered by Youth Voice community on how they’ve used the data to influence the design of their youth-led projects!

June 26, 2024, 2:00 p.m.

Register Now!

The Powered by Youth Voice: Future Directions for Afterschool survey was co-created by Informed Change, Hamai Consulting, and youth researchers with support from the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation and in partnership with Every Hour Counts and Youthprise.

The 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) is thrilled to introduce you to their new National Technical Assistance Center (NTAC)!

The 21st CCLC NTAC is here to usher in a new generation of professional learning and technical assistance tailored specifically for 21st CCLC programs. Their goal is to equip you with innovative tools and resources to enhance your out-of-school time (OST) programs.


You're invited to explore their brand-new website. The sight is designed to be your go-to resource for the latest in OST support, including:




  • Practical tools and evidence-based strategies


  • Innovative ideas to help elevate your programs


  • Interactive webinars




Stay informed as they announce virtual events and add new e-learning topics to the website! Sign up for the 21st CCLC NTAC Messenger to get their monthly newsletter delivered straight to your inbox. Packed with fresh ideas, resources, and inspiration, the Messenger is designed to help you think outside the OST box and take your program to the next level. Check out the current and previous issues now!

NH Department of Education 2024 Professional Development Series

For more information, to view course offerings & to register:

Click Here

Grants and Funding

Mascoma Bank Foundation Grant


Grants of up to $50,000 to New Hampshire nonprofit organizations in eligible communities for activities that enhance the quality of life for local residents.

Typical projects may include facility and infrastructure improvements, new construction, and capital items outside normal operating budgets. The foundation is especially interested in requests or projects that:



  • Significantly impact the organization's long-term future, thereby contributing to long-term commitment to create positive change in the communities served.
  • Substantially increase the capacity, long-term viability, and resilience of the organization.

Projects must benefit communities the service area of Mascoma Savings Bank, which has branches in the following locations: *Bethlehem *Canaan *Charlestown *Claremont *Enfield *Hanover *Keene *Lancaster *Lebanon *Littleton *Lyme *New London *Walpole *West Lebanon

Full Grant Text RFP

Application Deadline: 06/30/2024

Tools and Resources

Step into the Kingdom of Ndongo in West Central Africa and learn about early African civilization prior to the trans-Atlantic slave trade. This journey, featured in the picture book Born on the Water, is at the core of the Pulitzer Center’s latest collection on Mizzen which introduces The 1619 Project to youth in grades 2–6.


Through these activities, you’ll find everything you need to engage students in exploring the big questions presented by The 1619 Project in an accessible, affirming, and rigorous way. From writing, drawing, and research, to individual reflection and group discussion, youth will learn how and why enslaved people worked to stay connected to their own histories and homelands. Then, reflecting on their own literal or figurative ancestors, they’ll explore the themes of legacy, pride, and hope.

Celebrating Culture, Resisting Erasure


What is culture, why does it matter, and what is the impact of cultural erasure? Students will explore these questions through text, multimedia, discussion, art and excerpts from the picture book Born on the Water.

Legacy, Pride, and Hope: Ancestors and Their Freedom Dreams


Students will explore the idea of literal and figurative ancestors, and reflect on the legacy of Black American resistance. They will dive into the themes of legacy, ancestry, pride, and hope through text, photography, and original self portraits.

Early African Civilizations and Cultures


In this activity, youth will exercise their research and presentation skills while learning about the cultures of early African civilizations.

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