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!

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.

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.

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.

STEM is a growing field that is attracting more women.

The school's STEM classroom got new tech, including 3D printers, iPads, STEM tools and microscopes, through FPL's Classroom Makeover Grant program.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.