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. | |
Registration for the 2025 Annual Conference is Now Open! | Get ready to LIGHT IT UP at the 2025 Annual Conference on October 21-24, 2025. We are looking forward to uniting with hundreds of professionals across a variety of disciplines who are committed to keeping Florida's students in school, enhancing their academic and personal achievement, and guiding them toward a successful future. With 35+ workshop options plus the return of our statewide RALLY FOR AFTERSCHOOL, this is THE professional development opportunity designed exclusively for the afterschool professional in Florida! | | | | | If you have an idea for an afterschool spotlight or would like to be featured, email Holly to help share your story! | |
Boys & Girls Clubs And Coke Florida Partner To Inspire Young Women In Sports | Boys & Girls Clubs of the Suncoast and Tampa Bay, in collaboration with Coke Florida, are providing young women with hands-on career exploration in the sports industry. This initiative builds upon a long-standing partnership between the organizations. A key component of this collaboration is an exclusive panel-style event designed to offer an inspiring look into professional pathways within the sports field, empowering the next generation of female leaders. | | | | |
'A lifelong lesson': Florida author advocates for music education and inclusion with new book | With Duval County Public Schools facing a potential $100 million budget shortfall, concerns are rising over music programs across the district that could be at risk. A local author, Dr. Meredith Taylor Strout, is spotlighting the importance of music education and inclusion through her debut children’s book, The More the Merrier. | | | | |
Capitol gets a dose of fun on STEM Day | On another busy day of politics in Tallahassee, lawmakers could catch an unexpected break with an illusionist’s tricks, robots, a flight simulator, Legos and more on the Capitol’s third-floor rotunda. This was part of the annual STEM day as educators lobbying for more state funding showed off their technology and exhibits that make learning fun. | | | | |
Channel 9′s Kirstin Delgado highlights the growth of ladies in STEM in Central Florida | STEM is a growing field that is attracting more women. | | | | |
'They have a blast': Endeavour Elementary STEM class gets major upgrade through FPL grant | The school's STEM classroom got new tech, including 3D printers, iPads, STEM tools and microscopes, through FPL's Classroom Makeover Grant program. | | | | |
LEARNING FROM OTHERS: Rhonda Walker Foundation launches academy for girls on Detroit's west side | MacDowell Preparatory Academy officially opened its Empowering Her Success Academy afterschool program last week in Detroit, Michigan. The afterschool program provides homework assistance, mentorship opportunities, healthy meals and emotional support in a safe, nurturing environment to girls in third through seventh grade. | | | | |
Florida bill seeks to address chronic absenteeism in schools | A new bill introduced in the Florida Legislature aims to tackle the growing issue of chronic absenteeism, which has become a major concern for schools across the state. | | | | |
Unlocking Change: Share Your Out-of-School Time Story to Inspire Transformation | As funding decisions loom, sharing personal stories and highlighting the positive impact of afterschool programs is essential in making lawmakers understand their value. Together, let's ensure our leaders prioritize funding for these vital initiatives. | | | | |
Recognizing that investment in knowledge pays the best interest, the Mandel Public Library of West Palm Beach is gearing up for a month of workshops and programs, as well as providing resources, throughout April in honor of Financial Literacy Month. | | | | |
5 Ways Mayors Can Support K-12 Education in Their Cities | 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. | | | | |
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. | | | | |
BLOG: Afterschool programs expose young people to college and career opportunities | I’m Madelyn Hinkelman, working with the Afterschool Alliance, and I am the South Dakota Youth Ambassador and the South Dakota Youth Advocate coordinator for the Youth Voice Program. I started my afterschool journey when I was in fifth grade. My school finally got its first afterschool program called Summit OST, or out-of-school time program. Little did I know how much of an impact it would have on me and my future goals. | | | | | 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. | | |
| Afterschool Alliance: Policy Pulse |
Webinar: Friday, April 11 at 12PM
Every second Friday at noon ET, our own Senior VP of Policy, Erik Peterson, will recap the latest policy developments, what we know (or don't know!) about how they may impact afterschool and summer programs, and what may be coming up next. Submit your questions in advance so we know what's top of mind for you.
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| 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. | | | |
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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